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2009：
The year of 3-D
With eight films already released and seven more scheduled for release before the end of the year, 3-D movies are making a huge comeback. But will they last? // VALERIE SKUBAL
Originally hitting the screen in the 1950s, three-dimensional films were revolutionary and the technology was expected to be the new standard in filmmaking. It was new, different and drawing huge audiences, but eventually the enthusiasm wore off. The technology was reused in the 1970s and 1980s sporadically for special occasions but, again, didn't take off. But now, 2009 has seen a great increase in the creation of 3-D films in an effort to revive the film industry. From re-releasing old animated classics to new animated movies to live action and adventure films, every month in the year of 2009 has seen at least one 3-D movie released.
Even director James Cameron, writer and director of Titanic and Terminator, has such confidence in the staying power of the quirky medium he says he will make every movie from now on in 3-D format. Cameron's film Avatar is set for 3-D release in December. Chuck Berg, professor of film and media studies, thinks Cameron and others may have too much faith in the industry.
"If history serves as a guide, the 1950s movie
industry had a lot of competition from TV and was forced to come up with something spectacular to compete, much like the situation today," Berg says.
Though today it's not only television competing with the film industry, it's the Internet, video games and hand held devices like cell phones and iPods — not to mention the poor economy that serve to threaten the once-mighty film industry.
"Iimmediately it looks like 3-D is providing an experience that can't be duplicated in the home with the IMAX screens and surround sound." Berg says.
But 3-D may not be a faultless savior for film. Berg fears the industry will begin to disregard the quality of a movie's story to capitalize on the 3-D experience, leaving plot and character development on the backburner to focus on impressive effects.
Micki Hadley, Shawne junior, saw *Up* in 3-D this year to see the special effects.
"There was cool stuff in it and the colors were awesome and balloons came out at you," she says.
Hadley says her enjoyment of Up left her excited to see Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, out Sept. 18 in 3-D.
"It looks so good," Hadley says.
Serene Hakim, Overland Park junior, went to the theaters to see *Conline* in 3-D this year.
"I thought the movie would be different. It's not one of the movies where you go on crazy adventures and I wanted to see what a regular movie was like in 3-D," Hakim says.
She says she enjoyed the movie itself but felt the 3-D was unnecessary and her motion sickness got the best of her.
"It was fun when things jumped out at you but I hated wearing the glasses the whole time and feeling like I was moving with the movie," she says. "I was stressed out more than anything."
As long as you have the glasses and the movie formatted in 3-D, you can watch one for yourself on your own TV or computer. Blockbuster currently has different titles from this year available including Coraline, My Bloody Valentine and Journey to the Center of the Earth. There is no renting when it comes to the cardboard 3-D
glasses, though.
"Customers must purchase their own 3-D glasses so we can help prevent spreading germs," Blockbuster store manager Erika Schmidt says. But you can also keep the glasses for future rentals.
"People are very interested in the 3-D movies. Coraline has been the most popular, following the Hannah Montana DVD a few months back," Schmidt says.
With this year being filled with three-dimensional movie experiences it's hard to see exactly if and when history may take its course and store away the 3-D film for another half a century. Though no one can be sure, Berg is still skeptical whether or not other genres past action and adventure or animation could hold up on the three-dimensional screen.
"Really, the staying power depends on whether or not people want to see Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks reprise their roles in Sleepless in Seattle in 3-D," Berg says. Jp
Photo illustration by Adam Buhler
Big trend on the big screen: This winter's film season will be dominated by 3-D movies, a format that makes a huge comeback. But as the 3-D wave begins to encompass re-issues of old films and 3-D at home, will the market become over-saturated?
Animated film inspired by the children's book about a place where it rains food. Starring Bill Hader, Anna Faris, Andy Samburg and Neil Patrick Harris.
Oct. 2: Toy Story
The original Toy Story movie from 1995 remastered in Disney Digital 3-D.
Oct.23: Astro Boy
Sept. 18: Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs
Animated tale based on the comic of a boy robot who must save futuristic Metro City. Starring Nicholas Cage, Charlize Theton and Samuel L. Jackson.
If you're interested in seeing a 3-D movie in theaters,you're in luck.Here are the movies still set for release before 2009 is up.
The Nightmare Before Christmas A re-release of the 3-D version of the Tim Burton animated classic.
Nov. 6: A Christmas Carol
Animated interpretation of the
Dec.18: Avatar
Animated story of an astronaut who lands on a planet he believes is uninhabited but he finds little green people living on it happily much like planet Earth. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Jessica Biel, Justin Long, Seann William Scott and John Cleese.
Charles Dickens story of a mean old man who must face ghosts from his past, present and future to realize his wrongdoings. Starring Jim Carrey, Robin Wright Penn and Gary Oldman.
Nov. 20: Planet 51
Directed by James Cameron. Avatar is set in the 22nd century when Earth goes to war with a distant planet. The military creates hybrids of human and alien they call Avatars. Starting Sigourney Weaver, Sam Worthington and Michelle Rodriguez.