3-Dizzle

Let’s face it, movies will always be evolving. The art of filmmaking is not unlike the human race, in that it will continue to move forward, for better or worse. One of the more recent developments is the use of 3D in theatrical films. The goal of 3D is to make the viewing experience that much more immersive for the viewer. Whether it does its job well or not is in the eye of the beholder. So, let’s have it out now: 3D – stroke of genius, or useless distraction?

To further explore this newest of marketing gimmicks, we have to go all the way back to the beginning. What most people don’t seem to realize is that 3D has been around longer than a majority of the audience of any given film which uses it. It actually appeared first in the early 1980s, appearing mostly in the third installments of then popular horror franchises, if only for the namesake (Jaws 3D!, Friday the 13th 3D!!, Amityville 3D!!! omgsauce!!!1) It then shortly died off for a long while, since improvement was obviously needed. However, the trend had recently resurfaced and is now in popular demand.

Now-a-days, most films that end up in 3D are shot like that during principle photography. Typically, those ones are either animated films or use CGI heavy environments, such as Avatar and Alice in Wonderland. However, sometimes a studio will decide they want 3D added in post-production, as to increase revenue. The final result usually isn’t as good-looking as the ones originally intended for 3D.

Much like a well-known actor whose been spending most of their career as a benchwarmer and has only recently achieved stardom, it seems that 3D has finally found a welcome home in mainstream cinema. Only time will tell if it lasts. But for now, the least it can do is provide for some awesome photo opportunities.