The Future of 3-D
This is an open letter to the film community.
Exactly 30 years after the BWANA DEVIL-inspired 3-D boom, history is repeating itself. A number of 3-D productions are planned, and some have already been exhibited in the nation's theaters. Without making any comment on content or production values of these films, I can only say that the three-dimensional images presented in theaters usually have been of very low quality.
It's very difficult to tell what's gone wrong in the production chain, from photography to exhibition. However, it is clear to me that most of these films have been shot with inferior optical systems by technicians who know very little about stereoscopic cinematography. The K.O. punch has been poor production.
If we face the fact that there are grave technical problems, we can at least take the steps to solve them. This will take an industry-wide commitment. The problems can be solved through proper quality-control. Quality-control must begin with photography and end with projection. Standards and tolerances must be established and adhered to, or the 3-D bubble will burst again, as it did in the early '50s.
The stereoscopic cinema is a beautiful medium which customer will gladly pay to see if properly executed. If there is no improvement in the present technique, they'd better start handing out aspirin with the polarizing glasses.
Good quality three-dimensional images can be produced on a routine basis. It remains to be seen if the industry can get it together and put 3-D on the map once and for all.
No comments:
Post a Comment