Dear Internet

I have had time to mull, think, and ponder the effects of one film in how far it has reached. I am of course speaking of James Cameron’s AVATAR. Yes, that’s right I am blogging about AVATAR. As so many have done before me I too will try to analyze, not the structure, not the plot, not the characters, but the sheer effect it has had on the way things will be in the future. Mainly in the 3D realm.

Avatar will never be remembered for its plot. I assure you of this however, it has cemented 3D as a solid medium for filmmaking.This is what AVATAR will be remembered for.  There are many who will argue against this saying that 3D is a fad and it will go away. There are those of course who will say that 3D is a bad thing, that it’s a gimmick. I disagree. 3D, yes, was originally a gimmick when it was originally used. Other things were gimmicks too when they started such as Sound and even Color. Now, we can’t really imagine a movie without these elements. Will EVERYTHING be done in 3D? No of course not. 2D cinema is important. It is a different way of telling a story, it is the traditional way. Just as 2D animation will never die nor will 2D cinema. AVATAR has brought the technology past the point of gimmicks and made it add to the film, creating a window into a world and a story. No longer do we have a separation from the characters and the world. We feel like we can walk in to that world in front of us. We feel like we are part of the conversations, and become more involved in what’s going on.

The question is what makes this 3D revolution different from the ones of the past. First things first. The sheer investment made by theaters has been too significant for it to fail. A 3D set up in theaters costs hundreds of thousands of dollars per screen. Secondly, 3D is being used in movies that are guaranteed hits, not just low-budget gimmicky films such as “Jaws 4″ or a slew of horror films. You have Harry Potter being put out in 3D, Spider-man 4 will be shot in 3D. All of Pixar’s upcoming films will be using the third dimension. Thats just to name a few. Judging from the uprising in titles being made in 3D,or converted to 3D, it is a safe estimate that 50-70% of major releases will be released in 3D within the next 5-10 years.

Also, there is a push to make 3D glasses fashionable. RealD, a company that builds and develops 3D projectors and technology, has been working on stylish 3D glasses that one can buy and not only be used in a theater but, double as sunglasses. Of course that is not a huge hit yet, but give it time. Another reason its here to stay is the push for “3D ready” televisions that are to be released in the latter part of this year. Of course these over priced screens wont be an instant hit but in 10 years it will be common place. Also consider that sports are beginning to be shot in 3D. The biggest college games and a few NFL games have been shot using 3D cameras. ESPN and Disney will be launching 3D channels later this year. So not only is 3D presented on the big screen but it will reach into the home. AVATAR has made this possible due to is broad audience and massive success. The technology is now viable, and will be used.

I pose these question to all of you. Why should we fight the future? Why not embrace a more immersive experience?

Thank You,

M.Castronova

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