"Club Penton" - Ask questions to Hollywood insider "Penton-Man"

[fitprod]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

Surrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrvey says…

http://www.multichannel.com/article/...ence_Study.php

Yes... But I always take those with a surveys with huge a grain of salt. You could have done the same thing with SACD & DVD-Audio a few years back. - When someone buys a product, especially a niche product, they're going to say they're happy. (In the case of SACD & DVD-Audio, I would have been one of those happy consumers.)

It's getting beyond those consumers that is the key. The end on this year will probably tell the true fate of 3D in the theatrical and home marketplace...

fitprod

[Objectivity]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

Surrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrvey says…

http://www.multichannel.com/article/...ence_Study.php

Isn't the current question less about the happiness of those who currently own 3D TVs and more about those who don't own them yet? Most people I know who have been looking for TVs recently didn't really care if 3D was included. If they bought a 3D set it was because other features sold the product and 3D was a nice throw in.

I have a theater near me that's only 3-4 years old. It's all or mostly digital and the only one I choose to go to because the other two in my area have sound or image quality issues (and I'm not that picky). I'm going to finally get to see Thor today (in 3D) but I noticed the theater is now offering 2D showings, in this case Kung Fu Panda, something that I don't recall it ever doing before. Is this increase of 2D showings (from zero to more than zero) something mandated to the theater by the distributor, or is the theater making the decision on their own. If it's on their own, is it because the complaints about quality/cost are starting to get to them?

As a separate note, the 2D showing of KFP2 leaves me hope that the same theater will show the final Harry Potter in 2D. My wife is legally blind and only has vision in one eye. She took our daughter to see Gnomeo and Juliet (in 3D) and complained that her only choices were glasses that gave her a headache because of her vision problems or a blurry picture. I'm thinking of buying her the 2D glasses that are now available, but that really shouldn't be the only option for those who want this trend to pass them by.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Objectivity

Isn't the current question less about the happiness of those who currently own 3D TVs and more about those who don't own them yet?....

Not if you’re looking at it from the point of customer satisfaction regarding paying a premium for a 3D capable TV over a 2D only TV. I’ve read so many random anecdotal complaints from people on the internet about how *poor* the 3D home experience is, be it as seen in their local consumer electronics retail store or allegedly in their own homes once they’ve pulled the trigger and purchased a 3D TV that I thought this survey was rather a breath of fresh air.

Plus, I’m not really concerned about the adoption of 3D at home, when internal data also shows things like “Burns said adoption of ESPN 3D has far outpaced adoption of ESPN HD when it first launched in early 2003”….. http://www.homemediamagazine.com/3d/...-growing-23989

But, given all the recent negative press about some theatrical 3D, this link was sent to me and I really do enjoy the creative writing style - “What the world 3d industry needs now is a savior… a film that redefines expectations and turns the technology on its head”…..” is this the film that will save 3D” –
http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/new...sy-trailer.php

Then, when one views the trailer(s), this movie is just so darn decadent on so many levels (including all thee old school *in yo face* 3D gimmicks) I’ve got to think it will be hit if it ever gets to being exhibited on college campuses and such.

[Objectivity]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

Not if you’re looking at it from the point of customer satisfaction regarding paying a premium for a 3D capable TV over a 2D only TV. I’ve read so many random anecdotal complaints from people on the internet about how *poor* the 3D home experience is, be it as seen in their local consumer electronics retail store or allegedly in their own homes once they’ve pulled the trigger and purchased a 3D TV that I thought this survey was rather a breath of fresh air.

I would agree that people who own 3D TVs are very satisfied with the experience. One side effect of 3D is an improved picture quality on traditional images, plus you get 3D, which is a great bonus. To me the more interesting question would be how many people buying new TVs are seeking 3D as an option vs. the number who are looking for a certain level of quality and the TV they choose happens to have 3D.

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

Plus, I’m not really concerned about the adoption of 3D at home, when internal data also shows things like “Burns said adoption of ESPN 3D has far outpaced adoption of ESPN HD when it first launched in early 2003”….. http://www.homemediamagazine.com/3d/...-growing-23989

In all seriousness, I wonder what the sample on that is. If it's adoption of ESPN 3D in the universe of all new TV owners, then it's great news. If it's adoption of ESPN 3D by those who have purchased 3D TVs, then it's a much smaller sample size and far fewer channels to sample than HD had in 2003.

[Paul H]

Hope it's ok here to express my appreciation for the new Sony VAIO F series 3D laptop (model VPCF2190X). It has a 16" 1080P display that reproduces the best high definition 3D image I have ever witnessed on any TV monitor/display. Crystal clear, eye popping image, no ghosting/crosstalk that I can notice.

Taking the best from both worlds it was a genius move for Sony to embrace the NVIDIA PC technology and combine it with their own superior proprietary active 3D glasses technology, which together produces an incredible visual experience.

A personal, portable get-away-
Sitting at about 12" away with that incredible resolution, I can see details that my 3D 65" Panasonic Viera can't produce.

What a masterpiece platform for Blu-ray 3D!

Paul

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by Paul H

Hope it's ok here to express my appreciation for the new Sony VAIO F series 3D laptop (model VPCF2190X). It has a 16" 1080P display that reproduces the best high definition 3D image I have ever witnessed on any TV monitor/display. Crystal clear, eye popping image, no ghosting/crosstalk that I can notice.

Taking the best from both worlds it was a genius move for Sony to embrace the NVIDIA PC technology and combine it with their own superior proprietary active 3D glasses technology, which together produces an incredible visual experience.

A personal, portable get-away-
Sitting at about 12" away with that incredible resolution, I can see details that my 3D 65" Panasonic Viera can't produce.

What a masterpiece platform for Blu-ray 3D!

Paul

how does the 3D work (glasses free, polarized, shutter)?

[Paul H]

Originally Posted by Anthony P

how does the 3D work (glasses free, polarized, shutter)?

They are active shutter glasses, the same that are used with the Sony’s BRAVIA 3D HDTVs.
What I like about them is that they let in more light. Most other brands of active glasses are like wearing sun glasses.

Sony VAIO F Series 3D-capable Multimedia Laptop Review

Paul

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Paul H

Hope it's ok here to express my appreciation for the new Sony VAIO F series 3D laptop (model VPCF2190X)...

Of course it's ok, as we are a melting pot of varied interests.
Today, a potpourri tribute to a day of racing (a little bit for everyone) –

Grand Prix –
https://forum.blu-ray.com/insider-di...ml#post4419812

Le Mans (the pic on the right is Steve M. on a Husky 400 motor-sickle…in the dez) –
http://theselvedgeyard.wordpress.com...cing-goodness/

and the Indianapolis 500 (alas, so close…yet so far )
in 3D -
http://corporate.discovery.com/disco...ok-at-the-ind/

[worth]

Originally Posted by Objectivity

To me the more interesting question would be how many people buying new TVs are seeking 3D as an option vs. the number who are looking for a certain level of quality and the TV they choose happens to have 3D.

If I were buying a new set, I would probably buy one that is 3D capable simply because they tend to offer better 2D performance. I have absolutely zero interest in 3D and will go out of my way to avoid it in the cinema.

[Alan Gordon]

Originally Posted by worth

If I were buying a new set, I would probably buy one that is 3D capable simply because they tend to offer better 2D performance. I have absolutely zero interest in 3D and will go out of my way to avoid it in the cinema.

To each their own...

I'm most likely having to replace my TV in the next couple of months, as my current TV is most likely kaput, and though I'd rather go for a cheaper option, I'm not passing up the option for 3D in the home.

I got to see a 3D demo at Sam's Club for the first time a few months back, and was VERY impressed with the clips of "Monsters Vs. Aliens". I haven't seen 3D at the theater, so this was my first 3D experience outside of the paper glasses, and, again, it impressed me.

I've been buying some 3D titles for months now ("Coraline", "A Christmas Carol", "Tron Legacy", "Tangled", and "Gnomeo & Juliet"), with more pre-ordered, so I should be set whenever I get one.

~Alan

[PeterTHX]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

But, given all the recent negative press about some theatrical 3D

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/30/business/media/30panda.html?_r=1&hp

Higher ticket prices and 2D conversions are going to be the death of theatrical 3D. Trust Hollywood to get greedy and kill the golden goose.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by PeterTHX

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/30/business/media/30panda.html?_r=1&hp

Higher ticket prices and 2D conversions are going to be the death of theatrical 3D. Trust Hollywood to get greedy and kill the golden goose.

Peter,….ye of little faith. Also, from the same article you linked “With results like that at a time when movies make 70 percent of their total box office income outside North America, do tastes at home even matter?” (bolding by moi)

For example, for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides in 3D over at the U.K. – http://3dradar.techradar.com/3d-tech...oss-25-05-2011

^also, attention sharkshark, if/when you do see this flick in 3D, I would be interested in whether you think (aesthetically) it plays too much in the negative space (throughout the duration of the movie, that is), the positive z-space, or is just right for your personal tastes. For the record, the motion picture was shot mostly with RED MX cameras mounted on Pace rigs and the DI was done using DaVinci Resolve.

Meanwhile, as I always enjoying posting some practical non-technical knowledge which some can use in daily life, check out “Top Ten Pickup lines for use on International Talk Like a Pirate Day” from http://www.talklikeapirate.com/howto.html#advanced

And, as far as conversions and greed, do you think George Lucas is ‘greedy’ by offering a 2D ->3D ‘conversion’ of Star Wars? View the clip here -
http://themovieblog.com/2011/05/geor...wars-3d-and-tv

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Alan Gordon

...~Alan

Alan’s back.

Good to see you’re alive and kicking . I had thought you were affected by the tornados and such ….still haven’t heard recently, at least, from Bobby Henderson in Oklahoma.

[ole geezer]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

...And, as far as conversions and greed, do you think George Lucas is ‘greedy’ by offering a 2D ->3D ‘conversion’ of Star Wars? View the clip here -
http://themovieblog.com/2011/05/geor...wars-3d-and-tv

Thanks for the link. An interesting conversation.

I'd like to think that Mr Lucas is more concerned with getting the 2D > 3D process precisely right so that older and newer fans of Star Wars will be thoroughly entertained. I'm also sure that if these conversions are profitable, we're going to see more of his hits converted to 3D and that will suit me just fine. Personally, I hope he makes a bundle.

[Objectivity]

Originally Posted by worth

If I were buying a new set, I would probably buy one that is 3D capable simply because they tend to offer better 2D performance. I have absolutely zero interest in 3D and will go out of my way to avoid it in the cinema.

That was the point I was going to make. I think most people are going out to purchase the TV they can afford with the best quality image. If the TV has 3D they're not refusing to buy, but they're not making 3D a requirement for purchase.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

Meanwhile, as I always enjoying posting some practical non-technical knowledge which some can use in daily life....

I see there is a rather prominent Anthology set to street on Blu-ray next week…https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-S...Blu-ray/20003/

Ever wonder if the ‘Fortress of Solitude’ in the movie really exists or was just some fancy vfx/CGI? http://www.flickr.com/photos/danfreene/5347178925/

Well, yes world travelers, it really does exist and it is named the IceHotel (in Sweden). There are actually about 5 of them around the world but, the one which is about a 1½ hr. flight north of Stockholm was the first and it just turned 20 last year.

Last time I was in Sweden, I didn’t have the time nor opportunity to stay there for a night or two but, I plan to someday as they say there is nothing like drinking lingonberry juice and vodka out of glasses hewn from ice at the hotel’s Absolut IceBar.

More info here – http://www.icehotel.com/uk/ICEHOTEL/About-ICEHOTEL/
More pics here - http://www.google.com/search?q=iceho...g&ved=0CDwQsAQ

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Deciazulado

Maybe going back to hailing and exchanging several 70mm reels for each different showing, which takes only a minute or two to do , would make it easier for them.

Dem’s big reels to have to load –

YouTube - ‪Projecting 70mm Todd-AO‬‏

Anyway, FACTS have been written and just recently posted…with specific reference to the lens change - “it takes less than 20 min. for a trained technician to change the lens” along with other corrections to the misinformation recently circulated on some web sites.

See… http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/mkt-dig...TheFacts.shtml

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by ole geezer

I'd like to think that Mr Lucas is more concerned with getting the 2D > 3D process precisely right...

2D -> 3D conversions can be successful in the movies, see –https://forum.blu-ray.com/insider-di...ml#post4753467

As well as in real life, given the proper time and expertise - *here’s a few dollars if you gals would be kind enough to watch my car for a few moments while I go in here to get a cup of coffee* – http://www.wimp.com/disappearingprank/

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by ole geezer

Thanks for the link. An interesting conversation.

Most ‘ole geezers’ I know have an exceptional attitude , as they’ve experienced and endured most/all of life’s serious obstacles and are the wiser for it. Also, with that *seasoning*, they’ve certainly earned the right to enjoy their golden years to the fullest –
http://goingtocannes.tumblr.com/post...lage-a-classic

zee panoramic view –
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vuigd4Gk9U...oto-765696.JPG

^ Coming soon on Blu-ray….to a home theater near you, namely -

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Das-Boot-Blu-ray/20919/

Sooner…if you enjoy attending film fests in L.A. in mid-June but, this upcoming screening shan’t be at the beach.

[rickah88]

I'm sure it's been asked, but any release info on a possible US version of Tora! Tora! Tora!?? I see it's out overseas...shocker! Would really like to see this nicely remastered with a ton of bonus material. Not that I'm asking too much, of course ;-)