For many movies, 3-D is a needless gimmick
As much as I love "Up," the latest Disney-Pixar animated hit, there's no reason for that movie to be in 3-D.
The same goes for "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs," a film I didn't enjoy nearly as much.
For both, 3-D is a needless gimmick. "Up" has enough story and characters to captivate audiences as it is. The film needs no further bells and whistles.
And even the "amusement park" action sequences aren't enough to cover up all of "Dawn of the Dinosaurs'" storytelling deficiencies.
If you ask me, 3-D has become a way for theaters and studios to make more money off moviegoers during these hard economic times. Most theaters charge a "convenience fee" — up to $2 — for glasses to see the 3-D imagery.
(To be fair, I should note that there were theaters that showed both those films in the regular, "cheaper" 2-D format as well.)
Besides, box-office results for 3-D attractions have been inconclusive. The "Best of Both Worlds" concert film starring Miley Cyrus, "Monsters vs. Aliens" and "Up" have been big hits. "Up" has now earned more than any 3-D movie in box-office history.
But the number of bombs that were shown in 3-D format is growing. Among them were the animated features "Battle for Terra" and "Fly Me to the Moon," as well as the live-action features "Call of the Wild" and "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience."
So, it's no wonder that some theater chains are already cutting back on 3-D expansion. The number of screens using the updated technology has hit its ceiling. And some chains are saying it's just not cost effective.
IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN
Today's 3-D films are shown in either the Real 3D or Dolby Digital 3D format, which use slightly different processes to get a deeper "field of vision" for movie imagery.
And yes, that does mean that those who wear corrective lenses can finally see 3-D imagery (something that was nearly impossible with the older version).
However, today's bulky 3-D glasses don't fit well over most eyeglass frames. And even tilting them slightly makes the image blur or "shiver."
By the way, I have seen movies in both of the formats. To me, the Real 3D imagery doesn't appear to be as "deep" as the Dolby Digital version.
But the colors for the Dolby Digital version appear to be less bright and are more muted.
Keep in mind that this is coming from a guy who's not particularly big on 3-D in the first place, though.
e-mail: jeff@desnews.com
Recent comments
I agree with "Gives me a headache." Even thought I have very good...
Tuppence | July 9, 2009 at 2:50 p.m.
I like the new 3D technologies, at least for CGI films like Up,...
kwo | July 8, 2009 at 6:02 p.m.
I HATE 3d with a major passion. First and foremost, I was born blind...
Gives me headache | July 8, 2009 at 4:20 a.m.
- Exhibit serves Old Masters revisions 3:21 p.m.
- Cheat Sheet: Shoveling snow 3:18 p.m.
- 50-plus crowd loves Web dating 3:18 p.m.
- Why do we hate? Academics ask 3:18 p.m.
- Palliative medicine draws doctors 3:18 p.m.
- Relationship: Thanksgiving 3:18 p.m.
- Survival strategies for 'Black Friday' 3:18 p.m.
- A garden fit for a Hobbit 3:13 p.m.
- Green Bay beats 49ers 30-24 3:00 p.m.
- Lions beat Browns 38-37 2:58 p.m.
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- BYU records with win
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Utah Utes whip SDSU
- Former BYU professor remembered
- Cougars put the fun back in football
- Kirilenko heating up for the Jazz
- Y. coach Hill up for Portland State job
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
200 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
177 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
176 - BYU records with win
124 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
124 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
100 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93 - Huntsman pleased with Obama
87
Game Crazy is the nation's second largest video game retailer and they...
RE: White Lighting, There are no moral victories for the state championship,...
Wow!! After playing Oklahoma & Air Force, we finaly get to play big sister....
Some say even a drop of alcohol in the blood stream can alter a personality...
No one is saying give gays preference, just give them equal rights and...
thats agood half for Hall. u is in trouble!
Dick writes: "QB Max Hall caught an errant slap right in his genealogical...
So, you want a totalitarian system? Just execute him and throw the...
Goose, Don't be too sure. Was Eric just trying to get away and the guy...
I think your misinformed about alot of things here. Do you really think you...
u u fans are the best at making excuses before you lose! Mut be golfers,...


