Sub-Zero

James Cameron Says It's "Absolutely Inevitable" That All Entertainment Will Be In 3D

by Kevin Jagernauth

August 22, 2013 9:19 AM

To 3D or not to 3D, that is the question, and lately, the answer from moviegoers has been: pass. As was reported earlier this month, the format has been taking some blows at the box office, with North American crowds favoring regular old 2D for the majority of their viewing experience. This summer, only 25% of total domestic ticket sales of Dreamworks' animated film “Turbo” came from those uncomfortable glasses, with 31% of sales for “Monsters University” in 3D, and only 34% for Brad Pitt's biggest grossing movie ever, “World War Z." But don't tell that to James Cameron, who sees only a bright, three-dimensional future for the format.

Chatting recently with the BBC, the director made it clear that 3D is here to stay. "For me it's absolutely inevitable that entertainment will be 3D, it'll all be 3D eventually, because that's how we see the world," he said, adding: "When it's correct and convenient for us, we pre-select for that as the premium experience."

From an industry perspective, he points to the fact that three out of the last four Cinematography Oscars went to 3D movies ("Avatar," "Hugo" and "Life Of Pi"). And though he acknowledges that "bad conversion" has "polluted" the experience for man—not to mention a handful of cable networks dropping channels broadcasting in 3D recently—Cameron ultimately believes the technology, product and consumer desire for 3D will all dovetail eventually into a perfectly synchronized harmony of success.

And while Cameron's comments might seem wildly out of touch with what audiences are clearly voting for at the box office, it should be noted that overseas 3D is still huge, with 80-90% of tickets moviegoers in Russia and China choosing to put on the glasses. And as long as that's the case, 3D isn't going anywhere.

But what do you think? Are we forever doomed to experience movies this way? Will even the news be in 3D in the future as Cameron suggests? Tell us below.

http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplayli...in-3d-20130822

The Bus

Yes, just like all comic books and movies are in color.

islandclaws

Sorry, Jim. We decide.

And we say "no".

Supermallet

Do we really decide?

islandclaws

The consumer? Absolutely. 3D market share has been steadily dwindling and studios know this. It will never be all 3D all the time. Ever.

TomOpus

He's invested a lot of money in 3D. Of course he's going to say that.

OldBoy

if it is Avatar 3D then yes, i am on board, if it is My Bloody Valentine remake and all the other shitty 3D conversions or whatever then suck my big cock Jim!!

fumanstan

Gah I hope not. For the most part, my eyes just don't find 3D pleasant.

Sonic

Oh it will.

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1484469/ul...ming-this-year

3D is here to stay whether people like it or not.

dsa_shea

A friend of mine, that manages a decent sized theater here, had to cut back on the amount of 3D screenings as the audiences are always very small.

islandclaws

MBV was shot in 3D, and it actually looked pretty good.

musick

Musick Says It's "Absolutely Inevitable" That James Cameron Will Always Say Something Stupid

dsa_shea

Like saying that there will be four Avatar films when he hasn't even made the second one?

Supermallet

That sounds awesome!

taffer

Isn't Cameron the guy who also said video games would never be able to tell an emotional story or am I thinking of someone else?

Drexl

For "tentpole" pictures, he may be correct. But for independent/lower budget films? I don't see the likes of Woody Allen or the Coen Bros. doing 3D.

On the other hand, a few years ago I probably would have said that Martin Scorsese or Ang Lee wouldn't do it either. But even their 3D films lended themselves to it.

Michael Corvin

Yeah, no need for dramas or comedies in 3D.

RocShemp

I really enjoy 3D but Cameron is being ridiculous. Not everything need be in 3D.

dugan

Were his exact words actually that pretentious?

Crocker Jarmen

If that is the case, I hope they're planning to improve the current 3d technology about 500%. Every 3D movie I've seen is such a chore to look it. Most of the 3D effects just looks like a blurry mess to me. And as someone who wears glasses, it got real uncomfortable having to plop an extra set over my normal specs. I don't get used to wearing these glasses. It creates a claustrophobic feeling, always reminding me that I'm sitting in a theater. When I watch a normal movie I get lost in the picture, 3D reminds me of the limitations of the screen. It makes the movies feel "smaller" not more immersive.

redrum

Jim just let it go man, let it go

just because your 3D Avatar made a billion dollars does not mean people care that much about 3D

DonnachaOne

James Cameron can be wrong, guys.

At any rate, I do think we're headed to where all video will have the capability of 3D. Not with the glasses or anything - it'll require a new development in the way movies are recorded and played, and won't require any effort or additional equipment on the part of the user. And just like we still have stereo songs and black and white photography, we'll still have 2D flicks.

DonnachaOne

James Cameron can be wrong, guys.

At any rate, I do think we're headed to where all video will have the capability of 3D. Not with the glasses or anything - it'll require a new development in the way movies are recorded and played, and won't require any effort or additional equipment on the part of the user. And just like we still have stereo songs and black and white photography, we'll still have 2D flicks.

Crocker Jarmen

Did you just double-post DonnachaOne or will your post appear in 3-D if I read it with special polarizing glasses?

DonnachaOne

Just turn the monitor on its side, cross your eyes slightly, and the two posts merge into one! Not quite 3D, but you do get a rotten headache, just like most 3D movies!

Yes, I double posted.