3D films have been dropping and out of vogue since the 1950's and have, in actuality, been experimented with prior to even then. But are 3D films really a viable mainstream form of film making, or are they simple a novelty act that evolves with each new era of moviegoers? This article takes us through the history of the art form and discusses how successful 3D films and 3D elements actually are in comparison to their 2D bretheren.
Honestly, unless the human eye is able to evolve to a point where it can withstand fake immersive 3D, I don't think 3D has a real future as the next step in theater evolution. VR will expand greatly in the next decade or so, allowing any number of mediums and applications to make use of it. But it will only be able to be enjoyed for reasonable lengths of time by those who do not contract headaches and bloodshot eyes from using either polarized glasses, or double-screen headsets. – Jonathan Leiter9 years ago
You could talk about how some films use 3D as a gimmick, and how other films like Avatar uses 3D to enhance the experience. I also think it would be worth while to talk about how long the 3D craze can last. For animated kids movies for example, parents don't want to pay extra money for 3D. 3D TV's where predicted to be the new big thing, but almost nobody bought them. It would be interesting to analyses the longevity of 3D in films – Aaron Hatch9 years ago
Both good points. On the standpoint of it being a gimmick, I do wonder personally if using it sparingly (such as 'Freddie vision in Nightmare on Elm Street 6' works better as it doesn't overdo the effect. The headaches are also a good point because they're what prevent me from seeing modern 3D films. – mattdoylemedia9 years ago
I feel The Hobbit films would be worth mentioning and how the 48fps enhanced the 3D. Explore how other advancements affect 3D in films. – 44jeanette449 years ago
I agree, I think The Hobbit films would be a unique point of comparison. Great topic, would be interested to see where someone takes this. – emilyinmannyc9 years ago
3D will most likely always be a thing, and covering the history will probably show that, but if critic and movie-goers opinions are gauged, it seems to be that we are entering a time when no one really wants 3D at the cinema. – Austin Bender9 years ago
I have heard that 3D movies do very well internationally, even though here in the states they are commonly seen as a way to flush 2 more bucks down the toilet.
It is not as much of an "event."
I wonder why that is. – Candice Evenson9 years ago
In my opinion the situation is somewhat similar to when we switched from black-and-white to color - the technology was available since the beginning of the 20th century but it didn't really pick until the 50s and 60s. It was magnificently advertised purely for the spectacle, people thought it was awesome blah blah blah - and eventually things calmed down and color simply became another tool in the filmmaker's toolbox - no longer a novelty just to "flush 2 more bucks down the toilet" as Candice Evenson puts it.... – jmato9 years ago