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

Related Posts

No related posts.