Now in 3D! February 2, 2009
Posted by joost in : film , trackbackThe biggest debate in the film (makers) world the past few years revolved around traditional vs. digital cinematography. Will digital cameras take over? Will celluloid survive? What are the pros and cons of the old and new way?
While this debate is nowhere near a definite answer (although it is pretty clear that both digital cinematography and cinemas will be here to stay), there is a new kid on the block to fuel the fire: 3D!
We all remember the old red and green stereo images (“anaglyphs“), but with the advent of digital projectors 3D has entered a new era after being discarded for over 30 years. So what’s new and exciting about this resurgence of 3D, and has it moved beyond the gimmicky use of objects protruding out of the screen, making the audience want to grab hold of it?
I’ve been bookmarking several articles that try to explain the ins and outs when it comes to 3D, especially from a film makers point of view, and I thought it would be good to share these with you.
Evangelists like Jeffrey Katzenberg (the “K” in Dreamworks SKG) compare the advent of 3D to nothing less than a revolution like the introduction of sound in the 30′s and the move from black & white to colour in the 40′s. See Empire Online Katzenberg’s 3D Revolution and BusinessWeek‘s Depth of a salesman.
James Cameron is considered one of the pioneers. Since Titanic (1997) he has focused completely on 3D research and development, building his own cameras and rigs etc. Variety has published a very illuminating interview with him, where he explains in detail how he as a director uses 3D. He talks about shot composition, lighting, cutting, directing actors, etc.
With a topic like this, manufacturers introduce competing 3D “standards” all in an attempt to become the de-facto market leader, or at least to get their piece of the pie. This Google Knol article explains not only the history of 3D (also see wikipedia of course), but more importantly describes the main 3D “standards”/versions (like Digital 3D, XpanD, RealD, Dolby 3D, IMAX 3D).
The implications of proper 3D go far beyond just showing a (moving) stereo image. fxguide has published a very thorough article that deals with the theory and practice of 3D filming, how to shoot in 3D, the post production challenges, technical gear and projection systems.
Related to all of this, and linking it to the broader analogue vs. digital discussion, is the rise of digital cinematography. The RED One camera kick-started a lot of the debate. Wired Magazine has an excellent article online on the birth of the RED camera.
2009 is promising to become a breakthrough year for 3D. This year promises to show that the technology really has shrugged of the failed introduction decades ago. More importantly, the early adopters claim that they understand 3D filmmaking better than before, that 3D should serve storytelling first and that the added dimensionality should offer an immersive experience, not a distracting one. Three films will be released this year that will function as a Litmus test:
Monsters vs. Aliens
Computer animated, released in 3D on 3 April 2009 (UK). Newsarama has published some background articles.
Coraline
Stop-motion animated, released in 3D on 8 May 2009 (UK).
The New York Times talks about Adding Dimension to the Storytelling.
Avatar
Live action and supposedly photo-realistic CGI, released in 3D on 18 December 2009 (UK).
All in all exciting times for film – now in 3D!
Comments
Ah, funny, allready had some links bookmarked to write an article about the coming of 3D myself. Also about the new ‘language’ that directors and cinematographers have to adjust to to do right to that new 3D
This weekend we had the Superbowl in the US, and yup, the first 3D commercial is played. Tonight one of my new favorite shows – ‘Chuck’ on ABC – will use the same technology for a whole episode (i hate it that i don’t have access to one of those glasses).
So even the tube seems eager to try this out.
O yeah, you forgot to mention another movie wich just came out in the states. ‘My Bloody Valentine 3D’, a much gory remake of the Canadian original. When believing the comments on imdb, the effects should blow u away. In the Netherlands this movie was supposed to come out in the summer, but now it suddenly is taken out of future release-schemes
Edit: just checked imdb, My Bloody Valentine is back in the dutch releaseschedule, somewhere in march, wich is quite soon.
He, and u London-dudes: it’s allready playing in your multiplex.