Quote:
Originally Posted by KubrickFan
People considering a new technology a fad is hardly new:
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Yeah, but 3-D isn't new, either.
Has it gotten better? Yes. But it's not new.
However, what is new is the financial environment of the entertainment industry. This is across the board a blatant cash grab by the studios that have been hemorrhaging money over the last decade or two. People like myself that used to go to the movies twice a week are now lucky if we go twice per year - for reasons as varied as superior experiences with our own home theater to the general availability of a huge number of other entertainment options.
That's the reason 3-D is being pushed so, both in theaters and at home, and the *exact* reason the home 3-D market has been so stymied by these "exclusives" deals (that, for 3-D enthusiasts, thankfully seems to be lessening). They want to push 3-D in theaters because they can double the ticket price, and the manufacturers want it pushed at home because they can sell more equipment.
The manufacturers thought by this time every home would have a Blu-ray player, and since that is still a ways from happening they are going back to the well of early adopters and getting them to buy 3-D tech that will be outdated in a few years (the goofy electronic glasses are going to be laughably quaint in a few years - we'll be astounded that people attached 2 TV monitors to their eyes to watch the smattering of movies that are available in the format).
Where the "exclusives" come in is because the Studios are like, "Hey, 3-D is our cash cow! We can charge $20/head in the theater, so why put out 3-D material for home use with a $30 disc when we can make far more releasing and re-releasing these in the theater?" They just found this new revenue source to stave off the inevitable a bit longer, and they are having a hard time letting the home market have any share (a $30 Blu-ray that can be watched dozens of times by many people makes a lot less than charging a family of four $80 for tickets to see the film once).
Leaving all that aside, yes there have been some successful 3-D films in the theater. No doubt about it. People see it as an occasional experience to enhance certain films. But the thing is - it doesn't actually enhance storytelling. In many ways, it actually detracts from acting, writing, etc. Some enthusiasts think it's "the future!" and that soon everything will be in 3-D. The manufacturers and studios are learning that, by and large, most people simply don't care, especially to have it at home with the current state of technology.
You won't find anyone other than enthusiasts on sites like this, and people who work directly or indirectly with a stake-holder (manufacturer, studio, etc.) who think 3-D is somehow the future of filmed media. Sure, you can find all kinds of quotes from talking heads paid to promote stuff, or who otherwise have it in their best interests, to talk up 3-D - but very few people take it seriously artistically, because we've been there-done that before. Yes, it's a neat little trick that can make a movie a bit more fun - the *right* movie, not every movie - but it is not some revolution happening.
It's sort of like the "lossless audio" fans. Personally, my ears aren't good enough that I can hear the difference so I don't care (though my hearing is excellent and I can often hear things other people cannot). But more power to people who want it. However, what enthusiasts want is not always (and quite often, not at all) what mass market consumers want. Most people listen to TV through the speakers on the unit, and those that do have audio systems likely don't have any compatible with the new codecs unless they have just recently bought a high-end model. I'd be willing to wager 90% of consumers don't even know what the hell a digital audio cable looks like.
It's the same thing with 3-D. Some people are WAY overestimating the consumer interest, and are falling for the line the studios and manufacturers want them to - spend more money at the theater, rebuy equipment you already have, 3-D 3-D 3-D! This does not reflect the average consumer by any stretch of the imagination, and when people tire of 3-D (like they do every time it comes around - this is what makes it a fad/gimmick) it will become a niche like it always has been. In this case, for home use, it will be a niche of a niche, as Blu-ray is already a niche product.
I will say I do think the future of home 3-D lies not so much in scripted storytelling as in video games. That's one area that has huge potential - and I think in five years when people think of 3-D TV's they will be thinking about videogames, and not theatrical films most of which come out in 3-D are usually pretty poor quality films to begin with (or they wouldn't have to rely on a gimmick to be sold).
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The thought of bringing home The Hobbit 3d on blu ray to watch in my HT sounds even better
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