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

[worth]

Tora! Tora! Tora! is region-free and contains no PAL or 1080i/50 content. Fox would likely release the exact same disc in North America.

No reason not to order it from the UK.

[worth]

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

Yes and no. Lucas is doing what he always does - using the Star Wars brand to push film technology and using the technology to help sell the brand.

[Cinemave]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

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

As a viewer (and one time projectionist), I never hesitate to ask for a refund if the film is projected at less than acceptable quality. I recall sitting through the Overture of 2001: A Space Odyssey at a Cinerama theatre and realizing to my horror the projectionist never bothered to turn on the bulb as the film began. (The clue was lots of ape noises in the dark.)

This is the best way to clue the management in that their projectionist staff is less than perfect. Now, I add 2D in 3D set up to the list of unacceptable theatrical experiences.

[KubrickFan]

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

Personally, I think it's both greedy and unnecessary. Lucas manages to alter his movies again, while he once stated that things like colorization should not be done, and the original should be preserved. I really think it's the same as the colorization of black and white movies. No matter how good it looks, it simply wasn't shot that way.

[ole geezer]

Originally Posted by KubrickFan

Personally, I think it's both greedy and unnecessary. Lucas manages to alter his movies again, while he once stated that things like colorization should not be done, and the original should be preserved. I really think it's the same as the colorization of black and white movies. No matter how good it looks, it simply wasn't shot that way.

In my lifetime, I've gone from watching a small 9" B & W TV and thinking it was the cat's pajamas to watching HDTV (sometimes in 3D) on a 60" screen. I'm sure you would agree that it would be absurd on my part to long for the good ole days of pre-HDTV technology. On the contrary, I was more than willing to pay for each and every improvement that resulted in vastly improved PQ because..as a visual media, isn't that what it's all about.

Mr Lucas is spending millions of dollars preparing his "children" for what promises to be a knock your socks off....3D presentation using the absolute latest state of the art technology and, quite frankly, I'm excited about this prospect even though I've seen Star Wars about 15 times during the last 33 years and I couldn't care less that it...."wasn't shot that way".

[sharkshark]

Music to my ears (re: avoiding "poking out" 3D), thanks for the link, P.

Still haven't made it to Pirates yet, maybe tomorrow (just got back from 3000km road trip). Anyone have advice of AVX/ETX 3D vs (real screen) IMAX? Leaning towards the latter, if only for the sound.

[KubrickFan]

Originally Posted by ole geezer

In my lifetime, I've gone from watching a small 9" B & W TV and thinking it was the cat's pajamas to watching HDTV (sometimes in 3D) on a 60" screen. I'm sure you would agree that it would be absurd on my part to long for the good ole days of pre-HDTV technology. On the contrary, I was more than willing to pay for each and every improvement that resulted in vastly improved PQ because..as a visual media, isn't that what it's all about.

Mr Lucas is spending millions of dollars preparing his "children" for what promises to be a knock your socks off....3D presentation using the absolute latest state of the art technology and, quite frankly, I'm excited about this prospect even though I've seen Star Wars about 15 times during the last 33 years and I couldn't care less that it...."wasn't shot that way".

Well, that's your opinion, and you're completely entitled to it. I think movies should never be updated, because eventually it will look outdated again. Also, and I hate to bring this up again, Lucas finally said that preserving the original trilogy would be too costly, and then he goes off and uses several million dollars for a freaking 3D conversion. And again, he's entitled to do that, but give the fans of the originals something to enjoy too.
Anyway, I'm glad you're one of the few that uses "couldn't care less" correctly .

[DenonCI]

Penton,

Ran across this site and found the trailer hilarious: http://www.areyouabadteacher.com/?hs308=BTR3091M

By the way, don't be drinking anything while watching or else you may need to clean your computer monitor.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by 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 ;-)

That’s a Fox title, so, sorry, I can’t help you as I’m a SONY type guy. I can tell you about things like Das Boot ….. https://forum.blu-ray.com/insider-di...ml#post4798094

and the fact that the Blu-ray renditon was pushed back a tad (to July) in order to accommodate the LA Film Fest screening on June 21st.

I can tell you, for example, that, despite the naysayers claiming it is a fad, 3D is here to stay this time around as an imaging choice because we all see in 3D and the applications just don’t apply to filmmaking, broadcasting sporting events, gaming, etc. but are endless…from the training our soldiers for combat situations to teaching cataract surgery to surgical residents and/or experienced surgeons with the newest techniques….

http://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/assets/f...pr_aao2010.pdf

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by DenonCI

Penton,

Ran across this site and found the trailer hilarious: http://www.areyouabadteacher.com/?hs308=BTR3091M

By the way, don't be drinking anything while watching or else you may need to clean your computer monitor.

I assume you mean the Red Band trailer and the Boobie Prize Game.

Note – for those younger Blu-ray.com members, this be age-restricted content so proceed accordingly. What that means is if you lie on the submission form to get a sneak peak at this stuff and in fact are really too young to view this content, you may be irreversibly psychologically impaired for the rest of your life and the studio takes no responsibility for that occurrence.

[Penton-Man]

Today I’m here….well not on-camera (hopefully ) -

For those who can’t attend, here’s a link to the event with live streaming –
http://cinegearexpo.com/livestream.html

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

That’s a Fox title, so, sorry, I can’t help you as I’m a SONY type guy. I can tell you about things like Das Boot ….. https://forum.blu-ray.com/insider-di...ml#post4798094

and the fact that the Blu-ray renditon was pushed back a tad (to July) in order to accommodate the LA Film Fest screening on June 21st.

I can tell you, for example, that, despite the naysayers claiming it is a fad, 3D is here to stay this time around as an imaging choice because we all see in 3D and the applications just don’t apply to filmmaking, broadcasting sporting events, gaming, etc. but are endless…from the training our soldiers for combat situations to teaching cataract surgery to surgical residents and/or experienced surgeons with the newest techniques….

http://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/assets/f...pr_aao2010.pdf

Penton,
Sorry I wasn't aware of that! I will steer any/all future queries to the Sony-side! Great thread, btw! I enjoy all the knowledgeable posts.

[DenonCI]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

I assume you mean the Red Band trailer and the Boobie Prize Game.

Note – for those younger Blu-ray.com members, this be age-restricted content so proceed accordingly. What that means is if you lie on the submission form to get a sneak peak at this stuff and in fact are really too young to view this content, you may be irreversibly psychologically impaired for the rest of your life and the studio takes no responsibility for that occurrence.

Dodge Ball was fun too

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by DenonCI

Dodge Ball was fun too

Yeah, if you were the one throwing the ball.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by rickah88

Penton,
Sorry I wasn't aware of that! I will steer any/all future queries to the Sony-side! Great thread, btw! I enjoy all the knowledgeable posts.

Shucks, you’re too kind. Actually I’m only with the tour group but, I do frequently stay at the Holiday Day Inn Express –

YouTube - ‪Holiday Inn Express Meltdown‬‏

I don’t exclusively post here though. Occasionally, I do get out to some of thee other threads on the forum, as so –
https://forum.blu-ray.com/blu-ray-mo...ml#post4809834

P.S.
Hey, we have an internet connection, which you may be unaware of. I like the avatar of your dog …and I spent my formative years as a kid growing up a few stones throws from you. Still miss Maryland hard shell crabs.

[sharkshark]

saw Pirates, 3D IMAX (not faux IMAX), and thought they did a good job with the 3D.. The titles in the bottom right of screen (Spain, London, etc.) were a bit of a mess at the corner of your eye on that giant screen, but even in the hokey sword-towards-the-screen positive Z-plane shots I thought for the most part they maintained good focus and prevented it from being headache inducing and/or gratuitous.

What did you think about the use of Z-space?

[Objectivity]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

I can tell you, for example, that, despite the naysayers claiming it is a fad, 3D is here to stay this time around as an imaging choice because we all see in 3D and the applications just don’t apply to filmmaking, broadcasting sporting events, gaming, etc. but are endless…from the training our soldiers for combat situations to teaching cataract surgery to surgical residents and/or experienced surgeons with the newest techniques….

http://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/assets/f...pr_aao2010.pdf

I wouldn't be surprised if 3D is going to stick around for consumers because it seems the technology is going that way. If, in 2-3 years, every TV had 3D built in, it would become another choice for viewers, much like surround sound. I wouldn't be surprised if it were used in the same way, where it gets turned on for special events (new Blu-Ray purchases, etc.)

My question would be, worst case scenario, if everyone is buying TVs with 3D because it's built in, but research shows it's seldom used, would there still be commercial applications the way we currently see them, or could you imagine a scenario where 3D movies are relegated to event status for those that "deserve" it (Avatar, etc) and otherwise it's only used for the professional applications you mentioned above.


On a side note, I have a general question about movies shot for conversion. Many, like Thor, seem to be shot like a typical film, with 3D added to give depth ("Look, I can visualize the space between the actors). While others, Like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One, seem to have been shot with the intention of having the 3D "pop" in conversion.

I know that conversion wasn't done (yet) but to me the 3D aesthetic was still visible. There was a noticeable amount of "actor in foreground with something also of interest in the distant background, but still somewhat in focus" composition of many shots. Since that wasn't the case for previous films in the series by the same director, I'm assuming the choice to covert played a role in that process.

My question () is whether that discussion is taking place with many 3D conversion movies (even if you can't talk about HP7 directly) and if so, do you expect a style shift to take place in the near future, with those kinds of choices visually branding the films of this era in a way similar to the way you can often identify films of the 70s and other eras based on the film stock and shooting/editing styles.

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

Shucks, you’re too kind. Actually I’m only with the tour group but, I do frequently stay at the Holiday Day Inn Express –

YouTube - ‪Holiday Inn Express Meltdown‬‏

I don’t exclusively post here though. Occasionally, I do get out to some of thee other threads on the forum, as so –
https://forum.blu-ray.com/blu-ray-mo...ml#post4809834

P.S.
Hey, we have an internet connection, which you may be unaware of. I like the avatar of your dog …and I spent my formative years as a kid growing up a few stones throws from you. Still miss Maryland hard shell crabs.

Penton,
What a small world! I was down in OC last weekend(bachelor party) and we did an "all you can eat" crabfeast...I saw hermit crabs with more meat on 'em in the boardwalk shops. Our dog has been and always will be a big puppy! Loves everyone equally!
So will you be breaking LoA BD release news, or has that happened and I missed it?

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by sharkshark

saw Pirates, 3D IMAX (not faux IMAX), and thought they did a good job with the 3D.. The titles in the bottom right of screen (Spain, London, etc.) were a bit of a mess at the corner of your eye on that giant screen, but even in the hokey sword-towards-the-screen positive Z-plane shots I thought for the most part they maintained good focus and prevented it from being headache inducing and/or gratuitous.

What did you think about the use of Z-space?

Well, given the sometimes confusing nature of parallax terminology, first let’s get that in order so we’re all on the same wavelength, shall we.

Positive parallax refers to the image appearing or playing out behind the screen.
Negative parallax refers to the image appearing or playing out in front of the screen.

The overwhelming majority of ‘Pirates’ has the primary subject in the shot or scene placed so that it/he/she is slightly in negative parallax (in front of the screen). However, a lot of the movie plays out in positive parallax (behind the screen) but, it is usually not the primary subject. I think that the stereographer got it (the placement of the convergence point throughout the movie) just right . And for the record, said person will also be the supervising stereographer for The Amazing Spider-Man (ASM).

That said, if one really desires to ‘nitpick’, my one reservation to how the movie played out is that there is some inconsistency from scene to scene and shooting the film in that particular fashion was the creative choice of the DP, rather than a limitation of expertise or lack of knowledge secondary to the stereographer(s) hired for the project. In general, I believe it is much more important to be consistent with depth in 3D than it is for 2D acquisition (see my past posts on “depth budget”) but, alas, there is sometimes a dis-connect between some stereographers’ advice/input and that of cinematographers used to shooting motion pictures in 2D for years.

But, to put it into perspective, when compared to all other 3D movies exhibited to date, the consistency issue should be a minor distraction for even experienced 3D viewing audiences.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Objectivity

I wouldn't be surprised if 3D is going to stick around for consumers because it seems the technology is going that way. If, in 2-3 years, every TV had 3D built in, it would become another choice for viewers, much like surround sound. I wouldn't be surprised if it were used in the same way, where it gets turned on for special events (new Blu-Ray purchases, etc.)

My question would be, worst case scenario, if everyone is buying TVs with 3D because it's built in, but research shows it's seldom used, would there still be commercial applications the way we currently see them, or could you imagine a scenario where 3D movies are relegated to event status for those that "deserve" it (Avatar, etc) and otherwise it's only used for the professional applications you mentioned above.

Well, yes I can imagine that but, I think the more likely scenario is that in time, 3D will become more and more ubiquitous in our society as the technology undergoes further refinement. The most likely scenario is that we will someday eventually get glasses-free large displays which will be the next great milestone. It may take a while but, that’s the direction we’re headed in. After that, 360 degree autostereoscopic displays should evolve with the next technological break-through –

YouTube - ‪Sony Hologram Prototype! (360 Degree Display)‬‏

As 3D becomes more ubiquitous….with cell phones (http://now.sprint.com/alltogethernow...neric_Keywords), etc.,
I don’t think that 3D filmmaking will be limited to ‘event’ motion pictures. Despite what some think, right now, the modern 3D format is just in its infancy (heck, embryonic might even be the more accurate description) and there is a steep learning curve as to what looks good and what doesn’t. Every professional who has tried to make a good 3D film knows that firstly, you have to unlearn years of 2D filmmaking style and then you have to learn high quality 3D filmmaking techniques. Everyone can attest to the fact that even with guidance, it aint easy to do good 3D -
http://www.digitalcinemareport.com/node/2381

I’ll get back to the remainder of your post later since I’m a bit rushed this a.m.

P.S.
And just wait till all big advertisers ($$) discover the new paradigm –
http://www.digitalcinemareport.com/node/2430