Exclusive: Stewardesses 3D In A Return Flight!

The highest grossing 3D movie of all time is making a huge comeback. Stewardesses 3D was released in 1969 (and 1971 with an R rating) and went on the rake in $27 million, and that is in 1970 dollars. To top off the windfall, it only cost $100,000 to produce! Chris Condon, who co-produced the original is now teaming with Ed Meyer of Adirondack International Pictures to bring out a remake of the original for 2009 (targeting a window around the release of Avatar).

Casting will include an "A" list of young, established stars and it will be delivered to theaters using Real D technology (my current preferred technology btw).

My take on this is that the movie will generate nostalga for the older crowds yet will bring in the teens with that A-list cast. Moreover, 2009 will be a hotbed of ticket sales as 3D takes the industry by storm with confirmed and in production releases by Dreamworks Animation and James Cameron. As I predicted earlier this year, 2009 will be the turning point for 3D in cinema and frankly, the turning point for cinema itself. Remember the excitement surrounding FM stereo from AM? Digital THX? Color from black & white? Digital 3D will trump them all.

I have added Stewardesses 3-D (2009) to my list of scheduled and rumored upcoming 3D movies.

Exclusive: Avatar Production Delayed Until Mid-November

UPDATED: Oct 25th 2007One of my inside sources close to the Avatar production has just informed me that production segments have been delayed until mid-November. It is uncertain as to why this is occuring - perhaps James Cameron needs to ensure his home and possessions are out of harm's way (Malibu fires)?

This delay throws another wrench into the gears: Michelle Rodriguez. She has to report to jail on Christmas Eve and I am uncertain if this will affect her and her role on Avatar. I would say yes it does affect things. Delays this close to possible strike actions in the new year (contracts expire June 30th) is not a good thing either.
UPDATE: I have received word from Leigh representing Michelle Rodriguez and her official website:
"Avatar has not been delayed till mid-November. They had a 1-day delay. But all is well and they're back to filming. There is no issue on the Michelle front. Everything is just fine.

L."
So it appears that Michelle's segments are indeed continuing, practically on schedule. However, as I originally posted there ARE segments of the movie which ARE delayed until mid-November based on my insider source who is attached to those said segments. Appears that the production has fragmented with parts of it getting priority and others not so much. Sounds like a reasonable approach. I will keep you posted on further developments as always.

Let's hope what needs to get accomplished does. Once it is in Weta's hands for CGI, there is not too much need for writers and actors (save for call backs).

Breaking: New Photos of Avatar Set in New Zealand

Folks - there is a massive green screen erected in Wellington for James Cameron's Avatar epic as well as production signs up - though not much hint of the "font" being used for titling! They are using containers from the nearby port to support the massive 180 degree outdoor set. The screens appear to be about 30' to 40' high.

Check out the images on this Flickr account.

Will update with more as they appear!

3D In The Home: Passive Polarised Dual Layered LCD Monitor

Home 3D television is getting closer to reality with the new 22" iZ3D. It is a joint technology development from Neurok Optics and Taiwanese LCD maker Chi Mei Optoelectronics. The monitor is quite thick as it contains two LCD panels that will show two slightly different viewpoints of an input. Officially, it is a passive-polarised dual-layered LCD monitor. Cost is around $1500.

I love seeing the rapid development cycles to bring 3D entertainment to the home! I will be bringing you more updates on these technologies as they come to light.

New 3D Movies In The Pipes

Catch up with the most recent announced 3D movie projects:

1. "Coraline" (Focus Features / Laika Entertainment)
Second half of 2008 Release
Stop-motion 3D Animation
Voices: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders and Ian McShane
Neil Gaiman’s children’s novella adaption. A secret door is uncovered by a young girl leading her to a fantasical world with a "better" outcome for her own life (kind of like who Marty McFly's life is better when he changes history in "Back To The Future"). It will be a stop-motion animation feature in 3D. Apparently the movie is being shot with still, super high resolution 3D cameras (4K). I wonder if they considered using the new Red One 3D system to achieve 4K? But seeing as though it is stop motion to begin with, still cameras are fine and cheaper (even though Red is damn affordable).

2. A Christmas Carol (Pixar / Disney)
Robert Remeckis, Jim Carrey
3D Performance Capture (Cameron / Pace Fusion Technology?)

--

3D Movie Rumors:
Transformers 2 (Paramount)
June 2009
Mark Christiansen, EVP of Operations @ Paramount hinted that it would be cool to see Transformers in 3D - AND the release date is set for June 2009 when some of the new 3D theaters may be opening up. I say may because Avatar is gonna have legs people!

Wall-E (Pixar)
Currently in high security production

For the *full* list of MarketSaw upcoming 3D movies click here.

James Cameron's Malibu Home In Flames?

A brush fire in Malibu has already taken out a few homes (and a castle) and apparently is threatening James Cameron's home as well. Cameron is in New Zealand shooting the 3D epic "Avatar" and hopefully he has someone local to Malibu to get in there and get any special belongings before the fire consumes it...

Here's hoping he stores his "Avatar", "Battle Angel Alita" and other development material in his offices and not at his house. Godspeed with your home Jim.

Confirmed: Karl Urban is Dr. Leonard McCoy

Reprising DeForest Kelley's Star Trek role as Dr. Leonard McCoy is none other than Karl Urban. Set to be released in 2009 (probably Christmas) the movie (the eleventh in the series) is to predate the original TV series and throw the eventual Enterprise crew members into some Academy adventures together.

After weeks of rumours, Paramount Pictures finally confirmed them.

While I am fairly sure it will not be a 3D movie, I am damn excited by how this movie is shaping up. Great casting so far in my mind. Abrams is having fun I can tell!

I wonder if they will write in the script how McCoy got so damn scared of the transporters - something NASTY no doubt like half a head in a floor materializing or something... :-) "I'm a doctor Jim - not a magician!!!"

Avatar Begins Production In New Zealand

The Dominion Post of New Zealand reports that James Cameron's Avatar has started production in Wellington today (errr tomorrow in New Zealand - Oct 17th). They had 80 stunt people in camo practicing maneuvers at a secret location.

They still have a month of shooting at Weta with some preliminary work completed in Hawaii. Wish I were a fly on the wall of that set!

View the Scar 3D Trailer !

Brace yourself. Scar 3D is coming soon to a 3D theater near you...
Warning: Graphic scenes may not be suitable for all. Viewer discretion is advised.

Dolby: Early 3D Theater Adopters Announced

Dolby Laboratories Inc. have today announced that many theater chains have stepped up to the plate to install their technology with an eye towards the "Beowulf" November 16th launch date which is of course in 3D. Here is there press release:

POST UPDATE: Check out my Oct 9th post update regarding pricing for the Dolby 3D vs. Real D theater technology.

October 15, 2007 09:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Exhibitors Worldwide Select Dolby 3D Digital Cinema

Dolby Expands Global Footprint of Digital 3D Technology

ShowEast 2007

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--At ShowEast today, Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE:DLB) announced a diverse array of exhibitors from both large and independent chains have selected Dolby^® 3D Digital Cinema technology to deploy on screens worldwide. This marks a significant step in Dolby’s strategy to grow its digital 3D global footprint.

A number of key exhibitors will be installing the first Dolby 3D Digital Cinema systems in locations throughout the world, including Carousel Cinemas, Cinema City, Cinetopia, Cobb Theatres, Kerasotes Theatres, Malco Theatres, Marcus Theatres, Maya Cinemas, Megaplex Theatres, Starlight Cinemas, Sundance Cinemas, Warren Theatres, Kinepolis Group of Belgium, and Supercines of Ecuador. Dolby plans to continue installing its solution on additional screens in time for Paramount Pictures’ Beowulf, opening in several territories beginning November 16, 2007.

“With the approaching release of Beowulf, Dolby is committed to installing as many Dolby 3D systems as possible,” said Tim Partridge, Executive Vice President, Products and Technology, Dolby Laboratories. “The response from exhibitors around the world has been very promising. We are delighted that Dolby is offering new technology to theaters that is highly valued by cinemagoers and continues to enhance the moviegoing experience.”

Dolby’s unique 3D solution offers exhibitors an easy-to-implement and cost-effective solution:

• The Dolby 3D technology utilizes standard white screens already in auditoriums, so exhibitors don’t have the added costs nor the image-quality compromise associated with the use of a “silver screen,” delivering a great 3D experience from every seat in the auditorium.
• The Dolby 3D Digital Cinema system supports both 3D and 2D presentations, without the need for dedicated 3D auditoriums, by adding a retractable color filter wheel accessory to the digital projector.
• Exhibitors can move a 3D movie to additional auditoriums equipped with Dolby 3D Digital Cinema systems later in the run using the standard screens.

“The Dolby 3D solution gives Malco flexibility in our theatre to present both 3D and 2D digital movies, and we are thrilled to have it installed in time for Beowulf,” said Mike Thomson, Vice President, Engineering, Malco Theatres. “Malco experienced tremendous success with the Dolby 3D beta trial back in March. We believe that digital 3D movies are going to bring new patrons to our theatres, and we are excited to have Dolby provide us with the latest technology to meet this growing consumer demand.”

The Dolby 3D Digital Light Processing^TM (DLP^®) projector retrofit kit includes an easily installed full-spectrum color filter wheel based on technology licensed from INFITEC that provides realistic color and extremely sharp images. The kit also includes a Dolby DFC100 Digital Filter Controller that automatically synchronizes the filter wheel with 3D digital content as it is projected.

Sold separately, the Dolby 3D glasses are extremely durable, lightweight, high-performance devices designed to be used hundreds of times. Initially, 3D glasses will be reusable, eliminating the need to reorder glasses and minimizing environmental impact. Because they are reusable, the expected per-ticket cost of the glasses is well below the current cost of disposable 3D glasses.

The Dolby 3D Digital Cinema solution is currently shipping.

About Dolby Laboratories

Dolby Laboratories (NYSE:DLB) develops and delivers products and technologies that make the entertainment experience more realistic and immersive. For more than four decades, Dolby has been at the forefront of defining high-quality audio and surround sound in cinema, broadcast, home audio systems, cars, DVDs, headphones, games, televisions, and personal computers. For more information about Dolby Laboratories or Dolby technologies, please visit www.dolby.com.

Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the performance, features, reliability, and capabilities of Dolby 3D Digital Cinema; the potential benefits and cost savings that studios, exhibitors, and audiences may derive from Dolby 3D Digital Cinema systems; the number and location of screens that Dolby will install Dolby 3D Digital Systems prior to the release of Beowulf; the expected per-ticket cost of the Dolby 3D glasses; the expectation that Dolby will offer disposable 3D glasses; and the anticipated market acceptance of Dolby 3D Digital Cinema systems, are "forward-looking statements" that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations. The following important factors, without limitation, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: risks that Dolby 3D Digital Cinema systems may not perform as anticipated; risks that the adoption and installation of Dolby 3D Digital Cinema, as well as the timing of such adoption and installation, by exhibitors may not occur as expected; risks associated with building market acceptance of and demand for digital cinema and 3D digital cinema in general, and for Dolby 3D Digital Cinema systems in particular, by filmmakers, studios, cinema operators, and audiences; competition risks for digital and 3D theatre technologies; rapid changes in technical requirements for movie theatrical playback technologies specifically and entertainment technologies for movies in general; risks associated with developing proprietary technologies and products based on "open standards"; risks associated with the health of the motion picture industry in general; risks associated with developing, maintaining, and strengthening relationships with industry participants; and other risks detailed in Dolby's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including the risks identified under the section captioned "Risk Factors" in its most recent Periodic Report on Form 10-Q or 10-K. Dolby disclaims any obligation to update information contained in these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Dolby and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Digital Light Processing and DLP are trademarks of Texas Instruments. S07/18836 DLB-G

Contacts

Dolby Laboratories
Joshua Gershman, 415-645-5611
joshua.gershman@dolby.com
or
mPRm Public Relations
Megan Kellett, 323-933-3399
mkellett@mprm.com

Avatar Star Barred?

I don't normally post on anything to do with casting, or the antics of movie casts on or off the set.

But quite frankly I have had it with actors who blatantly disregard the law. I am speaking of Michelle Rodriguez. A talented actor with screen presence - but not too much presence of mind apparently.

For those who don't know, she was caught for DUI and punished with a slap on the wrist - community service. Rather than do it though, she forged her court documents to show that she did her service when in fact she did not. When she admitted as much in court, they were not impressed. She now has 180 days in the slammer and a further 30 days of road clean-up duty.

Is this thing on? Hello? I was really looking forward to seeing the "Avatar" cast as originally laid out by Cameron, but c'mon. I would not be surprised if she is yanked very soon. There is a pending strike coming up as well and I am sure Cameron wants to get all the shooting and most pickups completed before and if that happens to focus on the effects.

If she had simply done her service and owed up to making a mistake which we are all capable of, then full steam ahead baby. I am not sure if there is a possibility of time off for good behavior - but heck, who can count on even that?

5 Million 3D Glasses To Be Distributed for Live Halloween TV Event !

Well normally I would not post anything about daytime television unless, of course, it was being shown in three dimensions right? Brace yourself. That omnipresent personality - Regis - and sidekick Kelly are hosting the first daytime 3D broadcast in history, "Live's 3D Halloween Spectacular" this month.

Walgreens will be distributing the 5 million requisite 3D glasses all over the U.S. Grab a pair, take the day off if you are working and enjoy!

BTW - If you have not noticed yet, I have provided a widget below highlighting some very well done LOTR masks and costumes you or your kids may be into. Check it out.

C|Net Has An Excellent Technology Primer on 3D Equipment...

Sometimes there is an article posted that challenges the 3D depths to which I would go and this is one of them. Excellent content and comparison journalism here between the new Dolby 3D technology and the current mainstay, Real D. Check out this outstanding review on C|Net News.

For the record I welcome the Dolby camp into the foray, but still lean toward the Real D solution due to the MUCH cheaper glasses (a huge component in the acceptability of the 3D technology) which in turn lends itself to branded, personable, take home 3D glasses. I do not want to wear someone else's glasses even if they have been "washed".

I believe we are first generation with this new technology and further developments will bring a balance between pragmatic needs and the consumer's fickleness. Stay tuned for more details soon on the technology from various camps, including the Cameron/Pace Fusion System in use for "Avatar".

POST UPDATE: Theaters considering the options have to weigh several concerns, among them financial. Dolby 3D sells its equipment for about $18,500, whereas Real D rents it for about $20,000 a year. But Dolby 3D's complicated glasses cost about $50 each to 50 cents for Real D's disposable plastic ones. Dolby 3D can use ordinary white movie screens, but not necessarily the largest ones; Real D needs special $5,500 silver screens to be installed but can use larger ones, permitting more audience members to watch a single screening.
Source C|Net News

Is Bob Swayed? Jackson Directed "The Hobbit" Soon To Be Announced

Is Bob Shaye swayed? As posted earlier, I believe Peter Jackson will soon be announced as the director of "The Hobbit". I have heard from an internal source that a very generous percentage sharing deal with New Line is in the works concurrently with ongoing litigation between the two parties. Further, and here is the kicker: In return for the deal, the litigation that is pending between Jackson and New Line will be withdrawn. It all hinges on continued good faith dialogue between everyone involved.

Entertainment Weekly echoes my findings as well although they stop short of saying the litigation will be dropped. "There has been a détente,” says one insider. There is now the beginning of a discourse between Peter Jackson and New Line that’s running parallel to the litigation proceedings."

I suspect that the deal will be even more lucrative than what is expected for someone of Peter Jackson's stature to help him forget about the litigation. Hey whatever works. Just. Get. Him. Directing.

Great Concept: Open Source 3D Movies !

What a great idea: The Blender Foundation has set up another go at an open source movie (short) after their initial success with "Elephant's Dream". This time the effort is known as "Peach" and it will be a 3D animated short film. Looks tremendously cool. The idea is to bring out talented 3D animators and programmers to Amsterdam from now until April 2008 - all expenses are covered by the sponsors: Airfare, accommodations, meals and top notch studio space. The city itself would be a huge attraction of course. The Blender Foundation and these developers in the community are the financiers and they are also offering a pre-order for the DVD on their website.

From the Peach website: "the movie itself and all of the production files will be published under the Creative Commons, free to be reused and for everyone to learn from. More importantly, the team is going to challenge Blender itself to the max, inspiring the entire development community to prove Blender is ready for feature quality 3D cartoons. Special attention will be paid to fur editing and rendering, and animating cartoonish characters."

Here's what they have been up to until now:

• June 16: Public call for portfolio submissions


• June 26: Closing date for submitting portfolios


• June 30: Announcement team (+ define spares)


• July 1-15: decisions on team roles, concept, how to get script, contracts, payment details


• August 3-12: Siggraph, San Diego


• August 17: Final decision on project duration and team size


• August 20-24: Preproduction workshop. With script writer, with a script! Final contracts signed with all team members


• Sept 1: Final Script

...and here's what their schedule looks like in Amsterdam (click to enlarge):

It looks like they are going to have tons of fun and who knows - maybe this will become a very viable way to make feature length 3D movies. The idea is intriguing to say the least. It has many of the overtones that a James Cameron movie may have in the future with a community of programmers designing environments and creatures for integration into CGI movies; complete with their credits at the end. If revenue sharing was part of the plan, then the sky is the limit. I am really looking forward to buying the "Peach" DVD and seeing the result. Best of luck to the team.

Links: Peach Main Site Pre-order their DVD (and get your name in the credits!)

Is Indiana Jones 4 cursed?

Just wondering. I mean last week Tyler Nelson, an extra on the Indy set spilled the beans and divulged confidential information to his hometown newspaper (which subsequently removed it) about the details of the movie (Search for a crystal skull in South America, etc). This broke a signed agreement NOT to give out those details.

And now this week a massive theft. Computers, photos and sensitive information has been stolen from the set and little is being said about it while the investigation continues.

I am starting to think that maybe there are somethings that shouldn't be touched, like the Ark Of The Covenant, The Holy Grail and perhaps tired old trilogies. I just hope no one gets hurt during the production. Seems out of control if you ask me. Interesting, but out of control.

Tintin 3D Trilogy to be penned by Steven Moffat

Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson have found their writer. Steven Moffat of Dr. Who (the most recent version) and Jekyll (both of the BBC) is challenged with the task of coming up with three adventures for Herge for both directors and a third that is yet to be announced. I am quite thrilled with the prospect of having a fresh new children's character introduced to this generation and while at the same time entertaining the masses with a great storyline and the fact that it will be in performance captured digital 3D (most likely the same tech as used in James Cameron's Avatar which is also using Weta). I will be in just about the same awe as my daughter and son while we watch these motion pictures unfold.

Peter Jackson has said that Weta will make the characters photo realistic and NOT cartoonish. Throwing them into a 3D world completes the effect. I can't wait.

The Ducks Are Lining Up: 2009 Movie Schedule

Interesting! June 26th, 2009 has been announced as the launch date of "Transformers 2" which of course brings it into James Cameron "Avatar" (3D) (Memorial Day) territory as well as "Justice League of America" (May 22, 2009). "Monsters vs. Aliens" (3D) should have petered out by then as they have adjusted their release to Easter in respect to Cameron's epic. Let me tell you, the summer of 2009 is stretching at the seams with quality releases. Count Steven Spielberg's "Interstellar" in that mix as well. Oh yeah, and a little movie called "Gears Of War" could chainsaw its way through the competition :-)

UPDATE (Sep 29th 2007): Confirmation is in that Shia Labeouf will return in Transformers 2 as well as director Michael Bay taking the helm. There is a growing possibility of that June 26th date being changed - could it be that another movie is being "Avatared"?

Motion Pictures 3D: A List of Reasons For A Paradigm Shift

It's time to evaluate just what is going to start to unfold with the coming 3D movie evolution taking place right now. Lets take a look at it in four different ways:

1. Are 3D movies affordable to make?
They can be yes. While many are hopeful that the 3D movie industry will remain expensive to prohibit smaller outfits to compete against the large studios, the fact remains that you can obtain a 3D camera system for less than ~$75,000 (based on the RED One system ($20k per camera + binocular focusing system - yet to be proven in the 3D world, but likely to make huge waves). Count me as someone very interested in obtaining one of these systems.

2. What about home entertainment sales; how can you sell a 3D movie to homes without 3D equipment?
Well you need some equipment in the home, namely some wireless, specialized glasses that are advancing in design every year. One of the problems with today's glasses for the home is that they only work on CRT (Tube) TVs - so no projection, Plasma or LCD screens which kind of defeats the purpose to begin with. After this major hurtle is overcome, I intend on selling 3D Home Videos and home theater equipment from my site www.3DHomeVideos.com. Home converters of 2D to 3D media is also a huge market.

3. What about advertising? Will there be 3D advertisements in theaters? If home theaters can handle 3D movies then why not 3D ads?
I absolutely agree! I plan on creating 3D advertisements for both pre-movie commercials and traditional posters/billboards on my site www.3Dvertise.com. A huge market will exist very soon.

4. Why is the 3D movie industry crucial to Hollywood?
Hollywood is at a crossroads today. Yes, box office receipts are breaking records, but the number of patrons attending movies has dropped (tickets cost more). Hollywood needs a way to differentiate from folks with thousands invested in home theaters. How can we get them to the cinema and secondly get them to actually pay more per ticket than today? 3D of course. And they will pay, up to 50% more. It is because it is immersive that the premium can be charged and it will be hard to reproduce at home for the short term. Another reason is that 3D movies are almost impossible to videotape and sell pirated copies, which is the way 90% of current movie piracy is done today.

Spielberg and Reitman doing Baywatch 3D!

EXCLUSIVE: A reliable source has informed me that Steven Spielberg and Ivan Reitman have purchased the rights to "Baywatch 3D" in a seven figure deal. No word on whether it is to be fast tracked or back burnered for now. But with the 3D revolution arriving in full force in 2009, one can only imagine.

Given the worldwide popularity of the TV series and throw in 3 dimensions as well, it could make a killing. Lifeguards in slow-mo, popping out at you while they run on the beach never gets old I guess.

I will have further confirmation of when production may begin and I will pass on any further details at that time. Stay tuned.

New Line Snagged with $125k Sanction: Peter Jackson Continues Push

New Line has been hit with a court ordered sanction of $125,000 for failing to produce documents in standard, due diligence discovery. Peter Jackson's attorneys may soon have the right to personally review New Line's documents including email if an audit is not delivered within 21 days.

This does not bode well for Jackson to be offered the helm of "The Hobbit". I still firmly believe that he is the ONLY choice and that the whole project should be attached to him, even if they have to sell the rights. This whole situation is ridiculous and I am seeing it over and over again - it has now migrated over to the 3D movie industry too with accusations of debts being owed and 'Pump and Dump' stock price manipulations (see this week's posts). Greed is destroying Hollywood slowly but surely just when cooperation should be at its best. With Raimi stating he has nothing to do with "The Hobbit" (dated I know, but still on the record), I fear for the outcome of the whole mess.

It certainly seems that New Line has something to hide. If they did indeed miscalculate revenue from 2001's "The Fellowship Of The Ring", then they are writing their own epitaph right now. If they came clean, all could be solved within days. Don't be shy Shaye.

UPDATE: Sep 24, 2007

U.S. Magistrate Steven Hillman said in the ruling that New Line may have destroyed documents and failed to search for documents and emails it was required by the court to produce, and cited a number of examples in which the searches were "haphazard." Jackson's suit against New Line alleges that he has not received proper accounting of income from "The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring." (Variety)

I am stunned. With the money Jackson brought to the studio their should be equitable dealings across the board. Sheesh.

Monsters vs. Aliens vs. The Easter Bunny?

In a surprise move for Dreamworks Animation, Jeffrey Katzenberg announced today that they are moving the launch of Monsters vs. Aliens back to March 27, 2009 to further widen the gap between the opening nights of it and James Cameron's Avatar. Surprising because it is the first time in DWA's history that they have not launched a major movie in the summer. Both movies are of course in 3D and with only 6000-8000 screens being able to handle the technology in 2009, the pie had better be split up.

"In 2009, summer begins on March 29," stated Katzenberg.

I personally don't blame them. Avatar is going to be huge and it makes no sense to lose screens to that behemoth of a movie. Read more about their showdown here.

Advanced Review: "The Brave One" - 8 STARS

I had the privilege to advance screen the movie "The Brave One" on Monday, September 10th. I walked in with expectation of the usual great performance by Jodie Foster and a big fan of Terrence Howard - however I had just seen Kevin Bacon's "Death Sentence" and while parts of it was worth seeing, most of the vigilante themed movie tanked. So, yes, I was skeptical that it can be pulled off in today's market.

However, I was pleasantly relieved with "The Brave One". Jodie Foster was outstanding and the plot was well conceived and executed. At times there were dramatic character transitions that were extremely hard to accomplish but the acting pulled it off. There are no words to convey those emotions and both Foster and Howard delivered.

Spoiler below. Highlight the white text to view:

Foster plays a radio show host who is by her nature out in the streets of New York a great deal, and she is in fact having a love affair with the city. She is also engaged to be married - her fiance is killed in a vicious mugging with her being seriously injured. Foster goes through a dramatic character change from someone who is in love with the city to one who is threatened by it. This is extremely hard to pull off, and at one point when she is about to leave her apartment the second time after returning from the hospital, the music itself almost ruined the acting portrayal. Should have been silence with the city being the noisy background. Aside from ill advised music interruptions, Foster becomes someone determined to protect herself. She buys a gun. She in fact has to use it. Several times. She changes again from someone in defence of herself to someone cleaning the streets of evil. Another huge acting leap accomplished. All the while this is going on, she is having a close relationship with a homicide detective played by Howard. Howard slowly becomes wise to the true identity of the vigilante murders and you are truly left wondering whether he will arrest her in the end or somehow let her go. I indeed went back and forth mentally as to whether one ending will prevail over the other several times! In the end, I was pleasantly surprised again. I had elected one ending that was going to occur and I was wrong. I am rarely wrong in judging plot lines and to be surprised - and then invigorated - with a weird sense of joy and pure rapture when she carried out her final task. A task sanctified by her new love interest Howard. I have honestly never felt such feelings toward such an act before. It is a testament to Foster's ability to pull it off. Go see this movie. The music and cinematography leave somethings to be desired but believe me the movie pulls it off. Unlike "Death Sentence".

To view the spoiler, highlight the white text above.

Here are my calculations for coming up with my rating of 8.0 stars:

Home Videos in 3D? Yes. And No Glasses!

Phillips is now showing off a $100,000 132" flat panel TV to the masses in Berlin (IFA Consumer Electronics Show) that displays 3D movies WITHOUT the polarizing glasses. It is really a combination of 9 flat panel displays linked together with what Phillips is calling their WOWvx 3D technology. It apparently will fool your brain into thinking you are seeing 3 dimensions through some special lens arrangement for each display in combination with proprietary Phillips software and hardware.

James Cameron had said that 3D televisions were in development but I had no idea that they were this ready! Awesome stuff. By the time the summer of 2009 has past us, everyone should be thinking less about HD and more about 3D. That means those 3D blockbuster movies will become available for home theater markets!

Oh yeah, I just obtained 3DHomeVideos.com, MotionPictures3D.com and 3Dvertise.com to back up my belief in the industry. I put my money where my mouth is! :-)

RED Digital 4K Camera now in 3D !

Holy stereoscopic developments Batman! Bob Johnston, Executive Producer with Paradise FX contacted me today with details of their announcement September 5th of 3D test involving the awesome and VERY affordable RED 4K cameras. Note that this test was taking two RED cameras out of the box (never tested), shooting in 3D and then screening the digital 4K HD movie THE SAME DAY. I am amazed at how fast the teams have put together a 3D solution using the highly touted RED system - a system that Steven Soderbergh recently announced he would be using for feature film shooting soon (2D as far as I know).

I love the spirit of the RED team and the repercussions that are sweeping the industry. Heck I feel tempted to get involved directly!

Here is their press release:

Press Release
September 5, 2007 Source: Studio Daily

A quantum leap in 3D content production and stereographic post-production from a tapeless workflow, resulted in a successful 3D test shoot and screening on Saturday, September 1st . Producers Steve Gibby and Kenneth Corben of GibCor, teamed up with their 3D production partners Max Penner and Tim Thomas at Paradise FX to produce one of the first stereo 3D shoots originating with RED 4K cameras. (PHOTO: Max Penner seen adjusting the Red 4K 3D Paracam. Photo Copyright Steve Gibby)

GibCor provided RED camera #8 and their associate, Billy Summers, provided RED camera #13. Both were literally “out of the box” from the first 25 RED cameras released on August 31st. The team shot a 4K 3D dual camera test, and captured REDCODE RAW to two RED 8 GB compact flash cards.

The production alliance between GibCor and Paradise FX has been in development on their RED 4K 3D projects since February in anticipation of the cameras’ release this year. “The results of this first RED 4K 3D shoot will enable us to bring great stories, shot in stereo 3D, to audiences like never before,” said producer Steve Gibby. The RED 4K cameras were fitted with a pair of RED compact zooms (18-50mm) and mounted to the Paracam. The Paracam is a 3D camera system that employs a beam splitter and has digital control of the inter-axial and convergent positioning of each of the RED ONE cameras. By Noon the team was viewing 3D content, originating from a tapeless 4K workflow.

The 4K 3D post workflow was seamless thanks to ASSIMILATE’s SCRATCH® Digital Intermediate Process Solution and technical support from Lucas Wilson of ASSIMILATE™. The 4K REDCODE RAW (.r3d) files were imported from CF cards into a beta version of REDCINE running on an Intel based Mac system. The left and right eye files were de-bayered from 4K RAW to 2K files then imported to SCRATCH as .dpx files. SCRATCH allowed for “plug and play” into Paradise’s dual projection system for quick stereo 3D playback. After the screening, veteran 3D stereographer Max Penner said, “To take 2 cameras that have never been tested out of the box, then shoot and project 3D all in one day, is almost unheard of. All done with no umbilical cables, tape decks or digitizing. This changes everything!”

In anticipation of the continued global rollout of stereoscopic 3D enabled theaters and growing content demand, Paradise FX and GibCor are in negotiations with several major studios regarding this technology and it’s implementation in the motion picture industry. This is the first of a succession of stereo 3D tests with the RED ONE camera. Ongoing tests will help to define a workflow to apply to future 3D productions in both Large Format Film and Digital Theatrical Releases. The RED ONE camera has a small 3D form factor with a high resolution at a decent price, making it highly promising for future 3D films.

www.cut4.tv
www.kennethcorben.com

Sam Raimi NOT involved with "The Hobbit" !

It looks like "The Hobbit" is Peter Jackson's baby. With New Line stating that Jackson is involved and Raimi recently saying he no longer is, it doesn't take many taters to figure out that Jackson is back at the helm directing! This is truly great news:

• Q: Are you involved with “The Hobbit”?
• Sam Raimi: I am not involved. I respect the director [Peter Jackson] a great deal and he may do it some day, so no.

Hallelujah. Now lets get on with production! Green light this sucker.

Now for some conjecture: What if Weta Digital is capable of making The Hobbit in 3D? James Cameron is using Weta Digital on his upcoming mega blockbuster Avatar which is entirely shot in 3D - imagine the movie that Jackson could come up with in that scenario? Maybe wishful thinking, but whoa what an immersive movie that would be. C'mon Peter. If you are reading this humble blog use the Cameron/Pace Fusion 3D Camera System and truly make The Hobbit the next generation of Tolkien treasure.

You can read more about James Cameron and his 3D technology within this blog. It is truly amazing technology.

New 3D Movie announced using Cameron's 3D Tech

Stereo Vision Entertainment Inc. announced that they will be using James Cameron's 3D technology for their upcoming production of "Aubrey Blaze Piranhas 3-D". The technology, known as the Cameron/Pace Fusion 3-D camera system will be used by Cameron's very own crew to film the movie for SVE.

Stereo Vision's Chairman, Doug Schwartz (Baywatch creator and executive producer) stated: "The fully manned PACE Fusion camera crew will be with me and the Stereo Vision team on the ground in Puerto Rico, for the production of the first in a series of Aubrey Blaze 3-D action adventure movies. Having the PACE commitment to work with Stereo Vision in the production of a top quality 3-D movie is great news for the Stereo Vision shareholders."

Links:
Stereo Vision Entertainment
Pace 3D Technology

Avatar 2 Planned Already??

In a recent interview with Joel David Moore on James Cameron's Avatar, when asked about a possible sequel he disclosed:

“I can’t say. I mean, people know that there’s been talks of a sequel already so that’s already out there. I would love any opportunity to work with him again, so if that is the way that the Avatar creation goes, then that’s the way that I want to go.”

It's great to hear that Jim Cameron has the studio's ear and that budgets are not an issue this time around. I speculate that Cameron is on time and on budget so far and may even finish up shooting early; though he WILL use every second he can with the special effects team @ Peter Jackson's Weta.

Source: About.com

Rumors: Movies I Am Excited About

Gotta love the rumor mill! A couple of Warner Bros. movies of interest to MarketSaw have been involved in recent banter that they are going to get green lit soon, namely:

- Logan's Run - Warner Bros.
Joel Silver is back at it again restructuring and producing this 1976 film for today's audiences. The story revolves around a society where people are executed at a certain age and anyone who denies this law is a runner. Sandmen enforce these rules. Logan was a Sandman who elected to run... hence the name.

- Shannara - Warner Bros.
Based on Terry Brooks' series of 14 novels of a half-man, half-elf family set in the future of magic and swords. According to Variety, "The Elfstones of Shannara" will be the first movie adapted (even though it is the second of the series) after finally convincing Brooks to allow his books to be filmed (My guess is his percentages may have helped his decision).

Go WB!!

Bob Shaye is Samwise???

The net is full of rumors that Sam Raimi is taking the directors helm of 'The Hobbit' with Peter Jackson reduced to producing it. Hogwash. If New Line is STUPID enough to replace the director of the LOTR trilogy with an 'ok' director (who made a mess of Spiderman 3 IMO), they are losing oh say $333,000,000. Round figures. I say the movie loses 1/3 of its take had Peter Jackson been the director. What the hell do folks have to do to smarten Bob Shaye up? Of course, it could just be rumors and Jackson is set to direct, but I don't like the way things are shaping up recently. A bad announcement may be coming. WTF? Pay Jackson what's right and do this thing already!

Being Peterwise is the better play Bob and you know it...

New Line Drawn In The Sand: Welcome Home Peter Jackson!

Well may miracles never cease! I have posted to a forum earlier that New Line will try to get Peter Jackson back for The Hobbit - and voila, Bob Shaye has recanted his previous statement that Jackson would "never work for New Line again while he’s running the studio" to “Notwithstanding our personal quarrels, I really respect and admire Peter and would love for him to be creatively involved in some way in The Hobbit.” Nice going Mr. Shaye. You may have just saved New Line from future embarrassment / financial ruin and at the same time made yourself to be a complete moron. Think twice before you black ball one of the most important people in the industry! Makes sense doesn't it? Stop screwing around with what will amount to be film history in the making and start the next process: How to get JRR Tolkien's The Children of Húrin made. WITH Jackson. And pay him what's right.
Source: LA Times

What is your top movie of 2007 so far?

What Do Gears Of War & Escape From New York Have In Common?

What Do Gears Of War & Escape From New York Have In Common?

Len Wiseman apparently. An unconfirmed source from New Line has passed on (IESB) that Wiseman is in talks to helm not one, but both of these juggernauts! I know he's good, but c'mon. They are both slated for a 2009 release and I don't like seeing directors torn in two directions when push comes to shove six months prior to release. If confirmed, those movies are certainly great to keep his momentum up after Live Free Or Die Hard and the 2 Underworlds.

More Reasons Why a Future Avatar MMORPG Will Happen...

Ever hear of Multiverse? Check out how is on their board of Advisors...

Yep, James Cameron. Like I have said in previous posts, Cameron envisions his movie going audience being fully interactive with his movies. Along comes Multiverse and who knows where they are headed if Cameron starts channeling ideas and money their way. Multiverse allows users to create their OWN WORLDS and then charge subscriptions to enter them. The potential is endless when you meld this notion with motion pictures. Imagine being able to follow a story line with you actually IN the movie watching it. "I think that car is going to blow up... hmmm I want to watch it from a high angle while falling downward - and YOU CAN.

So yes Ubisoft is coming out with a bitchin' version of Avatar. But I have my sights clearly on the horizon with whatever Cameron has up his sleeve. And that's one heckuva long sleeve.

Michelle Rodriguez Joins Avatar...

Ass-kickin' Michelle Rodriguez, most recently from the TV show 'Lost', joins Avatar and will play an ex-marine pilot according to Variety.

Steven Lang also joins as marine colonel who is on Pandora leading his fellow soldiers. Great casting obviously. Sigourney Weaver and Rodriguez fit perfectly into the sci-fi mold...

The Bourne Ultimatum: Advanced Screening Review

I promised a few movie reviews and here is the first.

The Bourne Ultimatum is simply an excellent movie. Matt Damon et al have got their tempo and adrenalin perfected now with this third installment of Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne (greatly changed from the books - but don't let that hold you back).

The length was good and the pace hardly slowed. If you are a fan of the first two, the third will satisfy that craving for more. The set locales include Paris, Tangiers and New York City and the last two cities play key roles during the chase scenes - and Bourne is being chased, make no mistake.

Below is a spoiler. Highlight the white text below to read. WARNING: SPOILER ALERT!

Jason Bourne is reintroduced through about half the movie being chased from Russia through to NYC. It explains the tie in to the ending of The Bourne Supremacy where he was talking to Landy from a building behind her. Great tie in to where he ultimately finds the answers he was looking for in where he came from as David Webb - steals documents from an office near Landy's. Awesome fight scene after Julia Stiles character sides with Bourne to assist him in his goals. Spectacular chase scenes as per the norm, especially in Tangiers where the low rise and closely compacted buildings lend itself to jumping from block to block. In the end, Bourne is still wide open to more sequels and I suspect a romantic tie in with Stiles and hints were laid to that effect from a previous relationship. Don't know if they plan to bring in some of the plot from The Bourne Legacy where Bourne finds out he has a son who is actually a better assassin than himself. Might be a stretch! Besides, Legacy was not penned by Ludlum so who knows. GO SEE THIS MOVIE! IT IS WELL WORTH EVERY CENT.

SPOILER ABOVE. HIGHLIGHT TEXT TO READ.

I will see this movie again in the theaters. Thanks to Volkswagon for the complimentary tickets, popcorn and drinks. I saw an Audi A4 and a VW Golf 4 door during the chase scenes - well done! :-)

Sigourney: Avatar has 2 parellel stories...

Sigourney Weaver recently stated (Hit) that James Cameron's Avatar will consist of two stories running together:

“I’m not allowed to give too much away, but we have parallel adventures. There’s a younger person’s story and a smaller, older person’s story all happening at the same time. All my scenes are with [Worthington]. It’s really a lovely relationship”.

She goes further into how sweeping the movie is - ambitious and romantic. "I can't wait to get back."

...neither can we Ripley. Err, Sigourney. :-)

Console Lation Prize...

Ok, finally some clarity. Hollywood Reporter reports that Jon Landau, Avatar's producer made a statement on whether the game will be a MMORPG:

"Landau said the game's narrative will not be a strict retelling of the film but instead play out as a nonlinear story that shapes itself to the player's action inside the alien world. Ubisoft's deal does not cover the rights for a massively multiplayer online game, an idea that Cameron has previously spoken about as a way to introduce players to the franchise. Landau said that game is still a possibility."

So retract my last post's statement about it being a MMO game. Thought we could go by what the big guy (James Cameron) himself had already said to BusinessWeek. Bah! MMO is the way to go. Oh well, console lation prize.

Ubisoft to build Avatar: The Game!

Game builders extraordinaire - Ubisoft - will be creating their vision of an Avatar video game to be released concurrently with the scheduled launch of the Digital 3D Avatar movie on Memorial Day 2009! I previously blogged that the game will be released at the same time, but we now have official confirmation.

James Cameron:
"For the movie Avatar we are creating a world rich in character, detail, conflict and cultural depth. It has the raw material for a game that the more demanding gamers of today will want to get their hands on - one that is rich in visuals and ideas, and challenging in play. I told the Ubisoft team I wanted them to be free to do their very best work, and not think of this as a movie-based game. They responded with a fully realized presentation which captured the soul of the world and the characters, while promising to be a knockout game on its own terms. Their passion inspired my confidence that they are going to do something transcendental."

These are words not to be taken lightly. James Cameron has said before that the game will be a MMORPG and that could very well be. Secondly, the movie Avatar is a pure bred 3D movie start to glorious finish - could the video game also be using this technology? I certainly could see Ubisoft licensing this 3D tech for their Tom Clancy FPSs like Ghost Recon? What an awesome concept!

Don't forget that Cameron has hinted at the future of film to include games and further, all those dedicated 'level builders' and 'skin modifiers' that are active in the world. Imagine their talents being applied to film as well. Given that Avatar is mostly CGI (over 60%!), it is logical to assume that perhaps those same level builders would help create those film environments - and get credit for it at the end of a film!

The Avatar experience is really starting to ramp up and it is still only the summer of '07! Stay tuned! You are gonna want to watch for updates on this one...

Monsters Blink First!

I thought so. But only a week? That's ridiculous. Its going to change again now but who cares, Avatar has won the bragging rights of the Memorial Day 2009 opening launch date in North American digital 3D theaters according to Variety.

Dreamworks had better come to their senses and move it at least 2 months away from the wake of Avatar. Can't believe that move. One week. Right...

What's new on the Avatar set??

Plenty. But nothing is being said. We are going to have to wait for the next great leak from the set to get some tidbits. Maybe we can go after Steven Spielberg or Peter Jackson - word has it they have been spending some time on James Cameron's production set to see what all the fuss is about... If that ain't an endorsement of his 3D technology, I don't know what is. Stay tuned.

Red One 4K Digital Camera: Its time to talk...

Well I have been waiting for a major player to announce their intention to use the Red One 4K Digital Camera for a feature film and it has finally happened. Steven Soderbergh will utilize the groundbreaking 4K digital camera to shoot "The Argentine" and "Guerrilla".

It is groundbreaking because there just isn't anything else that comes close to it either by technology or cost. A Red One camera can shoot movies in 4000p (remember that current HD High Definition TV is 1080p!) AND the cost is only $17,500 for the basic unit. They claim 12M pixels at up to 60fps and record 12 bit native RAW. WOW. Thats 12 Megapixels at 60 frames per second! Unfreakin' believable! And very affordable compared to whats out there.

The Benicio Del Toro vehicle films, are a biography on Che Guevara and is set in two parts - hence two films.

I can see the resemblance!

For more information on this truly definitive moment for not only HD purists, but also young and under-funded directors, check out the Red One website here.

Now if we could just get two Red One Cameras in a 3D configuration... ;-)

Avatar Na'vi

Well, well, well. Apparently there has been another leak from the James Cameron production for the upcoming Memorial Day 2009 blockbuster, Avatar!

An alien of some sort is pictured here with glowing features and I would wager that it is female. The image is truly distorted but obviously you cannot show a clear 3D image in 2 dimensions so what did you expect? Sure looks creepy though. Sure looks like she has a tail too - look closely...

Remember that James Cameron's Fusion 3D technology allows him to see an image in real-time (although at a 1980's video game resolution) as it is being shot - a huge benefit for him and the performance capture actors. I would wager a second time that this image is from that process - just simply a screen capture from the camera's system without any processing by WETA. It is awesome if this is the case, as you can see that Cameron can actually view the background as it interacts with the actors! Saves a heckuva lot of time for him and the production of Avatar. I wonder if this creature is the Na'vi? If it is, then this would be the species that would actually become the avatars for the humans on Pandora... Interesting! See the original scriptment for the movie here.

This image was sent into JoBlo.com by a steathy spy. Why not send it to MarketSaw next time dude? ;-) I like surprises, especially when it comes to Avatar...

Cinema Expo: Digital 3D Will Be Massive!

From Variety.com:

Not a day goes by at Cinema Expo without a Hollywood honcho beating the drum for 3-D. Monday it was an effervescent Jeffrey Katzenberg. Tuesday it was James Cameron. In a taped message building excitement for 2009 Fox release "Avatar," Cameron urged Euro bookers to "be ready with digital projection that is 3-D enabled," so auds can enjoy "the massive spectacle combined with intimate character" that is "Avatar."

...looking for this video on YouTube - no luck yet! Stay tuned.

Outlander Personal Blooper...

Well I might as well disclose that I am not perfect! Lol. It's not all that bad I guess. While filming Outlander and in particular the scene where I am running full tilt from the King's Longhouse to embrace Ron Perlman and his gang head on, my genuine imitation viking pants became somewhat loose and well I had to tug them up every 5 steps or so while heading into the cameras. I don't know if it is visible or not, my other hand had my sword flailing wildly but it is disconcerting to say the least. I thought I had it fixed for take two - but nope. Same thing. Big braided viking dude running to defend his king with his pants falling down. I then had one of the ladies attending to the actors to tie me and she sure did - wow that was tight. Next take I was flying! But not too too fast, one of the main BG actors fell HARD on the first take as the stone tiles were extremely slippery with rain and mud in front of the longhouse. He had to be taken to the hospital and I still don't know what happened to him to this day. Hope he is ok.

So here is hoping that take 3 makes the cut and not the first two lol. Jim Caviezel was looking right at me from about 5 feet away when we finished one of the runs - wonder if he saw the pants problem. Oh well, I guess they could have weaved in that I was in the throes of passion with my lady just as Ron Perlman decides to invade our village - I had to jump up and immediately don my viking duds for battle!!!

In between takes, we (the vikings) were talking to John Hurt and someone said "So you are our king!" to which he replied, "Yeah, but not for very long..." lol - I think that perhaps his life is short lived!

It was kind of surreal to be standing in the fake backdrop of the kings longhouse (wonderful crafted on the outside though!) with 40 other men dressed up in leathers and furs, carefully trying to avoid each others swords and spears while the conversations are about everyday life: "Yeah, I got to fly off to Toronto this week for a conference" and "I had nothing but ham sandwiches this week for lunc... ARRRRGGGGHHHHHHHHHH YEAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH GOOOOOOOOOOOO KILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL ARRRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!! ...we were often interrupted by the call of duty at hand - filming a blockbuster (and trying not to run over Mr. Hurt) :-)

More Outlander tidbits coming up! This movie rocks. Seriously. Next up - hear how to get banned from using flames during the shoot! Not that it was me...

Images provided by http://outlander.solsector.net

Paid to do what you love...

I am going to talk a bit more about the movie Outlander coming up soon - you know the Jim Caviezel, Ron Perlman, John Hurt movie with yours truly in it! Some more behind the scenes fodder. Stay tuned! Outlander (The Weinstein Company) is coming out later this year...

3D HD Live Event: King James Style!

LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers will be broadcast in 3D HD to their fans in Cleveland for Game 2 of the NBA finals! Not just any 3D experience, but the very same Fusion 3D technology developed by James Cameron and Vince Pace (PACE Technologies) for the movie 'Avatar' due in 2009!! The technology is finally becoming mainstream and I couldn't be more ecstatic. Although quite expensive at this point, the NBA is proud to be a catalyst for change - for the better.

I know I would dearly love a ticket to see that game - more so for the broadcast 3D HD version and not the live! Never thought I would ever say that. King James should have an awesome game. James Cameron that is...

Yet Another 3D Movie: Scar 3D @ Cannes

"Scar" is a slasher, torture horror film which says: 'been there, done that'. Scar 3D says: Finally! Some innovation to the Hostel inspired teen trauma flicks of late.

The film uses Real D technology which has been around a little while but always improving their stuff. While not seeing what James Cameron has in store for us in Avatar, it is fairly safe to assume some radical leapfrog's over Real D. Keep in mind also that Real D is used in most cases for converting 2D to 3D and not necessarily shooting a 3D film from the get-go.

That being said, it is awesome to see a 3D flick (not IMAX) using polarized glasses out so soon. Well done guys. This is one horror movie I will check out even though I seldom invest $ in them. The Hostel series being an exception ;-)

I will keep you up to date on 3D movies as they come available. Real time baby.