The 3-D revolution is here … it just took about 40 or so years to arrive.
The runaway success of “Avatar” and the continued interest in kiddie 3-D fare means the 3-D wave is just beginning.
But where will it end? And what will it mean for film in the long run?
While watching “The Final Destination” recently I got annoyed by the trick shots meant for maximum 3-D appeal. I wasn’t watching the film in 3-D - the 3-D DVDs I’ve watched up until now have been awful, tech-wise - so the impact was merely annoying.
So will we look back at this era in film with the same level of angst, dealing with imagery poking out of the screen even though the 3-D wave has long since receded?
And what about romantic comedies and other genres? Will women want to see Matthew McConaughey’s washboard abs in their full-dimensional glory? And, for the gents, how about Scarlett Johansson’s copious decolletage?
My guess, or rather hope, is a big, fat ‘no.’
And what about vain actors who, already smarting from the thought of being seen in HD, now have to worry about their wrinkles comin’ at ya?
But technology marches on, and dollars speak louder than aesthetic concerns at the cineplex.
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I'm an award-winning journalist and film critic with more than a decade of experience in newspapers, magazines and the Web. I'm a member of both the Washington, DC Area Film Critics Association and the Denver Film Critics Society.
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Dollars indeed.
Note that until Cameron’s own return, “Titanic” b.o. heights appeared unsurmountable - “Shrek” and “Dark Knight” notwithstanding.
“Avatar” is a “event” film. Similar event films in 3D should generate enough b.o. to justify their development and marketing costs, but to apply the technology across the board to all film genres is very unlikely - unless there is a similar Federal mandate to that of HD.
In which case, start investing in the raw materials of the cosmetic industry and/or open a plastic surgery practice in southern California….