As I’m sure many of you are aware, last Friday saw the Avatar trailer hit cinemas around the world before its official release in December this year. James Cameron’s epic has caused much hype within the film industry lately, with many claiming the sci-fi movie has the potential to change the face of 3D cinema forever.
However split reactions are already emerging following the 15 minute preview. Film reviewer, Kevin Maher, thought the trailer only managed to reveal how 3D is the ideal format for demonstrating the laws of diminishing returns. According to Maher, there was nothing in the footage to suggest that “3D is anything other than a trick to squeeze more out of the giddy, yet increasingly wearisome thrills, of point-of-view movie chases.” Whereas, Paul Carter, head of cameras at Axis, believes that with more money now in the system we should see 3D cinema move forward on the back of Avatar’s release.
As far as I’m concerned the future success of 3D cinema is by no means certain, but with advances in 3D tools such as Maya, Nuke and ZBrush, there is real potential to dramatically enhance the quality of the viewing experience. However, I can understand why the scepticism exists. In the past, 3D blockbusters have gained a bad reputation with the visual effects adding little to the poor scripts and storylines. Like any major box office smash, it’s only when great directors, producers and storylines align that I think we’re going to see an era defining motion picture. Avatar definitely has the potential to be groundbreaking, and I’m looking forward to its release later this year, but its success will all come down to how good the story is – no amount of technology is going to improve a movie which lacks that basic principal.
If you’d like any information on how to get into the 3D film industry, check out our classroom courses and online 3D courses we currently have available:
