HOLLYWOOD—If you’ve been to the multiplexes in the last year you’ve probably noticed a new trend taking over the film industry: 3-D films.  No, these films are not new to the movie industry; in fact they’ve been around since the 1950s with Warner Bros. and Columbia Pictures classics like “House of Wax” and “Man in the Dark.”  Studios found a niche which got audiences back into the theaters and away from television.  There was another explosion in the ‘80s with cheesy horror flicks like “Amityville-3-D” and “Jaws-3D.” 

The aspect of shooting a film in 3-D is so lucrative in Hollywood because it generates huge box-office numbers.  “The Final Destination,” which opened in August, grossed more than $28 million opening weekend to claim the top spot.  Seeing a film in 3-D versus 2-D has its advantages.  It actually gives the viewer the opportunity to be “a part” of the film.  The idea of wearing a pair of glasses that allows you to see images mere inches from your face is exhilarating.  Seeing a pick-axe or harpoon come directly at you is an adrenaline rush. With the ever growing explosion of technology these films have greatly improved over time.  

I remember hearing how exciting it was to see “Friday the 13^th” part 3-D in 1982 when it hit theaters.  It has been considered by many as one of the superior 3-D flicks of its time.   I got to see the film in its entirety when it was released on DVD this year, but it’s not the same as seeing it in theaters.  There’s something about seeing things on a larger screen that improves the technology.  Moreover, the red and blue glasses that are used for viewing 3-D at home are not comparable to the Real-D glasses offered in theaters.

James Cameron's 3-D epic "Avatar" hits theaters on December 18. Photo courtesy of www.imdb.com

The year 2009 alone saw more than almost every animated feature released in digital 3-D.  Those films included “Monsters and Aliens,” “Coraline,” “Up,” “G-Force,” “Journey to the Center of the Earth,”  “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs” and most recently “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” which opened at the top spot with more than $30 million in September.  It’s definitely exciting for children because they really don’t understand how it works, it’s mind-boggling for them.  My nieces and nephews were fascinated after watching “Coraline” in 3-D; they’ve watched the film more than five times already. 

An alarming trend with this aspect of filmmaking is that studios are beginning make every film in 3-D and that’s problematic.  If a movie is bad, adding 3-D isn’t going to help make it a better film, but for cinema fanatics that doesn’t appear to be a problem.  Watching a 3-D film amazes audiences.  For example, I was so excited to see “My Bloody Valentine 3-D” when it was released in January; it was my first ever 3-D film and I was quite disappointed.  For starters, very little of the film was in 3-D; nothing really came at my face.  In addition, the glasses I wore made it difficult for me to see any color in the film.  While the flick generated decent numbers at the box-office, as a film it was forgettable.  Studios know audiences will still flock to see it even if it has nothing interesting to offer.  

“Avatar” directed by Oscar-winner James Cameron appears to be Oscar-worthy and hits theaters in December. A sleuth of others are slated in the near future including “Halloween 3D,” “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D,” “Hellraiser,” “Friday the 13^th Part 2 3D” and “Saw 7.”  The horror genre appears to be taking the idea of 3-D to new levels to generate the audience’s interest.

Watching a 3-D film is astounding; it engages the audience in a way most other films can’t.  The only objection I have is if a film is to be shot using this incredible technology use it to its fullest to heighten an already superior film.  Movie studios see how profitable these films are so they’re used to lure people into theaters.  If you decide to shoot a film in 3-D, be sure the audience gets what they pay for.  The price for a 3-D flick is twice that of a normal movie ticket because you pay for the glasses to view the film.  Furthermore, a huge number of theaters in the United States are not equipped with 3-D screens so many of these marketed films are being shown in 2-D.  Who wants to see a 3D film in 2-D?  No one should feel cheated on a film that claimed to offer something it was unable to deliver.  It looks like 3-D films are going to be around for awhile, here’s hoping they offer something fresh to viewers.