Dreamworks Animation Chief talks the decline of 3D
Reid Volk
Even with the many 3D releases coming to theaters this summer, there has been an alarming dip in the grosses of 3D films at the domestic box office. Although 3D summer tentpoles such as "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" have been immensely successful (surpassing the $800 million mark), a majority of moviegoers opted to see the film in 2D rather than 3D. The same happened with the Dreamworks film "Kung Fu Panda 2."
The Hollywood Reporter recently sat down with Dreamworks Animation Chief Jeffrey Katzenberg to discuss the declining number of 3D moviegoers. According to Katzenberg, "Too many 3D movies from other companies have been more show than substance, betraying the consumer." Regarding this problem, Katzenberg when on to say that "It's really heartbreaking to see what has been the single greatest opportunity that has happened to the film business in over a decade being harmed."
Do you agee with Katzenberg? Are certain studios betraying consumers by pumping out lackluster 3D films? Or are people just getting tired of 3D in general?
Reader Comments (2)
As a guy who sees movies as often as 3 times a week, I have to say 3D from ALL (even major) distributors has been a dissappointment.
You notice the effect for the first 15 minutes, after that, after that it becomes routine and you just notice the polaroid lenses make the movie DARKER and murkier. The frames cut off some peripheral vision as well.
Don't for a minute believe the marketing hype that current 3D technology makes the film "come alive'. As good as it is in the short run, it's still not there yet and has run it's course.
I for one find myself suggesting people I view with just go with a larger, brighter screen and forego the costlier, darker 3D option
Mike,
You make very good points and I totally agree with you. Have you ever seen a single film in which you felt as though your experience was enhanced by 3D? The one film that everyone points me to is Avatar, but I had a terrible experience. The picture was dark and I kept having to take my glasses off every 5 minutes to rub my eyes.
Another thought....Do you think certain people's eyes have problems adjusting to 3D? I often wonder that as my friends always seem to love 3D, while I always feel so lost. Maybe there is something wrong with my eyes. Just a thought.