Has Hollywood Gone 3D Crazy? The Future of 3D Films?

By: Troy Gayle of Gadget-T.com
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3D programming is nothing new, it’s actually been around since 1922. Of course, technology has evolved tremendously since then, and technology behind Avatar arguably changed the game for 3D movie viewing. James Cameron spent quite a bit of money developing his own cameras, and the proof is in the pudding.

Actors like Johnny Depp (Alice in Wonderland) and Sam Worthington (Avatar) enjoyed formidable praise for their (literally) in-your-face performances, so it shouldn’t be long before all actors are rallying for roles in 3D.

Historically, when you watched something in 3D, you would get your little paper glasses with different colored lenses with your movie ticket. You were always excited when you sat down with your popcorn, thinking about what was going to jump out at you, but the picture quality wasn’t always the best. Thankfully, that’s not the case anymore.

Quality pictures mean higher costs, and you can expect to pay about $5 more per ticket in the theaters than a regular 2D movie… and you’re easily spending as much as $10 more per ticket for IMAX. You would think that because we’re still in a recession, the higher price might deter movie goers, but the box office numbers prove otherwise. The top five grossing 3D movies have all been released within the last year, and of those Avatar was the top selling movie of all time; period.

With all that great technology taking over the big screen, it’s only natural that it would find it way into our living rooms. For less money than when HD televisions first came, you bring 3D fun home right now. Here’s what you’ll need:

— First and foremost, a 3D TV. There aren’t many on the market as of yet, but a few major brands have put the experience within reach. Panasonic has a stable of 3D Plasma sets ranging from $2,500 to $3,000. LG has chosen to go the LED-LCD route with a 47-inch display for $3,500. Samsung is putting both options in their line-up, and prices range from $1,800 to $7,000.

— Once you have the television, you still need 3D media, and you can pick up a 3D Blu-ray player.  There are a few offerings in stores with prices ranging from $200 – $430.

— For everyday viewing, cable providers are now offering 3D programming from networks who have invested in the technology, however the actual demand was debated heavily at last week’s NCTA conference in L.A. Click here to read more and watch the expert discussion at HollywoodinHiDef.com.

With major studios jumping on the bandwagon left and right, there will be no shortage of 3D titles for your family’s Blu-ray collection. Disney/Pixar has pledged to that all of their movies going forward will be in 3D, and Dreamworks says they will also be pumping them out.

Now, the true setback of 3D… the uncomfortable, and even ugly, eyewear. Fortunately Gunnar Optiks is ahead of the curve, and has a line of extremely stylish 3D glasses on the way! Click here to find out more and put yourself on their notification list.

Here is the ever-growing rundown of 3D movies coming up, thanks to the good folks at Film-Releases.com! We’d love to know if  you’ll be checking them out in the theater, or if you’ll be adding 3D to your living room!

2010
05/21 – Shrek Forever After
06/18 – Toy Story 3
07/02 – The Last Airbender
07/09 – Despicable Me
07/30 – Cats & Dogs: the Revenge of Kitty Galore
08/06 – Step Up 3D
08/27 – Piranha 3D
09/10 – Resident Evil: Afterlife
09/17 – Alpha and Omega
09/24 – Legend of the Guardians
10/15 – Jackass 3D
10/22 – Saw VII
11/05 – MegaMind
11/12 – Tangled
11/19 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
12/17 –Yogi Bear
12/17 –Tron Legacy

2011
TBD – Beauty and the Beast
TBD – XXX: the Return of Xander Cage
TBD – A Monster in Paris
TBD – The Three Musketeers
01/14 – The Cabin in the Woods
01/14 – The Green Hornet
02/11 – Drive Angry
03/04 – Priest
03/04 – Sanctum
03/25 – Sucker Punch!
04/08 – Rio
05/20 – Pirates of the Caribbean 4
06/03 – Kung Fu Panda: the Kaboom of Doom
06/17 – The Green Lantern
06/24 – Cars 2
07/15 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
08/03 – Smurfs 3D
08/19 – Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World
08/26 – Final Destination 5
09/23 – Journey to the Center of the Earth 2
10/21 – Contagion
11/04 – Puss in Boots
11/11 – Arthur Christmas
11/18 – Happy Feet 2
12/09 – The Invention of Hugo Cabret
12/16 – Alvin and the Chipmunks 3D
12/23 – The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn

2012
TBD – Newt
TBD – Stretch Armstrong
TBD – Godzilla
03/18 – Madagascar 3
03/25 – Men in Black 3
03/30 – The Croods
06/15 – Brave
07/03 – Untitled Spider-man Reboot
07/20 – Untitled Batman Project
09/21 – Hotel Transylvania
11/02 – The Guardians