The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy (Extended Edition) (2001-2003)

[s2mikey]

Originally Posted by SleeperAgent

I'm with you. 3D will die, not only because of having to re-buy everything, but because they are "company exclusive" to certain TV's. Who the hell wants to pay upwards of $100 for a movie?

LOTR was NOT shot in 3D, therefore it should NOT BE IN 3D. Simple.

(And until it's like the holodeck, it's not really 3D)

Yepper - propreitary technology and exclusive content just adds more "yuk" to the whole thing. What a mess.

$100 dollars a for movie.... the industry would be out of business in about a week if that crap starts happening. But, the 3D folks will gladly pay that. All good here.

[Todd Smith]

A friend of mine was doing on the fly 2d to 3d conversion of Napolean Dynamite and it actually looked decent when I was over the other day.......considering that, and seeing a conversion like AIW (which looks fantastic....yes I know it was shot with 3d in mind) I would love to see what could be done with a proper conversion of LOTR! If done well, it would take those films to the next level I bet (if you are a 3d fan in general)! I say bring it on!

No doubt about it, 3d has taken my HT experience to the next level. Watching movies that I have seen many times before in 3d such as Polar Express, Open Season, etc.....has brought all of them to a new level (better/more immersive IMO). I fully respect those that dont like 3d, but I am not one of them.......I love it and it really can suck me into whatever I am watching or playing (games) in a way that 2d simply cant.

[s2mikey]

Originally Posted by Todd Smith

A friend of mine was doing on the fly 2d to 3d conversion of Napolean Dynamite and it actually looked decent when I was over the other day.......considering that, and seeing a conversion like AIW (which looks fantastic....yes I know it was shot with 3d in mind) I would love to see what could be done with a proper conversion of LOTR! If done well, it would take those films to the next level I bet (if you are a 3d fan in general)! I say bring it on!

No doubt about it, 3d has taken my HT experience to the next level. Watching movies that I have seen many times before in 3d such as Polar Express, Open Season, etc.....has brought all of them to a new level (better/more immersive IMO). I fully respect those that dont like 3d, but I am not one of them.......I love it and it really can suck me into whatever I am watching or playing (games) in a way that 2d simply cant.

Todd - thats cool and its perfectly fine. I think the fear for us 2D guys is that the studios start forcing 3D on us through higher disc prices or making us wait for 2D releases or whatever else they do to "compromise" the 2D market. As long as its kept separate and 3D is an "add-on" option then I say go for it. Enjoy!

[42041]

Originally Posted by s2mikey

Yeah but many times that IS the case. And, like the other reply said - this is NOT new. Its old. Really old. They are just running out of ideas on how to milk the film market so this is about alls they got left.

Its quite obvious that this isnt catching on as hoped, especially for the home market.

with content so piddling, and current home technology so unimpressive (IMO), i would certainly hope that consumers are too smart to buy 3D TVs in droves at this point.

but so far I'm seeing a lot of extreme opinion and desperately little fact regarding the long-term viability of the technology. as always, the proof is in the box office receipts, and this summer will be more instructive than the blathering of internet pundits.

[KubrickFan]

Originally Posted by BillieCassin

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).

Look, I'm only talking about the format itself, not how it's marketed or whatever. You cannot tell right now on what movies it works and on what it doesn't. Filmmakers need to experiment with it, just as they did with sound, color photography, and widescreen photography. It's simply too soon to tell whether it'll make a difference. Referring to it as a gimmick is cheap and easy, I think.

[WorkShed]

The biggest problem I have with 3D is in the ability to focus. Especially in rack focus shots, it becomes confusing to my eyes because I'm looking at a "3D object in space" and yet I suddenly lose focus of it because the camera changed its focus. I never get that problem when I watch 2D and it always takes me out of the moment every single time.

[Cook]

Originally Posted by WorkShed

The biggest problem I have with 3D is in the ability to focus. Especially in rack focus shots, it becomes confusing to my eyes because I'm looking at a "3D object in space" and yet I suddenly lose focus of it because the camera changed its focus. I never get that problem when I watch 2D and it always takes me out of the moment every single time.

This is a problem I have with 3D, also.

[Falaskan]

This is probably the best explanation of the 3D market I've ever read. Put this in a magazine.

Originally Posted by BillieCassin

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).

[megafan999]

Originally Posted by SleeperAgent

I'm with you. 3D will die, not only because of having to re-buy everything, but because they are "company exclusive" to certain TV's. Who the hell wants to pay upwards of $100 for a movie?

LOTR was NOT shot in 3D, therefore it should NOT BE IN 3D. Simple.

(And until it's like the holodeck, it's not really 3D)

I had completely forgotten I was in the LOTR thread until you brought it up, so much 3D talk XD

[s2mikey]

Originally Posted by 42041

but so far I'm seeing a lot of extreme opinion and desperately little fact regarding the long-term viability of the technology. as always, the proof is in the box office receipts, and this summer will be more instructive than the blathering of internet pundits.

Box office receipts are one thing - Home product sales and acceptance is a totally different beast. I personally feel that 3D is a theater thing. Go in, get yer nuts off and then forget it. Its the home market that most of us are concerned with.

Oh yeah...sorry..... Cant wait for LOTR EE's!

[riverbelow]

Dumb debate going on.

Why on god's green earth (im atheist) would any anti-3D proponents be citing studios attempts at making money as something negative to 3D existing????

If they go broke from 2D being the only thing pushing boundaries in movies (lagging behind videogames as an entertainment), we cease to get a plethora of movies every year like now, and future formats and catalog titles will cease to be profitable also thus RARE and way more expensive than now.

Let them peddle whatever they want, and through your own personal freedom as a consumer choose not to buy their 3D product. Nice and simple solution for the hater-moron mindset I'm seeing among all of you.

----

Fact of the matter is 3D will NEVER be the sole version of a movie, not because its a fad but because "consumer choice" is in THEIR interest and in your demand. They aren't going to neglect an obvious way to make both camps happy...silly kids

[Blu Titan]

Please stay on topic...thsi thread is about the LOTR extended edition blu-ray release .

[frogmort]

Not to be rude, but this is a thread about the Lord of the Rings: Extended Editions blu-ray that will be available on June 28th.
It will not be in 3D.
There are several other threads on this site that would more appropriate for this conversation.

3D sucks!/3D is great!

[frogmort]

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

Please stay on topic...thsi thread is about the LOTR extended edition blu-ray release .

Sorry, you beat me to it!
Thanks!

[annayya]

Is the release date June 28th confirmed ?

Best Buy Canada and Future shop say June 28th, 2011.
Why isn't Amazon updating the date.

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/...f7b0e7ca56en02
http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/produ...615df298e2en02

If it is true I would love to have the LOTR set in my hands in about 3 months from now

[My_Two_Cents]

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

Please stay on topic...thsi thread is about the LOTR extended edition blu-ray release .

Finally!

Thanks, Titan.

[Todd Smith]

Originally Posted by s2mikey

Todd - thats cool and its perfectly fine. I think the fear for us 2D guys is that the studios start forcing 3D on us through higher disc prices or making us wait for 2D releases or whatever else they do to "compromise" the 2D market. As long as its kept separate and 3D is an "add-on" option then I say go for it. Enjoy!

I agree and can understand your concerns. I hope they can keep it separate as well for those who are not interested in the 3d addition.

[Todd Smith]

Originally Posted by frogmort

Not to be rude, but this is a thread about the Lord of the Rings: Extended Editions blu-ray that will be available on June 28th.
It will not be in 3D.
There are several other threads on this site that would more appropriate for this conversation.

3D sucks!/3D is great!

No doubt.........I will get back on topic.

[frogmort]

Originally Posted by annayya

Is the release date June 28th confirmed ?

It's the only top news on the home page right now, so yes!

https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=6045

[Constitution 101]

Originally Posted by riverbelow

Dumb debate going on.

Why on god's green earth (im atheist) would any anti-3D proponents be citing studios attempts at making money as something negative to 3D existing????

If they go broke from 2D being the only thing pushing boundaries in movies (lagging behind videogames as an entertainment), we cease to get a plethora of movies every year like now, and future formats and catalog titles will cease to be profitable also thus RARE and way more expensive than now.

Let them peddle whatever they want, and through your own personal freedom as a consumer choose not to buy their 3D product. Nice and simple solution for the hater-moron mindset I'm seeing among all of you.

----

Fact of the matter is 3D will NEVER be the sole version of a movie, not because its a fad but because "consumer choice" is in THEIR interest and in your demand. They aren't going to neglect an obvious way to make both camps happy...silly kids

Nicely put...