Clash of the Titans 3D Blu-ray (2010) [Region Free]

[ckenisell]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Smith

Add District 9, Star Trek (2009), The Expendibles, Inception, Prince of Persia, The Kingdom, Taken, and the Bourne Trilogy to otherwise good movies ruined by the shacky cam menace.

At least 3D is always optional and can be turned off with the press of a button. Where is the button that turns off the shacky cam on the above movies. Whats really bizzare is people who argue against 3D because it makes it more difficult for filmmakers to get away with cheap lazy camera tricks. In reality this may be 3Ds greatest benefit yet.

Jimmy, I haven't seen 3 of the movies you mentioned, but District 9 is supposed to be "Reality TV" based so shaky cam adds to the "realism". Other movies like Inception, Taken and The Bourne Trilogy all have shaky cam during the car chases or fight scenes. As long as the camera isn't severely zoomed in, I think it actually adds to the excitement. I mean, if a bunch of action is going down and the camera man is not affected, then it could be a really boring action sequence. I mean, it would be silly if the camera is completely still when the Starship Enterprise is bumped or jarred or hit with a missile, etc. Often times, these "bumps" are added in post-production too.

I see why director and DPs choose the shaky hand-held cam, but in the case of Transformers, it's done for a couple of reasons that I think is "cheating".

For one, it actually makes it easier in post production for compositing purposes because the 3D animated objects don't have to interact with the surrounding environment perfectly, like feet touching the ground (ground is part of the film plate, but characters are animated). Things can be cheated and still work.

Second, it's supposed to make us, as an audience, feel like we're in the action. Fine. But if we're too close, I'll get sick and not know what's going on. I like to be put into the action, but I AM watching the movie as an audience. I don't need to be right under Optimus Prime's crotch. And I don't mind being in the action as long as I can still tell what's going on.

A combination of shaky cam and short lenses equals cheap, cheap and, oh yeah, cheap.

I definitely don't think shaky cam + 3D is a very good idea. Especially if it's native 2D and not shot with 3D in mind. Directors are learning very quickly that shooting for 3D is a very different technique than shooting for 2D. Moreso than working with the various aspect ratios (including IMAX). They even have to consider how long they hold their shots and the transition between shots. This is why 3D animated (CG) films lend themselves well to 3D viewing. EVERYTHING can be controlled.

I'm definitely skipping Clash of the Titans in 3D. It's gonna be 2D BD rental for me.