Should all CG films go 3D?
This past week I saw Shane Acker’s latest film 9, a full-length reimagining of his 2005 short film (of the same name). Without a doubt the film is stunningly gorgeous. The miniaturized characters in their destroyed, post-apocalyptic world completely worked aesthetically for me. Unfortunately, there was still something missing. The entire film I just kept wondering why it wasn’t in 3D.
Sure, it was only two posts ago that I complained about the usage of 3D in the Avatar trailer. And I’ve also seen it used as a complete gimmick (that’s right, I’m talking to you, The Final Destination). 9 actually could have used it though. Just about every single shot in the film screamed to be brought into the third dimension.
From what I’ve heard, 3D conversion isn’t even that complicated when dealing with a completely CG film. If all the chatter I’ve heard regarding PIXAR’s conversion of Toy Story 1 & 2 are accurate, there is no new animation or work required for the conversion. You literally just add a second camera to create a stereoscopic view, and re-render every shot.
If it’s really that simple? Why should we ever see another CG film presented in 2D again? If the technology is there, why not leverage it? As long as directors can resist the urge to attempt to bombard the viewer with objects flying off the screen, the 3D will simply add a depth and beauty to the film. Then a film like 9 could really show off what it’s bringing to the table.
My name is Christopher Schnese
and this has been my reel perspective
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Chris, Actually there is an awesome 3D conversion test of "9" produced by Legend Films (http://www.legendfilms.com). Unfortunately Focus Features requested the test less than two months prior to the 9/9/09 release date. Consequently, there wasn't enough time for Legend Films to convert the whole film. Given another 2 to 3 weeks and it could have been completed. The test is going to be screened for the first time at the 3D Summit on Wednesday, 9/16/09.
I'd love to see that test footage. As I said in my post, "9" was just begging for it to be presented in 3D.
How does the Legend Films process compare to what PIXAR is doing with Toy Story 1 & 2? From what John Lasseter told the Wall Street Journal their process from the Original source was able to be cranked out super fast ("…We've always been making 3D films, we've just been looking at them with one eye closed…"). It's sounds like Legend Films does a more hands on, manual conversion.