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2011: The Year In 3D

By Jessica Kiang
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December 29, 2011 2:31 PM
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5 Comments

Features

If there is a single cinematic subject that seems to unite commenters, bloggers, filmmakers, distributors and exhibitors in vehemence, it has to be the rise/fall of the exciting new format/gimmicky fad that is the post-“Avatar” 3D film. However, rather frustratingly if you’re, say, researching an article on 3D, the balance of opinion doesn’t really tip in either direction when it comes to this chatter: for every pundit who declares the format moribund and swears off it entirely, there’s another insisting that it’s here to stay and anyone who doesn’t embrace it is a luddite and a fool.

By Edward Davis
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August 15, 2011 10:06 AM
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6 Comments

Meanwhile, James Cameron Says Premium 3D Prices Are Unlikely To Last3D movies aren't worth the hype and cause headaches, the Guardian wrote last week - 3D movie attendance is way down in the U.K., according to The Hollywood Reporter, with the percentage of English audiences opting to pay the extra 3D premium price having fallen 23% compared to last year. Folks like DreamWorks Animation chief and 3D evangelist Jeffrey Katzenberg are genuinely worried about the technology's underperformance with audiences of late. A 3D "Glee" movie tanked at the box-office this weekend. A recent 3D report conducted by the California State University actually says the stereoscopic visuals can cause you physical discomfort and another prime advocate James Cameron, recently told Reuters that he thinks its unlikely that premium 3D prices will last.

By Edward Davis
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June 10, 2011 10:50 AM
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9 Comments

Dear Zillionaire Jeffrey Katzenberg, let it be known before we begin our article that our heart bleeds for you and your stock holders. In December 2010 2009, just a few short weeks after James Cameron's latest opus had proven to be a runaway smash hit, 3D was heralded as the next the savior of cinema by the industry, many of whom had just received the best Christmas bonus ever. The technology, and more importantly, the resounding reception audiences met it with, had apparently revitalized, rejuvenated and revolutionized the film industry. In 2010, "Avatar" (which was released at the tail end of 2009) grossed $2.7 billion worldwide (highest grossing film of all time, worldwide), "Toy Story 3" nabbed $1.06 billion (4th highest of all time worldwide), "Alice In Wonderland" hauled in $1.02 billion (6th highest film of all time worldwide) and the the world was 3D's oyster.