3D should be more extreme say readers

Half of 3D Focus readers say they would like 3D to be more ‘extreme’ in movies.

We asked 534 readers “Do you think 3D in films should be more ‘extreme’?” 50% said yes, 34% said no and 12% thought it needs to be more subtle.

It could be argued that the 2009 release of Avatar spurred a wave of conservative 3D filmmaking. James Cameron’s approach was to use the screen plane as a window to a fantasy world, with very little ‘popping out’ action. Clearly producers have been keen to differentiate this next wave of 3D from the format’s exploitation in the 50s and 80s with films like 'Comin' at Ya!' and 'House of Wax'.

This approach has been taken by the broadcasters including Sky 3D who have guidelines that state negative disparity ('pop out') should not exceed -1% for the majority of shots, but includes scope for up to 2.5% out of screen disparity for specific editorial need.

However, there are signs that opinions are beginning to change, both in 3D movies and broadcast, as highlighted by Electric Sky’s Chief Executive David Pounds last year. Speaking to TVB Europe he said “Increasingly we are being asked to ‘pull’ the information slightly more toward the viewer and in more instances during a 3D programme. 3D broadcasters need to make an offering to the viewer that encourages them to subscribe and which is therefore differentiated from the experience they would have from high quality HD,” he adds.

3D producers face the difficult challenge of achieving the balance between enough ‘pop out’ moments to satisfy the audience's appetite for extreme moments, whilst not alienating others and reverting to gimmicks. Judging from the critical response, Martin Scorsese’s HUGO appeared to have achieved that goal and possibly proved that ‘negative parallax’ has a place in modern 3D.

What do think? Do you think 3D is not as fun as it once was or do you believe a conservative approach will ensure its longevity?
Leave your comments below!
 

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