Comments on: Huge argument: Is 3D a gimmick or a useful device?

By: JP Ward

JP Ward — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:35:42 +0000

I’d be more interested to see 3D applied to a minimalistic Jarmusch-like film or something (judging by the reviews, it might have actually helped The Limits of Control). Where the shots hold still long enough that you can examine the layers.

I’ve always thought 3D had potential but it’s never been used above gimmicky exploitation. Now, on the other hand, watching Tom Waits smoke and drink coffee in 3D…

(Better yet, how about Un Chien Andalou in 3D?)

By: Yale

Yale — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 03:08:41 +0000

3D enthusiast here. I saw Up in 3D and I don’t think it detracted at all. I think it helped, there weren’t any periods of vertigo or anything, but the scenery was awesome. As far as the quality of the pictures, I don’t think there were any details in the movie that were lessened by the 3D effect. I personally hope this trend carries on because I love it. For 3D animated films, it really isn’t that much effort to get into 3D and that’s why it’s far more common among them than live action films.

Can’t wait for Avatar.

By: Evan

Evan — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 22:41:41 +0000

I haven’t seen a lot of movies in 3D, but from my experiences it seems like a total gimmick. I haven’t seen Coraline in 3D, but I have a pretty hard time imagining 3D adding to a movie. Not saying it’s impossible, but I’m pretty skeptical.

By: Phil

Phil — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:52:27 +0000

I guess I could see 3D as just another advancement in film technology, but until it’s ubiquitous and doesn’t require special equipment, it’s still a gimmick.

I think for shitty movies, it’s obvious that it’s all they have going for them. Quality stuff like “Up” and “Coraline” doesn’t need it. If 3D is used to enhance the visuals and not used to make them jump out at you, I think that might be acceptable. But all the baggage associated with it at this point is too much for me to tolerate.

At the risk of sounding snobbish, I’d have to say that this might boil down to the difference between wanting to see art and wanting to have an “experience.” Although, in Eric’s case, I think he’s looking more to 3D’s potential and cases of its rare success.

By: Eric Melin

Eric Melin — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:25:07 +0000

A movie like MvA has nothing going for it other than 3D. In that case, since I was stuck watching it, I appreciated the extra visual flair. In the case of Coraline, I think it made the movie better. As far as Speed Racer goes, when I spoke with VFX Supervisor John Gaeta, he said they always wanted to process it in 3D, but make all the images supremely flay. He called it “the ultimate Viewmaster” movie. I would kill to see that. I’ve already seen Up in 3D, so I’m wondering if seeing it again in 3D would be a good movie since I already know the story and was moved by it once. I hope my schedule allows me to do that.

By: Gary

Gary — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:45:18 +0000

Right now I can’t stand 3D. Personally, I think it’s an excuse to add $5 to the price of the movie to buy the glasses - and then they ask you to recycle them after the movie. I saw Monsters vs Aliens in 3D and it gave me a headache. The images were never crisp and I didn’t think it did anything to enhance or develop the story. Even my kids couldn’t keep the glasses on throughout the entire movie. I made sure when we saw Up that we went to a 2D showing so I could actually enjoy the movie.

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:30:45 +0000

I’ll freely admit I’m a total sucker for 3D. When I was a kid my Dad took me to a late-night showing of The Creature from the Black Lagoon in old school black and white 3D. It was one of the coolest movie going experiences I’ve ever had. Frankly I don’t care about the argument over 3D taking away from or adding to the story. I think 3D movies are fun, just like roller coasters or haunted houses. I loved My Bloody Valentine 3D. I thought Monsters vs. Aliens was fun. I enjoyed Meet the Robinsons in 3D. Has it made me buy tickets to movies I wouldn’t have seen otherwise, yes, and I’ve had a good time with almost all of them. That doesn’t mean I’m waiting with baited breath for The Godfather 3D. Some things it just isn’t suited for, but I’d love a chance to check out Speed Racer in 3D, and I’m sure Eric would too. In the end I think it’s pretty simple math. Movies = Fun; 3D = Fun; 3D Movies = 2x Fun. So grab a few friends, a 3D animated or horror movie, and let the good times roll, right out of the screen and into your lap!

By: ShangoPrime

ShangoPrime — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:25:11 +0000

It’s difficult and slightly painful to wear glasses on top of pre-existing glasses. Definitely hurt what would’ve been and “UP-LIFTING” experience. Seriously, whats “UP” with that?!

By: Vidsub

Vidsub — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:20:09 +0000

I saw Up in 3d, and I personally like it better when the 3d isnt all gimmicky like in Monsters vs aliens. I liked how the backgrounds looked in 3d in Up, and it personally added to the movie for me.