Exclusive Article by Sci-Fi Writer/Producer/Director Patti Beninati: The New 3D World Order

The Inside Trekker is proud to present an article by Sci-Fi Writer, Producer, Director Patti Beninati of Centerboro Productions LLC. 

The New 3D World Order

3D movies are here to stay, thanks to the first 3D camera, which was invented by Sir William of Bristol.  3D films have existed since 1980, but until 2010 had been largely relegated to a niche in the motion picture industry because of the costs, and the lack of ingenuity regarding a standardized format for all sectors of the entertainment business.

Everybody is talking about 3D technology and Hollywood fully embraces 3D cinemas.  3D films are now a part of cinemas globally.  I'm not going to complain about 3D movies or the 3D movie-ticket prices.  They are slightly higher at the box office, but surely worth it!

Avatar

Many home theater TV manufactures have been making 3D TV’s and the demand is growing.  Manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, and others have launched 3D TV sets with consumers lining up to buy them, and not squawking about the higher prices.

Alice in Wonderland

Stereoscopic 3-D is the new technology being used today, and it takes you on a breathtaking journey and it allows you to view movies in an all immersive way.  As the supersonic mega Writer/Director James Cameron said, “Stereoscopic 3-D is the most exciting evolution in cinema presentation since color and widescreen.”  Last year's Avatar carved the way for 3D blockbuster films, validating the format as a whole with its record breaking box office receipts.  At the Seoul Digital Forum Cameron said, "3D Will Replace 2D As Standard For Movies, TV."  I agree, especially with all the new 3D movies slated for 2010, 2011 and 2012.  Stereoscopic 3-D technique is capable of recording three-dimensional visual information or creating the illusion of depth in an image.

Shrek Forever After

New feature films like James Cameron's Avatar, the most successful 3D film ever, and NASA's Hubble, all used Stereoscopic 3-D; and so will many current and upcoming feature films such as: Green Lantern, Men in Black III, Judge Dredd, Saw VII, Resident Evil: Afterlife, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Spy Kids 4: Armageddon, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Shrek Forever After, The Newcomers, V, and famed Sci-Fi Writer and Director, M. Night Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender.

Imax Hubble 3D

The heavily promoted Shrek Forever After held on to the No. 1 spot and remains on top as the film stayed secured for its second weekend.  Shrek Forever After kicked Sex and the City 2, and the fantasy action-adventure film starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Prince of Persia, at the box office, with Shrek racking in $55.7 million over the Memorial Day weekend.  The 3D movie raised its 10-day domestic total to $145.5 million.

Resident Evil: Afterlife

Some films that were converted to 3D in post production are: Clash of the Titans, Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, and G-Force, and I could certainly tell the difference --- I was not impressed.  That’s why using true Stereoscopic 3-D is ultimately the best decision for film makers.

SyFy's "Stargate: Universe"

It will be rather interesting to see what TV series will be the first to produce in 3D.  Many great TV and cable sci-fi series are ripe for 3D, and with the current use of VFX, the special effects take viewers on an out of this world experience.  With their dazzling and mind blowing special effects, SyFy Channel’s new series “Caprica” and “Stargate Universe” may be good candidates to shoot in 3D.  ABC’s “Chuck” uses innovative fight scenes; big blazing explosions, and surreal “flashes,” that make “Chuck” a leader in the special effects category.  Fox’s “Fringe” and “V” also raise the bar for special effects and these shows are great content for 3D TV.

NBC's "Chuck"

However, some factors will hamper the growth of 3D TV’s including the lack of suitable 3D TV content, high production costs, high cost of 3D TV sets, and the need for 3D TV glasses.  I believe that one idea that might help would be for the cable companies to prepackage 3D glasses in with the monthly bill, and secure advertisers to pay for the costs.  Another glaring issue is that the 3D glasses use different standards and consumers might complain about needing separate pairs of 3D eyewear, one for their TV and one for their computer.

SyFy's "Caprica"

The new Stereoscopic 3-D home standard is not just heading to your TV, it's also making its way to the PC market and 3D will be in laptops and hit the gaming industry!  Can you just imagine - - - playing ''Halo'' and ''God of War'' on 3D TVs!


With all the new thrilling 3D movies and TV content slated for 2010 and beyond, there will be plenty of new movies and shows for the avid movie-goers to dive into --- enjoy the 3 dimensions, I know that I will!

Patti Beninati is a Writer Director Producer and writes editorial entertainment articles online and in print, and can be reached at: Centerboro Productions patti@centerboroproductions.com