3D presentation of Monsters vs. Aliens (2009). One of many examples of 3D films in recent years. What’s interesting about the film is its historical awareness. The opening scene alone is an almost direct copy of the ping pong paddle scene from House of Wax (see above). Additionally, the monsters and aliens play the main roles; creatures that are often the subject of 3D films.
Present: While a solid foundation has been laid in recent years for the introduction of 3D technology into the cinematic experience, James Cameron’s Avatar and Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland have ensured that this method of filmmaking has been very widely accepted and shown around the world in recent months. Both films have been huge box office hits, and Avatar in particular is technically groundbreaking. The road to 3D production seems quite clear, but there are still some hurdles (see brand).
technology
Just like any technology, 3D also has a long history of development. As early as 1833, experiments were conducted using the stereoscopic principle, which forms the basis of the 3D experience. Central to this technology are the human eyes, which are slightly apart. In everyday life, our brains ensure that the images captured by our individual eyes always overlap, creating a three-dimensional image. A 3D film does nothing but try to imitate this principle. Signals are sent from the projector to the glasses and the left or right glass is opened (sometimes up to 60 times per second). This happens – if all goes well – in sync with the images. This creates a 3D effect. Movies are therefore shot with two cameras, or at least two lenses, that mimic the perspective of the human eye.
trademark
Currently, 3D movies are primarily expensive. Not only are the production costs much higher than 2D movies, but cinemas also have to have special screening rooms and projectors. However, with the advent of digital movies, production and screening have become much easier and less expensive. It is noteworthy that 3D movies are usually set in the horror, science fiction or fantasy genre, which should emphasize an exciting and unusual viewing experience. Moreover, every 3D movie is played with typical 3D effects, where something seems to be flying straight at the viewer or someone is in danger of falling into something. There is a risk on both sides, because the more we see something flying towards us in 3D, and the more we are startled by a Jason Voorhees-style killing machine, the more we get used to it and the less exciting it becomes. If 3D technology is to become the new standard, it must offer more than just sensation and beautiful images in the long run.
The world of cinema around 3D
Watching a 3D movie is so close to reality that your brain has a hard time recognizing it. You are actively creating memories. Something that 2D movies can’t do.
James Cameron (Titanic, Avatar)
“The irony is that people look at Avatar as a 3D movie, and that’s the point of the debate, whereas I think that completely disappears when you watch the movie. That’s because technology, ideally, has advanced enough to erase itself. That’s the way it should work; technology should make itself disappear.
James Cameron (Titanic, Avatar)
“Ultimately, 3D is just a tool. A great tool, by the way. You’ll just see that there are a fair number of bad 3D movies coming out this year. Hollywood tends to hold back a bit at first, then go wild when it proves successful: 3D, wow! Oh my god! Let’s do this! Let’s put everything in 3D!‘
Tim Burton (director of Nightmare Before Christmas and Alice in Wonderland)
“As a director, I want you to fully believe and accept the world that is shown in the film and lose yourself in the film – and take on a participant role rather than an observer role.” 3D technology can help with this.
Peter Jackson (director of The Lord of the Rings, King Kong)
“I compare 3D to a circus. Once the novelty wears off, fewer and fewer people come.
Daniel Sims (3D historian and filmmaker)
“We are in the middle of a revolution. In five to seven years, all movies will be in 3D. 3D is the greatest innovation in cinema in the last 70 years.
Jeffrey Katzenberg (Chairman, Dreamworks Animation)
“2D movies will always be around.” Now take a movie that is 4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days old – who wants to watch it in 3D?
Louise Tutt (Editor-in-Chief, Screen International)
“3D is revolutionizing cinema.” It’s the future. Within the next 20 years, almost all movies will be in 3D. We also see the world in 3D, so why not the movie? Unless there’s a specific artistic idea behind it, I don’t see why we shouldn’t embrace 3D.
Peter Buckingham (Head of Film Distribution & Exhibitions, UK)
“In ten years it will be possible to watch 3D movies without glasses.”
MJ Sigler (Technology and Media Expert)
People no longer go to the cinema just to watch a movie, they go to experience a 3D or IMAX experience. The movie experience becomes a theme park experience.
Glenn Kenny (film critic)
