The Future in 3D

Let's hope not.

It seems like everywhere I turn these days, there’s more talk about the future of theatrical releases and the inevitability of 3D becoming the default format for mainstream movies. Despite all of the excitement, I just don’t see it.

Industry experts point to the overwhelming gross percentage of 3D products, for films released both traditionally and in the new format. Studios are rushing to release more digital and 3D products, and exhibitors are ironing out deals to make putting the technology in cineplexes affordable.

But are all movies meant to be watched in 3D? Is it just the next step in film representing life, something to be embraced in the same way that sound and color were?

I don’t think so.

While the next family-friend animated flick, or epic fantasy offering, might make perfect sense to be show in 3D, can you say the same for the next Martin Scorsese or Coen Brothers film?

Don’t get me wrong, the short term potential is big. But 3D is largely a gimmick in its current incarnation, and that is why we see the amazing gross percentages. Once it becomes the default choice on major motion pictures, you’ll see those numbers wane, as you would with the lifecycle of any other product.

We’ll be back to competing based upon quality product, something too many studios seem to ignore, or alternatively (and unfortunately) the sequels and marketing-enabled comparables to prior quality products.

I certainly think innovations like this have their place. Their fun, exciting, and may even eventually be used in ways that really add to the adventure and artistic possibilities of a story. Caution must be urged, however.

In a recent article in the Hollywood Reporter, In-Three CEO David Seigle was quoted as saying one of the films he’d most like to see converted to 3D is Gone With the Wind.

Whoa there, Ted Turner.

I’d like to think that most directors have more in common with Orson Welles, who is sited as vehemently opposing the “colorization” of Citizen Kane, than with George Lucas, who is already on the record as wanting to convert all six Star Wars films to 3D for yet another round of re-releases.

Not surprisingly, the concept of collective ownership in the minds of the general population will not prevent some directors from, in some cases once again, altering their prior works. Especially when another fat payday is in the offing.

Still, I’d like to think those types are the minority. There will always be a place for filmmakers of all types. In the meantime, I think the bigger threat is the abomination that will be full scale conversion to digital filming in principal photography (if you can even still use the word “photo” in there).

The technology is going to have to vastly improve, before I can swallow that one on a large scale.