Question about the 3D Conversion Process.
 

Does anyone know how companies actually convert movies filmed in 2D to 3D? I understand that for completely computer generated movies, such as Toy Story, all the information necessary to convert it to 3D is already available and that the conversion process is, more-or-less, fairly straightforward. However, what about films that are already filmed in standard 2D? As far as I understand it, to film "true 3D" requires two slightly different images to be filmed at the same time to create the 3D image. When there is only one 2D image, how is the 3D conversion done? The reviews I have read about 3D movies converted in post production suggest that basically everything in the foreground is given a cardboard cut-out effect, with lots of layers added to give the illusion of depth, but with no "true 3D." Does anyone really know how the 3D conversion process actually works? Thank you to anyone that replies.

Re: Question about the 3D Conversion Process.
 

You described it pretty well.

There isn't going to be a 3D version of Casablanca any time soon.

Re: Question about the 3D Conversion Process.
 

I so want them to colorize and 3D the hell out of Casablanca, and while they're at it they should throw in some new CGI effects.

Re: Question about the 3D Conversion Process.
 

It took Pixar 18 months to convert both Toy Story and Toy Story 2 to 3D for its theatrical re-release back in October.

It took Warner 8 weeks to convert Clash of the Titans to 3D for its theatrical release on Friday.

Re: Question about the 3D Conversion Process.
 

I have heard that it is not very good either, the 3D that is.

Re: Question about the 3D Conversion Process.
 

They could hire George Lucas to CGI some AT-STs clunking around in the background. Or have a giant Rondo pass in front of the actors during the "hill of beans" speech.

Re: Question about the 3D Conversion Process.
 

I attended a screening of Clash of the Titans last night. It was the worst 3-D presentation I have seen so far. Nothing pops and it isn't an immersive viewing experience. People who pay to see it in 3-D will walk away disappointed.

A few times during the movie I lifted up the glasses just to see how blurry the image was. The blur was minor as compared to other 3-D presentations I've seen. That's retrograde 3-D for you, I guess.

Re: Question about the 3D Conversion Process.
 

That does not surprise me. I just do not understand how movie studios can expect to take a traditional 2D image and convert it to 3D and still think that people will not notice the difference in quality. While I don't know if 3D is the future of cinema, I have a feeling that converted 3D will definitely not help "true 3D" become the standard anytime soon.

Re: Question about the 3D Conversion Process.
 

They could throw in a little jawa-dangling-off-the-lizard-thing comic relief in the background of the airport farewell scene.

Re: Question about the 3D Conversion Process.
 

Oh hell, you beat me to it.