Half Of Oscar's VFX Nominations Are S3D Films...

This year's crop of nominations for best visual effects from The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has 3D very well represented. In fact half of the nods have been given to S3D movies!

Here is the list of nominations for Oscar in VFX:

- CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER (3D)
- HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS – PART 2 (3D)
- HUGO (3D)
- PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES (3D)
- TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON (3D)
- MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - GHOST PROTOCOL
- REAL STEEL
- RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
- THE TREE OF LIFE
- X-MEN: FIRST CLASS

Academy members in VFX will be able to watch 10 minute clips of all these movies on January 19 where they will select the final five movies to compete for the actual Oscar. These five final nominations will be announced on January 24 for the big Oscar show on February 26, which is a big day in itself as it's yours truly's birthday. :-)

Could we have an all 3D final for VFX Oscar? It's possible of course, but PLANET OF THE APES, REAL STEEL and X-MEN look pretty darn good.

So which one do you think will win? For me, it's TRANSFORMERS. Let's face it, the whole movie is one big Michael Bay dissertation on effects. And for what it is, it doesn't get much better. Some of those 3D scenes had my mouth agape!

DARK OF THE MOON Enjoying 60% 3D Viewers

Even with the predecessors of DARK OF THE MOON being in 2D and thus carrying an expectation of seeing it again in the same format (just like KUNG FU PANDA 2, CARS 2 and PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN), Michael Bay's TF3 is achieving 60% of revenue from 3D screens thus far. Paramount enjoyed 70% 3D screen viewings on the Tuesday evening launch.

Personally I think TF3 would have performed much better on the opening day if they had not opted for the Tuesday evening launch as many more die hard fans would have seen the Wednesday screenings. Compounding the issue is that fact that ticket prices are slashed on Tuesdays (that $5.5m it made could have been $8 or $9m), erasing some of the early income that should have been generated. Regardless, it is still the sixth largest Wednesday opening ever, despite the downturn in the economy. Total box office to Wednesday night is ~$42.8m.

I'm going to see the IMAX version of DARK OF THE MOON as well. Can't wait to compare the formats.

Stats provided by Box Office Mojo.

9 Stars - TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON Advanced Review

There are no spoilers in this review, but you are free to discuss anything you wish about the movie in the comments section below.

Click on the images to enlarge.

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON has the best 3D and action movie I have seen to date. Staggeringly well done and a must see in stereoscopic 3D. NINE STARS!

While I technically have DARK OF THE MOON (86.43/100) trailing slightly behind another action movie - THOR (88.6/100), that is only because of some issues with story and characters - NOT the visuals. If you want an entertaining and at times jaw dropping summer popcorn experience, DARK OF THE MOON is it. Michael Bay has set the bar at its current peak. Nothing has been better to date including AVATAR. As you probably know by now, it was shot with the same technology (only upgraded!).

I am ecstatic to say that the issues with bright light and native 3D have been solved - at least with this movie. It could very well be that the scenes that Bay captured with the bright sun beaming into the camera lens were converted (he did do a small portion of the movie with conversion). All I know is, the bright light hazing phenomenon is gone. In fact we are left with gorgeous lens flaring in 3D which is a genius way of adding the effect of something coming at you that is not considered startling, but to the contrary - gorgeous natural lighting! My hearty applause for that Mr. Bay!

However, there were issues with characters and story unfortunately. NOT as much trouble as with TRANSFORMERS 2 mind you! Not nearly as much. There is actually almost a very compelling character in Sentinel Prime that I was quite pleased with indeed. I say almost because so much more could have been done. Still it was a pleasure to see something develop on the screen regarding characters. I recognize the challenge in doing something with autobots though, clearly.
The story needs much more emotion and motivation. I just wasn't feeling as much as I should have been. All of that destruction and chaos for what exactly? I didn't even feel the dread of what was happening because the end result was unclear. Can't talk too much more about things with out giving it away, but there it is.

TF3 is far and away the best of the three in my mind however. If you liked the first one, stand in line baby 'cause you'll love this one. AND if you are a Leonard Nimoy / Spock fan like I am, you are in for many, MANY treats! :-) I won't say more!!

Let's breakdown the aspects of my review:

Stereoscopic 3D (10 stars):
Perfect 3D. The very very rare artifact that I detected is not worth mentioning. And as I said above, the bright light 3D issues have been resolved and I was broadly smiling from that alone. Simple static shots with the Fusion 3D system were in fact better than conversions. It is a pure capture of space with native 3D and not an interpretation and I guess that makes all the difference. Don't get me wrong - 3D conversion has come a long- way, but those native shots were definitely better. A lay person may not notice the difference, but I do. I would wager that the more they watch the movie the more chance they would see how it is superior. The best 3D I have seen to date - therefore gets a perfect 10 from me!!

Story (7 stars):
Nothing has changed all that much with the character development of Shia's Sam Witwicky or the autobots. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was a definite improvement over Megan Fox. Frances McDormand added a touch of respectibility. But when all is said and done, you are left thinking about the superb action and 3D rather than the story or characters.

The standard TRANSFORMERS humor is definitely still present and I laughed out loud several times. You'll enjoy those moments.

Acting (8 stars):
Acting was ok. Nothing too intense for sure! Shia has improved somewhat and at least he isn't running around shouting "no, no, no, no, no, no, nooooooo" if you know what I mean. Clearly Rosie is better for the movie than Megan was because Rosie has an element of class and elegance. You can see why Sam falls for her (other than looks that is).

The real stars of the movie are the action and 3D. They deserve top billing. Oscars will be piling up on the effects guys on this one no doubt.

Character Development (8 stars):
If it wasn't for Sentinel Prime I would not be happy with this category at all really for TF3. But the Nimoy driven character was very fascinating (no pun intended).

Suspension of Disbelief (9 stars):
Superlative special effects and jaw dropping 3D brought on just about perfect suspension of disbelief. It looked so real. Nothing was telling you that this couldn't happen other than the innate childishness of the autobots to begin with. But we are all past that by now aren't we? I am. Its part of our culture now.

Directing (9 stars):
There are only two directors on this planet that could deliver this type of movie. James Cameron and Michael Bay. Bay stepped up and topped himself for this effort. I think he even topped Cameron (for action that is). Cameron can weave a superb story and character arc with his action, but for pure bred, in your face, "what did I just see" action - Bay is the man. For that, he gets 9 stars.

Sound / Score (10 stars - rounded up):
Wow. Extremely well done and bone shattering. The almost perfect compliment to what is being presented on the big screen. It needs to reinforce the visuals and IT DOES in a big way.

Cinematography (10 stars - rounded up):
Amir Mokri was masterful (he's also doing MAN OF STEEL). Bay and Mokri work well together and you have to on a project like this. The coordination of the stunts, pyrotechnics, actors, camera movement / focus and Bay's vision has writing on the wall for an Oscar. It is that good.

Special Effects / Stunts (10 stars - unreserved):
The best I have seen to date. No exceptions. Therefore TF3 gets a 10 from me. I need not say more - GO SEE IT!!!

This is the movie event of the summer so far! HARRY POTTER and CAPTAIN AMERICA may have something to say about it, but for pure visuals and entertainment, you can't beat DARK OF THE MOON. I give this movie my unreserved blessing for you to go see. It is worth the money for 3D and I recommend IMAX 3D if you have it available.

Let me know what you think!!! SPOILERS ARE ALLOWED IN THE COMMENTS - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!

“TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON” Embraces Fusion 3D

I've seen the movie. It delivers on the promises! The 3D and action is staggering - full review coming up shortly...

CAMERON | PACE Group’s FUSION 3D System Shoots the First-Ever “Transformers” Story in 3D

CAMERON | PACE Group (CPG) announces it is the innovative company behind the FUSION 3D system outfitted with F35 cameras and SLATE²SCREEN™ 3D production support services for Paramount’s live-action 3D film, “TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON,” from director Michael Bay and executive producer Steven Spielberg. As the first-ever “Transformers” film to be released in 3D and the third installment in the blockbuster “Transformers” series, it will be released exclusively in 3D tonight and everywhere on June 29, 2011.

“At the start, Bay was really against using 3D as a medium,” said Vince Pace, Co-Chairman and CEO of CAMERON | PACE Group. “After working with FUSION 3D, Bay really embraced it as a creative and powerful storytelling medium and used it aggressively to capture this live-action, high-octane production.”

CAMERON | PACE Group (formerly PACE) also pioneered an advanced mobile X frame system for video engineering that allowed director Michael Bay and cinematographer Amir M. Mokri to capture “TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON” footage with complete flexibility and mobility while shooting on location in Chicago, Detroit, Florida, Houston, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles.

“FUSION 3D was able to keep up with Bay’s fast-paced shooting style and was flexible and adaptable enough to meet any of the creative or live production challenges,” said Dave Canning, 3D Engineer of CAMERON | PACE Group.

CAMERON | PACE Group's technology and innovation has resulted in over $5 billion of box office receipts and major 3D benchmarks recognized within the industry including the sci-fi epic blockbuster, “AVATAR.” The FUSION 3D system development began over a decade ago and through constant innovation has become the most utilized, creative and advanced workflow system available within the industry. Upcoming FUSION 3D productions include Paul W.S. Anderson’s “The Three Musketeers,” Martin Scorsese’s “Hugo Cabret,” Andrew Adamson’s “Cirque du Soleil,” Ang Lee’s “Life of Pi” and Carl Rinsch’s “47 Ronin” and much more.

About CAMERON | PACE Group:
CAMERON | PACE Group (CPG) is a trend-creating technology and production services firm. CPG is advancing the future of 3D across all media channels by making the most advanced products, support solutions and creative tools available and accessible to networks, studios, broadcasters, filmmakers and creative teams around the globe. The company is singularly dedicated to building upon the strong foundation of innovative technology developed by its
visionary co-founders, James Cameron, Vince Pace and Patrick Campbell and leveraging its unmatched 3D expertise to help content producers realize 3D's full potential as a creative and powerful storytelling medium. CAMERON | PACE Group was founded in 2011 by Vince Pace and James Cameron and is headquartered in Burbank, CA.

For more information, please visit, www.cameronpace.com

About the Movie:
TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON is directed by Michael Bay, written by Ehren Kruger and produced by Don Murphy & Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Ian Bryce. The executive producers are Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. When a mysterious event from Earth’s past erupts into the present day it threatens to bring a war to Earth so big that the Transformers alone will not be able to save us. The movie stars Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, John Turturro, Tyrese Gibson, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Patrick Dempsey, Kevin Dunn, Julie White with John Malkovich and Frances McDormand. It will be released by Paramount Pictures exclusively in 3D on June 28th and everywhere on June 29th.
© 2011 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

HASBRO, TRANSFORMERS and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro.
© 2011 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.

For more information on the movie, please visit, http://www.transformersmovie.com/

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON Shining Bright This Summer! Early Reviews Are In!!

I have said all along that TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON has the capability of being one of the top grossing movies of all time and everything I have seen and heard so far is pointing in that direction. Dare I say #3 all time? Yes I do dare in fact.

Michael Bay is doing EVERYTHING right here. He has shot a movie he is proud of, in 3D and the well established Transformers brand will push everything to top end predictions.

Further, Bay is pushing theater chain owners to follow the brightness standards that have been established for optimal 2D and 3D viewing. He has personally implored them to ensure that audiences get what they are paying for. Hats off to him!

But Bay hasn't stopped there. He and Paramount are releasing 2000 RealD prints that will double the brightness of what should be shown with existing standards. TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON is really going to be an event movie. Trust me.

Have a look at what critics are already saying:



I have found what some incessant anti-3D websites to be saying about the demise of 3D (they did the same thing last year and the years before that) to be simply hilarious. They keep painting themselves into a corner and then when they are trapped yet again by the mega 3D super hit that the world embraces that inevitably happens every year, they shut up. At least for a few months. It's so ridiculous its funny. Tiresome and unprofessional, but funny. It's as if there are no 2D movies that under-perform to them. I don't here them calling for the sudden demise of 2D because THE EAGLE underperformed.

So strap yourselves in - DARK OF THE MOON is almost upon us and there will truly only be one way to get the most out of the movie. 3D. See it in 2D if you want, but you will be cheating yourself. I can't wait for this event movie to get here if not so much to truly enjoy it, but to shut those incessant anti-stereo phenoms up. :-) Have fun!!

Stats courtesy of Box Office Mojo

WHOA. Stunning New TRANSFORMERS TV Clips!!

Guys - I will let the TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON clips speak for themselves. WARNING - there is more and more exposure to some intensive scenes that may spoil your pristine viewing of the motion picture on the big screen!

But, if you choose to, please ENJOY:



What do you think? Top five all time worthy? From everything I have seen, and empathic YES. Thanks for the heads up EBostock!

TRANSFORMERS: New Wingmen Featurette!

Hey guys - got a new behind the scenes (which I live for!) featurette from TRANSFORMERS for you to have a look at. I believe bits and pieces of this has been shown in other clips but this is the full on treatment in looking at these crazy building jumpers or "wingmen".

Michael Bay likes to push the boundaries in just about everything he does so why stop at stunts of all things? These guys must be a tad nuts to do these jumps. The end result should be spectacular!

Have a watch:




Early reviews have pegged TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON's 3D at par or better than James Cameron's AVATAR. That is a massive statement right there. AVATAR was mainly performance captured so to compare that to a live action bodes well for Bay.

Note that DARK OF THE MOON has been moved up to a June 29 release date!

James Cameron And Michael Bay Talk S3D!!

Love this tandem talking bread and butter 3D!! No need to introduce this thing at all other than to say they are warming up audiences for TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON which was shot in native 3D with the Cameron-Pace Group Fusion 3D system. ENJOY!



Time to bring Nolan around now... :-)

Look: New Posters For GREEN LANTERN And DARK OF THE MOON

A few new posters to have a look at today: Two for GREEN LANTERN (GL) and one for TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON (T:DOTM).

The visually creative GL creatures look amazing, not simply in their rendering but the diverse alien pedigree that will be present throughout the movie. The comic book of course provided the fodder for much of that content, but it is fascinating to see them together on one poster and in the coming scenes in the movie.

Here's the synopsis for GREEN LANTERN:
'Bringing the enduringly popular superhero to the big screen for the first time, “Green Lantern” stars Ryan Reynolds (“X-Men Origins: Wolverine”) in the title role, under the direction of Martin Campbell (“Casino Royale”).

In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan.

Hal is a gifted and cocky test pilot, but the Green Lanterns have little respect for humans, who have never harnessed the infinite powers of the ring before. But Hal is clearly the missing piece to the puzzle, and along with his determination and willpower, he has one thing no member of the Corps has ever had: humanity. With the encouragement of fellow pilot and childhood sweetheart Carol Ferris (Blake Lively), if Hal can quickly master his new powers and find the courage to overcome his fears, he may prove to be not only the key to defeating Parallax…he will become the greatest Green Lantern of all.

Campbell directs “Green Lantern” from a screenplay by Greg Berlanti & Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim and Michael Goldenberg, story by Greg Berlanti & Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim, based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics.

The film also stars Blake Lively (upcoming “The Town,” TV’s “Gossip Girl”) as the spirited Carol Ferris, a test pilot and the heir apparent to her father’s aviation company; Peter Sarsgaard (“An Education,” “Flightplan”) as scientist Dr. Hector Hammond; Mark Strong (“Sherlock Holmes”) as Sinestro, Jordan’s powerful mentor in the Green Lantern Corps; Jay O. Sanders (“Revolutionary Road”) as Carl Ferris, Carol’s aircraft designer dad; Temuera Morrison (“Star Wars” Episodes II and III) as Abin Sur, Jordan’s alien predecessor; Taika Waititi (TV’s “The Flight of the Conchords”) as flight navigator Tom Kalmaku, Hal’s good friend and confidante; Academy Award® nominee Angela Bassett (“What’s Love Got to Do with It”) as enigmatic government scientist Amanda Waller; and Academy Award® winner Tim Robbins (“Mystic River”) as Hector’s influential father, Senator Robert Hammond.

The film is being produced by Donald De Line (“The Italian Job”) and Greg Berlanti (upcoming “Life As We Know It”). Herbert W. Gains and Andrew Haas serve as executive producers. Geoff Johns and Lucienne Papon are co-producing.

The film’s behind-the-scenes creative team is led by a number of Academy Award® winners, including director of photography Dion Beebe (“Memoirs of a Geisha”), production designer Grant Major (“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”), and costume designer Ngila Dickson (“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”), as well as Oscar®-nominated editor and longtime Campbell collaborator, Stuart Baird (“Gorillas in the Mist,” “Superman”). The film’s visual effects are being overseen by Oscar®-nominee Kent Houston (“The Adventures of Baron Von Munchausen,” “Casino Royale”).

The film is currently scheduled for release in 3D and 2D on June 17, 2011. “Green Lantern” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. '

The T:DOTM poster (the first of many) has a very dominant Optimus Prime (OP) standing over Shia and Rosie but more importantly over what seems to be a downed evil decepticon. That shot with OP spinning and dealing damage to multiple decepticons looks AMAZING.

Here's the first synopsis for DARK OF THE MOON:
When a mysterious event from Earth’s past erupts into the present day it threatens to bring a war to Earth so big that the Transformers alone will not be able to save us. The movie stars Shia LaBeouf, John Turturro, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Patrick Dempsey, Kevin Dunn, with John Malkovich and Frances McDormand.

Stay tuned for more from these productions!

MUST WATCH: TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON Trailer!! Wow.

Holy Luna. This is an AMAZING trailer! I can't get over everything that Michael Bay has given us to absorb with this first look for TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON! Wow.

Rather than go on and on about it - have a look and I am sure you will have a second look too. It is that good.

Then imagine all that action in native 3D. Oh yeah, this summer is a game changer for 3D - no question. Bring it on!!



TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON opens July 1.

New TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON Official Images!

*NOTE: Apparently the trailer is set to launch April 28 at 4pm Pacific time!

Paramount has released 3 more images (via Apple in higher res) with a fourth to be revealed tomorrow prior to the trailer.

Click on the images to enlarge.

I have to say that my curiosity is through the roof on this one. Michael Bay was against 3D in the past and now he has fully embraced native 3D production and has integrated it into his style of shooting. Knowing how meticulous he is for complex scenes, the S3D should be spectacular!

And if the story pays off like he says it will, I am hoping for something magical.

Here is the storyline for T:DOTM -
The Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, are back in action, taking on the evil Decepticons, who are determined to avenge their defeat in 2009’s Transformers Revenge of the Fallen. In this new movie, the Autobots and Decepticons become involved in a perilous space race between the U.S. and Russia, and once again human Sam Witwicky has to come to the aid of his robot friends. There’s new characters too, including a new villain in the form of Shockwave, a longtime “Transformers” character who rules Cybertron while the Autobots and Decepticons battle it out on Earth.

More soon! T:DOTM opens July 1.

Michael Bay Simply Loves 3D: "It's Spectacular"

Michael Bay has come full circle and I can't wait to see the results in TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON.

Empire recently spoke with the director about the movie and using 3D. For those of you who don't know, Bay is using James Cameron / Vince Pace's technology (AVATAR) for the native 3D shots. Should be AMAZING.

Here is what Bay had to say:
“Ridley Scott once said, ‘Michael Bay and I have always been shooting in 3D.’ What he meant by that is that I always put background, mid-ground, foreground in all my shots.”

"Cameron was like, 'Mike, directors like you have to do 3D or it is going to die.' I love it when you see these things: 'The 3D event of the year!' You see it every movie. There was a recent movie where you go in and before it starts they put up a little plate: 'These scenes were not shot in 3D.' Are you kidding? I think our 3D works really well with the robots, the size, the girth, the weight of it… it’s spectacular."

I love it when an action director the caliber of Michael Bay gets amped about S3D! Who knows what we are going to see in this thing. We could be in for a serious treat here guys! I agree with Bay: We needed him on the S3D team. We got him. Love it.

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON opens July 1.

More when I get it...

Now THIS Is Cool 3D Marketing To Kids! They Will Be Watching TRANSFORMERS This Summer With 3D Helmets On!!

So cool. Hasbro has outdone themselves this time - not only have they embraced the new trend for 3rd party 3D glasses, they went ahead and integrated the lenses into TRANSFORMERS helmets that kids can wear to see the movie this summer! For those unacquanted, the yellow helmet would be Bumblebee and the blue Optimus Prime.

The helmet/glasses will be RealD theater compatible and work with most passive S3DHD television sets too.

They're called Transformers Cine-Power 3D Masks and they will sell for $9.99 - affordable for most! Look for them on shelves starting May 16 leaving about a month and a half before TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON opens nationwide.

Thanks for the PCMag link Tim!

My question is not how many kids will be wearing these things, but how many ADULTS?

Here Are The Super Bowl Spots For Upcoming 3D Movies!

Here we go guys! Got all the trailers from yesterday's Super Bowl for upcoming 3D movies - and yes, it seems RANGO will be in 3D according to Empire Theatres! Until now, I have not heard anything about it!! I will get that confirmed ASAP.

So sit back, relax and take in the trailers (in no particular order):

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES
Director: Rob Marshall
Writer: Ted Elliott
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Cast: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Penelope Cruz
Release: May 20, 2011



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CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER
Director: Joe Johnston
Writer: Christopher Markus
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Cast: Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Hugo Weaving
Release: July 22, 2011



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THOR
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Writer: Mark Protosevich
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston
Release: May 6, 2011



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TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON
Director: Michael Bay
Writer: Ehren Kruger
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel
Release: July 1, 2011



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PRIEST
Director: Scott Stewart
Writer: Cory Goodman
Studio: Screen Gems
Cast: Paul Bettany, Karl Urban, Cam Gigandet
Release: March 4, 2011



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DRIVE ANGRY 3D
Director: Patrick Lussier
Writer: Todd Farmer
Studio: Summit Entertainment
Cast: Nicolas Cage, William Fichtner, Amber Heard
Release: February 25, 2011



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RANGO
Director: Gore Verbinski
Writer: James Ward Byrkit
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Cast: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin
Release: March 4, 2011



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RIO
Director: Carlos Saldanha
Writer: Don Rhymer
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Cast: Neil Patrick Harris, Anne Hathaway, Rodrigo Santoro
Release: April 8, 2011



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KUNG FU PANDA 2
Director: Jennifer Yuh Nelson
Writer: Jonathan Aibel
Studio: DreamWorks Animation
Cast: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman
Release: May 26, 2011



I saw the TRANSFORMERS trailer in 3D in front of SANCTUM and it looked amazing! So much action and the 3D was dialed in!! I'll have a SANCTUM review up shortly.

The Top Ten Most Anticipated 3D Movies Of 2011

We have come a long way haven't we? From educating the masses that modern 3D is not about red / blue cardboard glasses and headaches to raving about the number 1 movie of all time!

Let's not forget 2010 just yet - It was a standout year for a number of reasons:
- We learned the hard way that not all 3D conversions will be well done (CLASH OF THE TITANS), yet it was still successful ($493m).
- We learned that some 3D conversions can be spectacular.
- We also learned that native 3D is still the best way to achieve stereoscopic goals.
- AVATAR achieved outrageous box office success, outdistancing the nearest non-Cameron competitor (THE RETURN OF THE KING) by almost three times. Then its subsequent DVD release broke records again!
- TOY STORY 3 broke $1 billion ($1,063,000,000).
- ALICE IN WONDERLAND broke $1 billion ($1,024,000,000).
- 3D screens have exploded everywhere. Of the 39,380 screens in the US in March, 2010 - 3,378 are 3D. 10% and growing!
- Even today, 5 of the top 7 movies are 3D. Impressive because not all screens are 3D capable yet! Indeed, two weekends ago the top three movies were 3D: TRON:LEGACY, YOGI BEAR and THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWNTREADER.
- More and more directors are coming aboard! Martin Scorsese, Werner Herzog, Michael Bay to name a few. It is a better question to ask which directors are NOT shooting in 3D these days. Like Christopher Nolan.
- Huge announcements that THE HOBBIT movies, STAR WARS movies, SPIDER-MAN reboot and Marvel's upcoming slate will be all in 3D.
- We learn that AVATAR 2 and 3 are a go with Cameron attached for his next directing projects.
- Not only has 3D movies become a part of our culture, but so has 3D gaming! The stereoscopic 3D game CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS sets records worldwide (Over $1b).
- 3DTV truly was born in 2010. Multiple 3D channels have been launched including Next3DTV, ESPN 3D, DirecTV with 3 new 3D channels and Discovery / IMAX / Sony teamed up to give us new 3D content for history, space, exploration, adventure, children's programming, science and technology. Don't forget that the 3D movies that were once in theaters and select classics are available in Blu-ray 3D too.

So with that, let's move on to 2011! The sheer number of top quality 3D projects for this year is astounding and I had a hard time selecting the bottom five. Top five were relatively easy though! Looking forward to your debate...

MARKETSAW'S TOP TEN MOST ANTICIPATED MOVIES OF 2011:

10. KUNG FU PANDA: THE KABOOM OF DOOM (May 27, 2011)
The first of this franchise did very well at the box office despite the fact this was the second to last 2D effort from DWA. I am expecting a huge opening here, rivaling CARS 2. It was a toss up between these two animations for the 10th spot, but I am looking more towards seeing the panda again. Hopefully any CARS 2 story issues have been resolved!

9. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES (May 20, 2011)
On a somewhat tighter budget leash this time around, Bruckheimer has is ace up his sleeve with Johnny Depp as Captain Jack. The 3D installment for the franchise should reinvigorate the energy.

8. HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2 (July 15, 2011)
I am anxious to see what is possible with a Potter movie that is totally 3D! We missed seeing the first one as time ran out on them, but this final installment should be done right. We'll see!

7. CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER (July 22, 2011)
The more appealing Marvel choice for me this summer is CAPTAIN AMERICA over THOR. I think the project has quality written all over it and it needs to be successful to set up a run for THE AVENGERS. I say Chris Evans nails it.

6. SANCTUM (Feb 4, 2011)
What can I say? SANCTUM is a James Cameron production which means incredible attention to detail and craftsmanship. 3D is ideal for underwater adventure so I have a great deal of anticipation for this one.

5. GREEN LANTERN (June 17, 2011)
Ryan Reynolds looks perfect for the role and despite what some say about how the trailer looks, I am 100% for it. I think this is the top super hero movie of the year. Go see it.

4. CONTAGION (Oct 21, 2011)
Steven Soderbergh has been hard at work on this thing for quite some time now. Starring Matt Damon, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Gwyneth Paltrow and Lawrence Fishburne I am expecting nothing less than a summer, edge of your seat yet cranial blockbuster.

3. HUGO CABRET (Dec 9, 2011)
Martin Scorsese's first 3D movie! What more do I need to say?? Can't wait.

2. TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON (July 1, 2011)
I have been somewhat hard on Bay in the past but I have come full circle. I think he has matured in his career and quite possibly this will be the first of many critically embraced movies. Certainly far better than TF2. The fact that Bay is merging his style of shooting with native 3D is enough for me. But promises of a better story is so enticing. The trailer looks awesome!

1. THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: THE SECRET OF THE UNICORN (Dec 28, 2011)
A no-brainer. Steven Spielberg. Peter Jackson. Working together with AVATAR technology with one of the world's most adored animation characters of all time. You can COUNT on this one being the cinematic event of the year. Without reservation.

Honorable Mention: CARS 2, THE GREEN HORNET, THOR, PRIEST, DRIVE ANGRY, HALLOWEEN 3D, THE THREE MUSKETEERS, RISE OF THE APES

My hardest decision was not including CARS 2 in my top ten. There were rumors of story issues which I am sure John Lasseter has worked out, but still personally, I am looking forward to KUNG FU PANDA slightly more at this point.

THE GREEN HORNET may surprise me! It has certainly gained some appeal with me over the past few weeks with their marketing so we will see. Not on my top ten list though.

I love the tandem of director Patrick Lussier / writer Todd Farmer and they have two top quality movies coming out in 2011: DRIVE ANGRY and HALLOWEEN 3D. I am definitely looking forward to seeing both of these but unfortunately the competition on my list this year is fierce.

THOR and RISE OF THE APES may surprise as well.

Let me know what you think! What changes would YOU make?

Sources: Variety | Box Office Mojo

New TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON Teaser Trailer!!

Well we heard about the trailer yesterday and it was released on Apple's site but here is one of the first embeds available (I prefer TrailerAddict)!

Here's the storyline:
The Autobots Bumblebee, Ratchet, Ironhide and Sideswipe led by Optimus Prime, are back in action, taking on the evil Decepticons, who are determined to avenge their defeat in 2009's Transformers Revenge of the Fallen. In this new movie, the Autobots and Decepticons become involved in a perilous space race between the U.S. and Russia, and once again human Sam Witwicky has to come to the aid of his robot friends. There’s new characters too, including a new villain in the form of Shockwave, a longtime Transformers character who rules Cybertron while the Autobots and Decepticons battle it out on Earth.

Director: Michael Bay
Writer: Ehren Kruger
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel

Release: July 1, 2011

Have a look!



Love it! The trailer is focusing on steady camera movement - at least this iteration is doing that. I can't wait to sweep in on the Eagle in stereoscopic 3D! Bring on the full trailer!! :-)

New TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON Info!!

Hey guys - Steve over at Collider had some very interesting time with Michael Bay recently - be sure and check out all the details right here.

Here is the short synopsis:
- After talking to Buzz Aldrin (who is involved in the movie), he thinks they really went to the Moon in the 60’s.
- The teaser trailer has no final effects footage. He wouldn’t even call any shot close to 80% done.
- He says you’ve got to massage every 3D shot.
- They’re ahead in the editing right now because he’s putting a lot of pressure on himself to do pristine 3D.
- Says “if you want to do proper 3D it’s a $30 million price tag.” Also “if you want to do dual eye-rendered robots, you got another 30% charge, because you got two eyes now, two different visual effects that have got to be blended. There’s more work on the visual effects shots.”
- Did 5 months of research trying to decide between post conversion and shooting in 3D. Tested everything.
- Says they will have shot 70% or so in 3D and they’ll post convert the rest.
- He has 3 full time editors working on the film due to how much has to get done in such a short period of time.
- Spends an hour and a half everyday talking to ILM via video conferencing to talk about the effects. Goes up there all the time to talk individually with the animators. Says 25% of the CG work is being done at Digital Domain and the rest at ILM.
- Regarding what they shot in 2D, says “we shot most of my close-ups with faces with anamorphic film, cause that stuff’s easier to convert and it’s just more beautiful than the digital.”
- Rosie Huntington-Whiteley talk. Says she speaks with an English accent and reveals how she got cast.
- They will have filmed in China, Los Angeles, Florida, Washington DC, Chicago, Detroit, Africa and maybe Russia. They film some stuff in Africa next month.
- Principal photography lasted 6 months.
- We’re not going to see sand in this movie. Bay made a list of things he wanted to see in the 3rd film and wanted to make sure this film was a lot different.
- Bay made it seem that this was his final Transformers movie. At the end of the day I asked him what he might do next and he said he still wants to do the smaller film he’s been talking about for years. When I asked what smaller meant, he said 20 million dollars. He said it’s a real life Pulp Fiction story.

Cool update!! I wonder if Bay has seen the new RED EPICs? Might be just the ticket for those closeups! Be sure to read the whole thing in verbatim at Collider!

Michael Bay On TRANSFORMERS 3: "Don't watch this movie in 2D, we made it for 3D!" **AND When The First Trailer May Hit!!

Oh yeah! Michael Bay is my new co-anchor here on MarketSaw!! He is touting the company line here and I am loving every minute of it.

According to ComicBookmovie, Bay speaks to the rumors that all is not well in 3D land where TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON:
"Wow, I read these morons on the internet who think they are in the know. "We have have problems with our 3D????” Really? Come into my edit room and I will show you beautiful 3D. There has never been a live action show that has pushed the boundaries of 3D like Transformers 3. We shot the entire movie with 3D cameras. I actually loved shooting in 3D.

I will give full details of my process and why I liked 3D in the next week right before the Transformers announcement piece comes out on Tron and Narnia.

And don't watch this movie in 2D, we made it for 3D.

Michael"

See? All is well and the first taste of TRANSFORMERS 3 may well be hitting us with NARNIA and TRON! :-) Gear Up!!

Official TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON Logo Revealed

Finally we have an official look at the logo for TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON instead of behind the Entertainment Tonight logo.

Click the image to enlarge.

The logo comes to us from Paramount's newly repurposed website for the movie located here: www.transformersmovie.com/

You can also sign up for updates and the Transformer's Facebook page, even though the title of that page and movie release date is still TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN - not sure what they are doing there. They need a new FB page for DOTM.

More when I get it!

Set Visit Clips From TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON! Michael Bay Revelling In 3D!!

Gotta love how Michael Bay has done a complete 180 degree turn from about a year and a half ago when I asked him his feelings on 3D! The world is definitely a better place.

Check out the first behind the scenes clip below from Entertainment Tonight and see him talking 3D beside his 3D set monitors.

And what's with Shia LeBeouf? Is he starting to catch "whatever it is" that Charlie Sheen caught from starring in WALL STREET? :-) Perhaps he is just amped up from the shooting - I don't blame him...








I could just about gag on the Entertainment Tonight tinsel, but wow - Bay knows how to orchestrate explosions does he not??