Like the creative genius, Walt Disney, said himself, "We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths," I feel that 3D in movies is a useful technique for cinema's path of curiosity. With the recent release of "Monsters Vs. Aliens" and the upcoming and anticipated release of Disney and Pixar's new movie "Up" 3D has popped up into mainstream once again.By enhancing the vision of the audience and offering an in depth view of the movie, 3D in movies is one step closer to connecting with the audience. However, some claim that 3D is one of the "Top 10 Movie Gimmicks." They feel that it is another way to boost ticket prices, and complain that all it does is give people headaches.
Aside from these 3D haters are those who claim 3D to be the next big thing. Namely Jeffrey Katzenberg, the CEO of Dreamworks, said that "3-D is the future, but digital cinemas have to be in place first. " Although it is a plus that no one will be able to pirate any movies.
In my opinion, I feel that 3d is not the future of cinema, but a useful device to draw audiences into the movie. I can say that 3D is not going to be equivalent to the innovation of color in films. Its effects increase some of the audience's appeal depending on the movie, but the revival of this century year old practice just takes away your attention from the animation. It draws you away from the improvements in movements and caricatures, and one of its prime uses is to make the movie seem realistic. In addition, 3D is only useful in certain movies. For one thing, the purpose of animation is to make things seem magical and outlandish. If I wanted to see something realistic I would watch a regular movie with live people acting.
However, if the improvements in 3D technology help tell the story instead of showing several scenes in which portray the 3D effect, then it serves no purpose. In the case of "Up" I have had the opportunity to watch the first 45 minutes of "Up" and can say that 3D would definitely enhance the story and draw the audience even closer. In a film like this that is filled with action and the beautiful surroundings of an unknown environment you can feel the depth and the majesty of the scene. It also provides the audience with the chance to look through the eyes of the main character in emotional scenes. In addition the director Pete Docter, director of "Monsters' Inc.", was there to elaborate on the use of 3D and how it truly captures the essence of a film like "Up." I do not want to spoil anything so far but the majority of the scenes would benefit from 3D since they deal with flight and the outdoors.
Anyway I am all for 3D. It has is some defaults, but when it is used properly it definitely adds to some flare to the story. I'll just have to watch animated movies twice so I can admire the animation without the 3D too.
On a side note, so far "Up" is probably one of Disney/Pixar's funniest movies yet and will not disappoint anyone, and is a must see. Just be ready to shed some tears in the beginning. Here are some videos.
Up Exclusive Featurette
I think 3D is really unnecessary and mostly annoying. Maybe if they could make 3D glasses that were more comfortable, it would be more enjoyable. When I watch a movie in 3D, I find it hard to concentrate on the actual plot. Maybe that's why it's used in the first place. The people making the movie know the plot line isn't very strong, so they make it in 3D to make up for it.
ReplyDeleteI partly agree with you. 3D is definitely a way to draw audiences to the movies. I mean, I remember when I first saw the trailer for "Monsters vs. Aliens" and they were hyping up the fact that after its release in theaters, it would be released in 3D. And people were all over that.
ReplyDeleteHowever, like bridget fairbanks said, 3D can be extremely annoying. I spend my time going crosseyed trying to focus on the stuff popping out at me rather than on the story itself. Then I walk out of the theater with a throbbing headache.
But hey, that's just me. Obviously, there are people out there who love this stuff.
-theeconomist
The only aspect that I like about 3D is that it's an enjoyable, memorable, and interesting experience for young children from about 2 to 5. I mean surely enough when I see or hear about these movies I'd go a snatch my nieces/nephews in a a heartbeat. But for older folks and probably even children 6 and up the 3D experience begins to lose its zing. I'm mean it's not like the 3D aspects to these films are integral to the experience or plot. It's just not necessary at all. All in all, it IS a gimmick and like you said it's not something revolutionary that will be applied to all films as color was. No doubt does this movie look good but, I think it's safe to say that Pixar/Disney could probably still make the movie as funny and as entertaining without 3D.
ReplyDeleteWhat I find interesting about 3D, however, is the fact that it is only applied to children's movies. Maybe here lies the key to a revolution in the idea. I mean imagine if 3D was applied to the horror genre of films that many of us tend to favor. Just picture it movies like The Ring in 3D. Now there, we might be on to something.