WATCH: New SAW 3D Trailer!

Well all good things must come to an end and the SAW franchise is no exception ($730m+ over 7 years + 30m DVDs sold). Director James Wan's short video teaser to Lionsgate sold them on the concept and the original movie (2004) was then shot in 17 days for $1m. The film then earned $55m and the rest is history. There was a new SAW movie every year since. Lionsgate has confirmed this will be the last of them all.

I have enjoyed the long run, though the last movie kinda suffered. I am sure that they will be making it up to us with SAW 3D - in fact there will be 11 trap devices this time around which is almost double what their typical movie has. Apparently Lionsgate had to edit, re-edit and resubmit no less than 6 times to the MPAA to get an R rating instead of a NC-17.

SAW will be awarded the "Most Successful Horror Movie Series" by the Guinness Book of World Records at Comic-Con this year. Congratulations guys!

SAW 3D opens nationwide on October 29. The 3D glasses device you are now wearing on your face is about to send uncontrollable adrenaline coursing through your veins... :-)

MUST WATCH: New TRON: LEGACY Trailer!!

Whoa. Glad to see that my sources haven't let us down by endorsing TRON: LEGACY early on! Check out this wicked new trailer for the upcoming Disney Digital 3D revisit to the TRON universe and tell me what you think.

The excitement continues for the second year in a row at Comic-Con in marketing TRON. Updates will be ongoing during the show.

TRON: LEGACY will be upon us December 17.

A young Jeff Bridges! Don't forget that the 3D in this movie is supposed to rival if not best AVATAR. Be ready for it!! More when we get it...

New Photos And Art: DRIVE ANGRY!!

I have been pleasantly surprised by how DRIVE ANGRY is turning out! When I heard it was a supernatural thriller and that Nicolas Cage would be in it I knew something would be up, but to be honest I didn't think it would this enticing.

Click photos to enlarge.

It helps to have two great guys writing too. Todd Farmer and Patrick Lussier have worked together before (MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3-D) and are capable of great things, especially in 3D.

First lets take a look at Nicolas Cage as Milton, who as we now know (read below) busts out of hell itself to try to save his grand daughter's life. Cage looks darn good for this role; I hope he knocks it out of the park.

Here is the DRIVE ANGRY storyline:

In the newest 3D action-adventure from the director of MY BLOODY VALENTINE, DRIVE ANGRY stars Nicolas Cage as Milton, a hardened felon who has broken out of hell for one last chance at redemption. Intent on stopping a vicious cult who murdered his daughter, he has three days to stop them before they sacrifice her baby beneath a full moon.

He's joined by Piper (Amber Heard) – a young, sexy waitress who liberates her ex-boyfriend's cherry-red muscle car in order to help Milton. Now, the two of them are hot on the trail of the deadly leader of the cult, Jonah King (Billy Burke), who believes it is his destiny to use the baby to unleash hell on earth.

But the bloodthirsty cult is the least of Milton's problems. The police are after him too. And worse, an enigmatic killer known only as "The Accountant" (2nd Photo) – who has been sent by the Devil to retrieve Milton and deliver him back to hell. With wicked cunning and hypnotic savagery, the Accountant will relentlessly pursue Milton at high speed across the country until his mission is accomplished.

Fueled by high octane and pure rage, Milton must use his anger to go beyond all human limits to avenge his daughter’s murder, before his last chance at redemption is revoked.

Finally, let's take a look at some concept art from Summit Entertainment for the movie. They certainly gives you a feeling of despair and desperation doesn't it?

I wonder if that is Milton's daughter or granddaughter under that tree?

DRIVE ANGRY is slated for a February 11, 2011 release and has some pretty nice spacing between other 3D movies at that time - THE GREEN HORNET launches January 14 and James Cameron's SANCTUM dives in on March 4. The number of 3D screens is not as much of an issue as it used to be, but it is good to see that spacing for this project as it should benefit all involved.

Looks like a classic bridge jump scene too and the cars look decidedly older don't they? Should be cool to hear the old big block, 4 barrel V-8s kicking in.

I discovered a shot of Patrick Lussier (Director) and Steve Danton (Assistant Director) on Todd Farmer's blog and noted that the bridge they are on could very well be the jump scene bridge from the concept art. Looks quite cold at that location too.

Next up for Lussier is HALLOWEEN III (again Todd Farmer is writing) with a October 31, 2011 release. Busy guys!! Farmer is also working on a project I am really looking forward to - my buddy Thomas Janes' DEVIL'S COMMANDOS. More on that one soon. I have got a great feeling about it.

If you will note in the last image of what seems like hell or hell on earth, there is a car entering the shot from above with headlights blazing! Looks to be aimed at that same tree too.

I hope the money is spent on the right special effects too - nobody needs to see a cheesy hell. Am I right? The images look good though. And I expect great things from the Lussier/Farmer team.

Good luck putting the final touches on this film guys!

Sources: HitFix | Summit Entertainment

New THOR Photo: Hemsworth With Mjolner!

THOR photos are coming fast and furious now! Here we see Chris Hemsworth as Donald Blake (THOR's second self) trying to pick up the famous hammer Mjolner. He can't move the weapon at this stage according to /Film and their handy dandy comic consultant Harry Hopkinson.

I am beginning to see why Marvel went with Hemsworth for the role. Hope he pulls it off.

Official storyline:
Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment present the epic adventure, “Thor,” which spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is the mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth), a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and is forced to live among humans. A beautiful, young scientist, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), has a profound effect on Thor, as she ultimately becomes his first love. It’s while here on Earth that Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.

THOR hammers theaters nationwide on May 6, 2011.

Nolan's DP Wally Pfister Puts His Foot In His Mouth. In 3D No Less.

Wally Pfister, director of photography for Christopher Nolan on THE DARK KNIGHT and INCEPTION, obviously he knows what he is doing, right? Well yes, in 2D anyway. A genius even in 2D.

When Pfister compares modern 3D to a viewmaster and to IMAX, either he is being extremely ignorant of just what modern stereoscopic 3D is or he is just being abrasive? Perhaps he is getting hot under the collar because he has to answer so many questions to do with the subject. Who knows for sure?

Obviously a viewmaster is a VERY layered device. To throw all of modern 3D into that small box is indeed quite ignorant. Films shot in native 3D like AVATAR and TRON: LEGACY are far from looking through a viewmaster and are revolutionary movies that should be revered as trailblazers, not a child's toy. Perhaps he was speaking to solely 3d conversions and in that case he may have a slight semblance of a point. Pfister does not specify what brand of 3D,- so naturally the lay reader will throw them all together into just 3D. Shameful. This coming from a professional cinematographer no less.

3D vs. IMAX? Again an ignorant statement. They are not competing formats whatsoever! In fact quite often IMAX movies are shown in 3D and the two are very much intertwined. Pfister says: "I must say I'm a huge IMAX fan. I like IMAX more than I like 3-D." Is he actually trying to get consumers to think that if they like IMAX they shouldn't like 3D? Shameful.

BATMAN 3 will be a 3D movie guys. I don't know this for sure of course, but quite frankly I like how James Cameron words it (paraphrasing): It is in reverse somewhat now. It should be that filmmakers are approaching the studios with their reasons for making a movie in 3D, but in many cases today the studios are demanding 3D. In other words, DPs and directors have been sitting on the fence and not taking action to pick up 3D preemptively. Now they are suffering the consequences and are fighting the tide. Too late.

So it will be with Warner Bros. vs. Wally Pfister. Who do you think will emerge the victor? Consider that Warner Bros. is betting the bank on 3D and that all future tentpoles will be made in stereo. Who pays for the whole shot? Not Pfister. Consumers want 3D - they have spoken through an open marketplace.

If I were Wally Pfister, I would start embracing 3D as a valid medium. I would be careful what I say in public. When he said "Are you really getting more out of the story with 3-D? When you separate those different planes and you’re creating artificial depth, it looks phony to me.", do you think he knows what he is talking about? Is he talking about conversions (bad ones at that) or native 3D? Why is he not clearly defining the difference for the lay person? He must not have seen AVATAR as there was nothing phony about how Cameron was able to draw us into the movie through 3D.

If I were Wally Pfister, I would go get some 3D schooling no matter how embarrassing it would be with his experience. 3D is here, it is staying and will continue to dominate. Get over it. At least Christopher Nolan is much more diplomatic about it and sees what the end game really is: He will be creating a 3D movie at some point in the future.

I find it shameful that posts like this need to be written at all. When movie professionals stop spewing fear, uncertainty and doubt to the general public, I guess I can relent then. I count Pfister right up there with Roger Ebert. Congratulations on that Wally.

Marvel Concept Art: THOR and CAPTAIN AMERICA!

Marvel has released two new pieces of concept art (via Yahoo!) for the upcoming 2011 movies THOR and CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER.

Click photos to enlarge.

The nature of a champion is quite evident in both of them, but under completely different circumstances.

Ryan Meinerding created the CAPTAIN AMERICA piece and it truly resembles what a hero would look like during a conventional war in the 20th Century.

On the other hand, Charlie Wren's work shows THOR seemingly battling on another plane of existence or even on the side of an active volcano!

Marvel will ultimately attempt to rein in both of these heroes as well as IRON MAN and THE HULK for their AVENGERS movie. If they can pull this off, AVENGERS will be the must see comic adaption of the decade if you ask me.

Korea's Largest Theatre Chain CJ CGV Standardizes on MasterImage Digital 3D Cinema Systems

As of right now, MasterImage 3D projection systems are now in more than 70% of Korea's 3D theaters. Those are pretty impressive numbers for the company that continues to make great inroads into the marketplace.

Further, MasterImage 3D also recently entered the New Zealand exhibition market, with the sale of its first digital 3D cinema system to Palmerston North-based Downtown Cinemas, that nation's largest multiplex franchise.

Here is the Korean press release:
Burbank, California and Seoul, Korea (July 19, 2010) - 3D technology company MasterImage 3D, LLC announced today that CJ CGV, the largest theatre chain in Korea, recently converted 58 additional screens to 3D with MasterImage digital 3D cinema systems. In addition to supplying systems for all of CJ CGV's 160 3D theatres, MasterImage 3D has also installed four systems in Korea's Lotte Cinema in Suncheon.

These installations, combined with existing systems at Primus Cinema, Ya Woo Ri Cinemas and more theatres across Korea, bring MasterImage's total to 175 of the country's estimated 250 digital 3D screens -- more than 70% of Korea's total 3D exhibition market share.

CGV Manager Sung woo Kang said, "MasterImage 3D's system offers an outstanding value compared to other products on the market, and it is simple to install. Also, with the high resolution picture quality, audiences' responses to the presentation are great."

MasterImage 3D has experienced rapid growth in the demand for its digital 3D theatre systems, nearly doubling its worldwide installation in the past eighteen months. Today, the company has installed more than 1,800 systems in 40 countries worldwide (approximately 400 in the US, 770 in Europe and 700 in Asia and the rest of the world).

Younghoon Lee, founder, chairman and CEO of MasterImage 3D said, "From our US headquarters and offices in Asia and Europe we are aggressively converting theatre markets all over the world. Exhibitors are recognizing that our ownership-based model and passive-glasses approach offers them a different, and often more attractive business proposition than competitive systems and they're demonstrating that recognition by choosing MasterImage in increasing numbers."

About CJ CGV
CJ CGV (http://www.cgv.co.kr) is the largest multiplex theater franchise in Korea. Established as a joint venture consisting of CJ Group of Korea, Golden Harvest of Hong Kong and Village Roadshow of Australia, CJ CGV is independently managed by CJ Group at present. As of January 2010, CJ CGV owns 70 movie theaters nationwide. Recently, CJ CGV, as the first in Korea, opened a 3D screen in LA for advancing into the U.S. market.

About MasterImage 3D, LLC
MasterImage 3D, LLC is a stereoscopic 3D technology company that provides pioneering 3D solutions for theaters, television and handheld devices. With more than 1,800 theatre systems installed worldwide, MasterImage offers audiences the best 3D image experience, while providing exhibitors with a compelling ownership-based pricing model. The company's auto-stereoscopic (glasses-free), 3D LCD technology for mobile and electronic devices are the first commercial displays of their kind, and the company's 3D camera ASIC empowers dual camera-equipped devices that enable users to create and share 3D content. The company is gearing up to deploy millions of auto-stereoscopic units with multiple manufactures worldwide. Founded in 2004, MasterImage is privately held by Symphony 3D Holdings and is headquartered in Burbank, California with offices in Buckinghamshire, UK and Seoul, S. Korea.

MasterImage is a sponsor of MarketSaw

New THOR Pic! With Helmets!!

More and more marketing is breaking through for Marvel's THOR and with this particular photo we get a glimpse at Hogun, Fandral and definitely helmets this time around!

Many were upset with the first shot we saw of Kenneth Branagh's THOR which did not show them wearing helmets. Now you can relax!

Click the image to enlarge.

From League Of Comic Geeks: In addition to the helmets worn by Odin and Loki, the photo even reveals Huginn and Muninn - the pair of ravens that retrieve information for Odin, flying all over Midgard. You can also see Hogun (Tadanobu Asano) and Fandral (Joshua Dallas) on the right side of the throne steps. On the left, you'll see Loki and what is likely Frigga (Rene Russo), Odin's wife.

How are they going to bring THOR and company into Tony Stark's modern world for the AVENGERS? Hmmm.

Official Fox Trailer For The AVATAR Re-release Online! 8 Additional Minutes Is Coming!!

This is an official trailer, verified by Fox! Check out what James Cameron has in store for us on August 27.

I have the 2D blu-ray of AVATAR but it does it no justice when compared to big screen 3D. Count me at the head of the line!

A full 8 minutes of additional footage will be included.

Personally, I will be looking for clues as to what might make it into the sequel(s). Take this screencap from the trailer for example - Jake is playing with a mobile depicting the gas giant Polyphemus and its moons (including Pandora). QUESTION: How does a bow and arrow culture know about the shape and color of their own planet? Were they taught by humans, like Grace? Interesting!

Why INCEPTION Should Have Been Made In Native 3D

*Minor Spoilers*

I don't know about you guys but I loved INCEPTION. I saw it twice this weekend and may take it in again soon. It is hard to take it all in with only one or two screenings so a third screening is more than likely for me.

But it could have been even better. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. I think Christopher Nolan's achievement with the film is one of Hollywood's definitive moments in history. But in all seriousness he could have knocked this one out of the park with 3D.

How would INCEPTION be improved with 3D? The superb slow motion sequences, the zero gravity and 360 degree fight scenes, the various architect's environment manipulations, the chase scenes, the list goes on. 3D would have brought us into their dream states all that much more. It would have been spectacular to see the streets of Paris flip upside down in 3D and see that illusion of depth in the outdoor mirror scene.

What would have suffered or not existed at all in 3D? Parts of the movie just would not work in 3D, like the shaky cam scenes or the extremely fast cut fight sequences. Nolan could have still worked those bits in though using longer takes and less emphasis on shaky cam for realism and more on immersion. It would have worked.

Will Nolan work in 3D in the future? Yes. I don't think he has a choice - especially with his relationship with Warner Bros. who are embracing 3D wholeheartedly. It is the future of cinema.

Nolan's recent stance on 3D has been: "We did tests on 'Inception' with the different post-conversion processes, and they all went very well," Nolan told the crowd during a Q&A. "It's quite easy to do, in fact. But it takes a little time, and we didn't have time to do it to the standards that I would be happy with."

"There is no question if audiences want to watch films in stereoscopic imaging, that's what the studios will be doing, and that's what I'll be doing."

Michael Bay has no choice either. That's why TRANSFORMERS 3 will be in 3D. It is happening now whether you planned on it or not. Audiences have spoken. Both Bay and Nolan prefer to work in 35mm but with 3D pushing harder and harder, combined with the backlash against 3D conversion (which 35mm mandates) you will see both of these men start to work with digital. I don't think they will settle for 3D conversion at this point though. As that technology improves they will adjust but for now I think they will want native 3D.

In the end, I am still very satisfied with the movie. I still shake my head at times in the movie, thinking "what if" but it is a thoroughly enjoyable movie.

Attention Comic-Con Patrons! Offsite PIRANHA 3D Footage Being Shown Afterall

Dimension Films refused to give up easily. Recently, Comic-Con officials forced them to pull out their planned segment screenings of PIRANHA 3D from Hall H at the mega conference because it did not suit their idea of family oriented fare. And trust me, it doesn't.

As Alexandre Aja told my friend Brooks Barnes at the New York Times: “It doesn’t make sense to go to an event like Comic-Con and not show what the movie is,” Mr. Aja said by telephone from Montreal, where he is putting the finishing touches on the horror picture. “It’s frustrating because I was so excited to show this at Comic-Con – I made the movie for that crowd.”

So what did the Weinstein owned Dimension Films do about it? Go offsite of course! I don't know why more companies don't do this - it is an old marketing trick to not only get some free publicity through sites like this, but also it saves on costs if done right.

If you are interested in seeing all the blood and gore of a wet t-shirt contest that goes bad then here are the details:

You are invited to attend the special San Diego screening of PIRANHA 3D footage – several minutes of never-before-seen footage that is so fantastically bloody and so intense, we couldn’t show it on site at Comic-Con!

Presented by director Alex Aja
Talent Q&A immediately following the footage.
Thursday, July 22nd 10:00PM – 11:00PM
PIRANHA 3D footage screening & cast/filmmaker Q&A panel
Location: Regal Horton Plaza

Definitely check this thing out. I am hoping that this movie turns out well, I REALLY am. I am a big Aja fan. But to be honest I have heard terrible things about the project thus far so I am crossing my fingers that I am worrying about nothing. One thing is for sure though, there will be blood.

Let's Talk A Little AVATAR 2!

Got an AVATAR 2 update that many of you have been screaming to me about and yes, you are right - it is time to talk some AVATAR again!

Firstly, from one of my best sources, it is true that there is no final script or breakdown yet. There is a breakdown of the Jake / Warrior King story arc however. Further, entire sequences and situations that were developed during the production of AVATAR that were intended for the sequel(s) or simply couldn't make it into original are queued up too.

I have this confirmed from three top sources. Another source said "Yeah no ready script at all. What I've heard it's more of a pitch. But the storyline and where the characters go is already there and quasi discussed. I don't know where he (Cameron) is, but he's not in the states."

Yet another source said: "News will start to gather soon on Jim's next adventure into another world "or two", I do have news for your readers, I have heard Jim wants to push the Alien world further into the abyss. Pandora best prepare for all war, because I promise you it's on it's way."

And don't forget what we already think will take place: AVATAR 2 will continue several years after the events of the original. The oceans play a key role. It will also lay the groundwork for the other moons in the system. Things are going to get quite "weird" to the point of becoming somewhat abstract! Each movie will stand on its own and there will definitely be NO shooting the sequels back to back. Trilogy? Actually no. The sky is no limit for this universe - the plot lines are endless.

And of course don't forget this AVATAR 2 SPOILER ALERT: This is verbatim from my source...
"Oh and Pandora has a lot of shit coming its way. Break out the space marines, looks like some bugs need a stomping."

The first two quotes are from this week and those last two quotes were from late April / early May and things can change of course, especially as JC has not finalized a script but it certainly is VERY interesting. More when I get it guys. It is very hard to acquire anything that isn't there yet! But as you know we have the best internal sources for AVATAR right here and when I get - you will get it!! Hang on, it will be a heckuva ride in the coming months.

Incidently, that Neytiri pose is actually what Sideshow will be using for their upcoming Neytiri collectible. Can't wait for that one! I have not managed to get an AMP Suit to review, but I will be reviewing another 3D property soon that you will find very interesting. :-)

New Photos From Screen Gems' PRIEST!

We have some new shots from Screen Gems' new 3D movie PRIEST (via Slashfilm). Looks like a lot of fire and brimstone which is exactly how I imagined it to be. Paul Bettany continues to impress, visually at least, with the role of a legendary warrior priest during the last Vampire War.

Click photos to enlarge...

The storyline is as follows: When his 18-year-old niece is abducted by a murderous pack of vampires in the desolate wastelands outside, Priest breaks his sacred vows and ventures out to find her and seek vengeance upon those responsible, especially their brutal leader (Karl Urban). Priest is joined on his crusade by his niece’s boyfriend, Hicks (Cam Gigandet), a local outpost sheriff, and Priestess (Maggie Q), a member of his former legion of vampire-killers who has otherworldly fighting skills.

Bettany's character looks like he must have gone through hell and back. These photos further underscore my feeling that this movie is going to seriously rock. Be sure to click through to Slashfilm to view some more shots!

FIRST LOOK: Ryan Reynolds as GREEN LANTERN!!

Hey guys - check out an awesome shot of Ryan Reynolds as GREEN LANTERN on the cover of Entertainment Weekly. This movie is going to kick some serious butt. Joining Ryan Reynolds will be Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Tim Robbins, Mark Strong, Taika Waititi, Temuera Morrison, Angela Bassett, Jay O. Sanders, and Jon Tenney.

The premise is all about Reynolds playing a rookie for the Green Lantern Corps. Every Green Lantern wears a ring that grants them superpowers. When a new enemy threatens to destroy the balance of power in the universe, fate lies in the hands of their newest recruit who just happens to be the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan.

Be sure to write off the evening of June 17, 2011 as GREEN LANTERN burns into 3D theaters everywhere!

RATATOUILLE Tastes Better in 3D! Yes, Stereoscopic 3D Version May Be Coming!!

RATATOUILLE is my favorite Pixar movie to date, so when I heard from FirstShowing, who heard from Slashfilm, who heard from Bleeding Cool who heard from the original source Hey U Guys I had to pass on the great potential news! And yes, news this good spreads like wildfire on the Internet.

Hey U Guys interviewed Pixar's Stereoscopic Supervisor, Bob Whitehill, and this is what he had to say on the matter:

"Ratatouille is one that we’re exploring doing [3D conversion on] and Brad Bird is very open to some changes, you know, some very subtle changes but slight reframings. If a character’s reaching forward and a pinky goes off screen, we’ll adjust the camera and the character a little bit to have the hand on. So that said, if the director’s open to minor modifications on a library title then that’s wonderful and we’re really excited about doing that."

Obviously with TOY STORY 1 and 2 already converted and the cheese being out of the bag for RATATOUILLE as well, it is safe to assume their remaining library will be swapped over. Disney is already converting BEAUTY AND THE BEAST if you will remember. FINDING NEMO would look awesome in 3D.

Don't forget that since these animations were created in a digital 3D world to begin with, all Pixar/Disney has to do is just re-render them in 3D. There is nothing lost or artificially created. You can rest assured that Pixar will convert them the right way too!

Marvel Jumps Into 3D With Both Feet! THOR And CAPTAIN AMERICA Going Stereo!!

Well it's about time! I fully thought that IRON MAN 2 could have raked in an extra 25% minimum if it went to screens in 3D, but oh well.

Click images to enlarge. This is the first official image of Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Anthony Hopkins (Odin) and Tom Hiddleston (Loki).

Officially, it will be THOR being the first entry with CAPTAIN AMERICA coming after in 3D. Marvel is a company who meticulously maintains it's intellectual property (although some will say the current X-MEN comics are off somewhat - too many monthly titles and Wolverine is in practically ALL of them), so it is no surprise that they are going 3D with their future projects.

What will be a surprise to many is that these first two movies will be converted 3D. Yes, in spite of the slap in the face we got from TITANS and AIRBENDER many still have supreme confidence in 3D conversion. So do I. I know it can be done right. But the time and money NEEDS to be spent. It sounds like Marvel is doing it the right way.

Kenneth Branagh on 3D (LATimes): "We came to feel that in our case 3-D could be the very good friend of story and character for a different kind of experience," Branagh said, taking a break from post-production. The filmmaker said the terminology of the 3-D process initially made him cringe -- at first, it was "math and physics and way over my head," he said with a chuckle -- but then he started to pulse with the unexpected artistic opportunities. "It's another draft of the story that can reveal itself in a different way," he said. "I had a healthy degree of skepticism up front ... I've become somebody extremely excited about working with possibilities of doing it this way. A pretty careful conversation is what we've been having for quite some time about what we know has to be the most sensible decision: Is it led by story? Can this offer a different type of experience and exploit what we have in the story? It absolutely can ... we travel very long distances in the movie and the opportunity to export and exploit the journey of the hero is really offered up as a great potential enhancement here."

THOR is due to hit theaters May 6, 2011.

With CAPTAIN AMERICA, Joe Johnston investigated native 3D briefly but decided against it...--

(From LATimes): Johnston did a one-day test shooting with a 3-D rig -- as opposed to shooting in 3-D and converting -- and said it was "a nightmare" due to bulky gear, calibration issues and restricted filmmaking options. He said he's a firm believer, though, in the conversion approach if done right and he's enthused to move forward. "It's a new challenge and it's exciting," Johnston said.

Personally, it sounds like he didn't want to mix and match cameras for the various shots he has, nor take the time to truly get into shooting in 3D. A one day test? Not likely to get you to change your shooting style. You can easily use REDs or FUSION cameras for larger scenes and something like a SI-2K or even an ALEXA for more intimate shots. So sounds a bit like a cop out with an easy target to blame. To each their own though.

What both directors had better watch is to ensure their movies have a balanced 3D style to them. THE LAST AIRBENDER suffered horribly from this as the converted scenes were practically flat while the CG scenes popped like a champagne bottle (Remember those warship hulls sticking out at you?). I hate seeing movies like that almost as much as a generally bad conversion like CLASH OF THE TITANS.

CAPTAIN AMERICA is slated for a July 22, 2011 release.

I have a good feeling about them though. If Marvel can follow the conversion success of ALICE IN WONDERLAND or even the partial scenes from previous HARRY POTTERs, they should be fine.

Marvel is all about spectacle. If you think these turn out well, wait until AVENGERS. That movie is truly the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for all of this work. That project should be conceived and shot in native 3D and I will push for that at all costs. Native 3D and of course that we need to see the Iron Man Hulk Buster suit too :-) I have a little surprise coming up about that suit. More about that in an upcoming post in a month or so.

LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS Character Posters

I have some character posters from Zack Snyder's upcoming family animation LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS: THE OWLS OF GA'HOOLE thanks to the IMPAwards (via FirstShowing).

GUARDIANS is a computer-animated film based on the series of children's fantasy books Guardians of Ga'Hoole by Kathryn Lasky. Jim Sturgess, Geoffrey Rush, Rachael Taylor, David Wenham, and Emilie de Ravin voice the characters. Production took place in Australia at Animal Logic, and the film is scheduled to be released on September 24, 2010. It will be released in part in RealD 3D and IMAX 3D.

Is there any doubt that this movie will rake in the ca$h? Kids will love these adorable owls and mixed with a bit of Snyder's storytelling and admitted need to please his own kids - it is sure to succeed. Kudos to Warner Bros. for believing in the project!

DESPICABLE ME Beats All Projections And Hauls In $60.1 Million!

Universal (and Illumination Entertainment) has a solid hit on their hands. Their family 3D animation DESPICABLE ME (DM) schemed up a remarkable $60.1 million (estimated) from 5,200 screens in 3,476 theaters. In fact, it is the second best launch of a non-Pixar animation ever. Dreamworks Animation's KUNG FU PANDA opened with $60.2 million in 2008 and yes, DM could claim that mantle when the official box office receipts come rolling in tomorrow.

Early estimates had the family movie doing about HALF of what DM actually wound up earning.

3D played a major role in the box office success but strangely not as high as it has been with past animations. 45% of the receipts has come from 1,551 3D locations. A great number to be sure, but not as high as say another original animation, last year's MONSTERS VS. ALIENS. MvsA's 1,550 3D locations brought in a 56% share of receipts.

Simply said, 2D played a slightly larger role with this film, at least for the first weekend. 3D still dominated 2D of course by representing so much of the total receipts through less locations, but it is interesting to watch.

Marketing has a LOT to do with the success of this film. Who has NOT seen those pesky, yellow little critters pasted everywhere of late? I can see the appeal of those minions to both boys and girls - they are pretty darn cute, but they can also wield fart guns. Not hard to see the appeal!

New And Existing Playstation 3's Will Have 3D Blu-ray Support In September

Sony is raising the 3D bar once again! As you know, the Playstation 3 has 3D support for gaming through a firmware update that has already been made. That update did NOT have support for 3D movies on its blu-ray player however.

That is set to change in September. Sony will be releasing the next 3D update for Playstations and it will include support for playing 3D movies. Word is that 3D photo support is coming in a future release too. Sony is activating 3D across their product line and the new Cybershot DSC-TX9 will be able to grab those stereoscopic 3D photos for you.

Here is what Mick Hocking, Sony's worldwide 3D studio boss had to say:
"If you have a PlayStation 3 and you buy a 3DTV, you simply connect via your HDMI cable and your PlayStation 3 will automatically recognise that you've got a 3D display attached. It knows the size of the screen as well, which is very important for actually rendering 3D correctly and giving you the right sense of depth. And in our games you'll see the menu to play the game in 3D automatically. You don't have to press any buttons or go through any menus - it's all completely automatic and seamless, which is jolly good. We've launched four titles in June to support the 3D ready PS3 - and these are also bundled with our 3D Bravia TVs for free. If you've already purchased them [in 2D] from our PSN store, they're also free to download - or you can go along and buy them if you don't have them yet. There's Wipeout, Motorstorm, Super Stardust and PAIN - which involves throwing a character into scenery and hurting them as much as possible. All these are full games except for Motorstorm, which is a demo. In September this year, we're launching another Firmware upgrade - and this one is going to upgrade the PS3 to support Blu-ray movies in 3D. Again, you won't have to do anything - just connect your PS3. For the film market that's a very significant event. Then later in the year - we're not going to date it yet - the PS3 is going to support 3D photos. Of course the popularity of 3D isn't just going to come from movies and games. There's 3D cameras on the market, there's 3D camcorders coming on the market in the next 12 months as well, and 3D broadcasts. Crucially for us, PlayStation 3 will be able to store all types of 3D content. And we can do this through properly upgrading the Firmware on the platform. So you'll see 3D games in the next 12 months, you'll see Blu-ray movies in 3D, and as soon as the broadcasts start through our PlayTV services, you're going to watch 3D content [via that]. YouTube will be supporting 3D content over the next 12 months as well - and you'll be able to watch that on the PlayStation 3. And as you start taking 3D pictures of your family or 3D camcorder movies, you can play those back on PS3, too. It's a great purchase proposition and future proof."

Bring it on Sony. Bring it on!

Update From Sam Worthington On The CLASH OF THE TITANS Sequel And AVATAR 2!!

Sam Worthington is always great for a quote isn't he?

I remember asking him point blank at ShoWest earlier this year about the 3D conversion of CLASH OF THE TITANS vs. the native 3D of AVATAR but he deftly tap danced around it. But now Steve over at Collider had the chance to hear Sam discuss TITANS and its rather nasty conversion at length recently.

Here is what Worthington had to say about CLASH 2:
"I think we start shooting early next year and it will be 3D this time. Shot in 3D. Do put that in and make them f–king aware."

When asked about what sort of influence he has over the CLASH sequel he said:
"Well, I do that a lot anyway, trying to put a stamp on it. Whether it’s the right idea or not, it’s up to them in the end. When I read Clash 2, they came to me the other day. I said, “I kinda dig where it’s going, but can we make the character more of this? Can we make it more of that? Can I get to play a lot more and get involved and have a lot more f–king fun than just being a young man who has to stand there and look pretty?” I’m sick of doing that, so it’s kind of a case of, “How do we make Perseus a lot more fun?” So we’re sort of shaping it down that track. And Warner Bros. has been nice enough to give us a bit on input."

And SPECIFICALLY about the CLASH OF THE TITANS 3D conversion:
"The movies always change. It suddenly became a rolling, runaway train in some parts. In regards to the conversion, I’m a Jim Cameron boy, so people know my opinions."

Worthington had some interesting things to say about AVATAR's sequel as well, including his assertion that James Cameron hasn't written it yet:
"Avatar 2 will be whenever Jim decides to write it. I think he’s in Thailand at the moment or trying to save the gulf. But I’m sure he’s going to put pen to paper soon."

Can you talk about the additional eight minutes that will be in the theatrical release?
Worthington: "I wish we added eight hours. I think the first cut I saw was about six hours long."

Do you know what’s in the additional eight minutes?
Worthington: "No, I don’t. He hasn’t told us. There’s a couple of extra hunting scenes. There’s a much-speculated and blogged sex scene everyone keeps f–king harping on about. To be honest, I think everyone’s going to be disappointed that’s it’s not blue porn. ...there’s a lot of other character parts. Giovanni [Ribisi] stuff and Stephen Lang stuff. So it’s up to Jim. I know Jim would only release it if it enhanced the story by putting it back in."

Is there more stuff on Earth?
Worthington: Yeah there is. We shot all that. When we first saw all that, it didn’t [work]. You just want to get to the planet. It’s kind of a slow burn. Jim always wanted it to be a slow burn start so that you would adjust to your eyes and adjust the world, but it because too much of slow burn. It was like, “hurry the f–k up, man.”

Love his down to Earth responses! I knew he was hating the conversion of TITANS - it is just good to hear it from him even if it is in a round about way. I am looking forward to TITANS 2 now!! And AVATAR 2? We will have some VERY juicy tidbits for you quite shortly :-) Inquiring minds want to know...

3D Theatrical Commercials Starting To Come Of Age

Thought you may be interested in seeing the new 3D commercial that is running in front of THE LAST AIRBENDER for the new Lexus LFA. Sweet car of course.

Even sweeter for producer/director James Stewart of Toronto (Geneva Film Company) is that in some circles his commercial is receiving higher acclaim than the movie it preceded!

Check out the 2D version:



Nicely done! I want one.

AVATAR: SPECIAL EDITION In Theaters August 27!!

Finally some details on the long anticipated re-release of the biggest movie of all time! AVATAR will be launched for a second time on August 27 with an extra 8 minutes of new footage.

Here is the press release:
Twentieth Century Fox and James Cameron announced that AVATAR: SPECIAL EDITION will be released in theaters August 27, in a limited engagement and exclusively in Digital 3D and IMAX 3D.

This version of Cameron’s history-making and groundbreaking epic will include more than eight minutes of new footage. Since – and largely as of result of -- AVATAR’s release last December, the number of available digital 3D screens has exploded, and moviegoers who missed experiencing the film in 3D will now have that opportunity.

Commented James Cameron: "Audiences repeatedly told me they wanted more of Pandora, and wished they could have stayed there longer. So we’re making that possible. AVATAR: SPECIAL EDITION will be exclusively in 3D, and will have eight minutes of never before seen footage, including new creatures and action scenes. Whether you already love the movie, or you've never seen it, with this Special Edition, you'll be seeing it like never before."

Commented Fox Filmed Entertainment chairmen and CEOs, Jim Gianopulos and Tom Rothman: “AVATAR: SPECIAL EDITION is especially gratifying, because not only has AVATAR become one of the most beloved films in history, but after its initial theatrical release, we have been inundated with requests to re-release the film in theaters in 3D. Equally important, we’re thrilled that Jim Cameron is able to give audiences even more of what they loved about AVATAR.”

The Oscar and Golden Globe winning epic is the highest grossing film of all time, taking in over $2.7 billion in worldwide box office. It is also the top-selling Blu-ray disc of all time.

You can bet that I will be first in line! Can't wait to see that extra footage :-) And for this one, I LOVE that there will be no 2D screenings. Thanks Dimitris!

I Will Second That Rumor Of Chris Columbus Directing SUPERMAN And Raise You S3D!

I was just about to post a pure rumor that I have received about SUPERMAN while on vacation from a brand new source for us but then I read a post over on supermanhomepage passing on roughly the same info. I have to apologize to my source because he did get me this information back on July 7 but I had no Internet access to capitalize on it.

However my source passed on rumored information that has not come to light yet: Chris Columbus has actually already been HIRED (and not just offered) the role of director for the upcoming SUPERMAN movie being produced by Christopher Nolan and WB is moving forward with a stereoscopic 3D man of steel for this project!

No word from Warner Bros. on either count but they have got to get their DC comic library into high gear to stay relatively close with competing Marvel properties. Exciting rumor though isn't it?

Native 3D Is Calling MAD MAX: FURY ROAD!!

George Miller's MAD MAX sequel will be in native 3D folks. Miller himself told insidefilm: “We are doing 3D on Fury Road – we are shooting with real 3D cameras."

The $100m+ production is apparently using new 3D technology developed by Dalsa Corporation (almost sold to ARRI last year) and 3D rigs and cameras designed by Miller himself.

Miller: “We are doing 3D on FURY ROAD – we are shooting with real 3D cameras. Seven years ago we were going to shoot in 3D but the technology in cinemas wasn’t geared for it then but I always loved 3D or stereo.”

WETA is confirmed to be working on FURY ROAD's conceptual design, specialty make-up FX, costume and dummies.

According to slashfilm, there is a report in The Australian claiming that there may be a decision to make two films instead of one resulting in pushing back the shoot to February. According to the report, cast, crew, agents and film service companies are awaiting official confirmation this week.

Miller seems fully invested in 3D now as he is also working on the animation HAPPY FEET 2 in 3D. I am dying to hear more on these Mad Max features! All the power to him... although I do think bringing Mel Gibson back is a BAD idea.

Have A Look At Milla Jovovich And Her Outfits In THE THREE MUSKETEERS

I love how Milla Jovovich keeps her Twitter followers up to date on her projects - first I was tracking RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE through her account and now it is THE THREE MUSKETEERS.

Here is a shot of her in a wardrobe test dress for the movie standing in front of a mirror. For more shots, check out her Twitter photo feed here. There are another half dozen shots or so.

As far as T3M goes, I am somewhat looking forward to it. There must be something to anticipate with the talent that is attached to it right? Let's hope so. Joining Jovovich on Paul W.S. Anderson's modern retelling of the classic is Logan Lerman, Christop Waltz, Orlando Bloom, Ray Stevenson and Mads Mikkelsen.

THE THREE MUSKETEERS ride into theaters everywhere April 15, 2011.

Quick Post: New HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS Poster!

Hey guys - check out the new HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS poster just released!

Click the image for a larger shot...

Love the destruction in the poster - a sign of things to come? :-)

Did You See TITANS? How About AIRBENDER? Here Is Why You Should Reserve Judgement On 3D Conversions!

Wow. Can't a guy go on a few days vacation around here? Right now I am sitting on the coast of Nova Scotia with no cell phone service and very limited Internet. Trying to relax, while yet another 3D conversion tries to wipe 3D off the map. Of course that will not happen but still to say it is an irritant is an understatement.

So M. Night Shymalongadingdong releases the snorefest THE LAST AIRBENDER while I am gone. I actually thought at one point, given the exceptional effects and potential for a great story, that he can't miss with this one. Now I have lined up with the masses on drumming this guy out of Hollywood. Or something. I will say this: We don't know exactly whose ultimate decision it was to convert this pile of %#@* to 3D, but they should be forced to watch it on an endless loop for a week straight.

It sounds like executives saw how lousy it was going to be and as it was too late to pull the plug decided to maximize any revenue coming in by making it 3D after the fact. Sounds plausible doesn't it? If this is true, I am sick to my stomach. It would be even worse than the decision to convert CLASH OF THE TITANS because AIRBENDER executives would at least have knowledge of what can go terribly wrong through TITANS.

I have long held this belief: If you have the time (and I said TIME as in a year at least with current technology) then by all means convert your new feature length film using a reputable company. BUT if you do not have time on your side, nor the financial ability to get it done right - LEAVE IT ALONE.

Further, there are enough titles that need to be converted to 3D from a boundless library of studio classics that will keep everyone very busy for the years to come. What is going to fill the programming slots of those brand new S3DHD channels we are/will be getting? Sure 3D sports and live entertainment, but there needs to be lots of work done with those existing movie libraries. More than enough work for everyone.

But will common sense prevail? Apparently not - at least not in the short term. In fact there is a backlash mounting now against 3D conversion and if they are not careful - against ALL 3D conversions.

Here is why you should reserve judgment on 3D conversions:

1. The technology is rather young. Every month there are new strides being made in the process.
2. Certain companies are FAR better than others in converting material. In time, the better companies will rise to the top as in any capitalist market.
3. Inexperience with a new genre leads to bad decisions being made - time corrects inexperience and future decisions will reflect the errors being made today. And THEY ARE being made today.
4. Wait to see HARRY POTTER's finales in converted 3D. Then make a decision.

Are future native 3D projects threatened by this onslaught of stupid conversion decisions? No. We have AVATAR under our belts. We KNOW what a good 3D movie looks like and there is an obvious deep thirst for that entertainment. What is happening now though is that audiences are becoming fluent with 3D terminology and will start insisting on native 3D movies rather than conversions. And whose fault is it? Studio executives. I can't point the finger at anyone else right now. It is a shame. ALICE IN WONDERLAND was done very well. 3D conversion CAN be done very well.

Personally, TRON cannot get here soon enough. Disney - move the launch up will you? ;-) We need a good solid native 3D blockbuster again and I know without a shadow of a doubt that TRON: LEGACY will fit the bill. In the meanwhile I am a tad worried. I have suspected for some time now that PIRANHA is going to suck - I DIDN'T think AIRBENDER would and it did.

So could PIRANHA be a worse decision for 3D conversion? I hope not. Just keep humming the mantra TROOOOOONNNNNN. TROOOOOOONNNNN in your mind and this should all be over in a matter of months. Deal?

Exclusive: TRANSFORMERS 3 Will Be Native 3D And An Update From PACE

We have already heard that there is a strong chance that Michael Bay is shooting TRANSFORMERS 3 in native 3D via Ridley Scott. Now we have exclusive information from a person very much in the know that it is in fact happening.

...As I said in the last post, I have recently spoken with Vince Pace who is of course very well known in 3D circles.

Here is what Vince had to say about his current projects:
"Trying to lay low and do what I do best. We took delivery of the first Alexa cameras for Hugo and have 23 more on the way. Transformers has also signed on to shoot 3D throughout the film. I am working on a big Disney film but can’t mention the name and are lining up five more films. Just wrapped on additional photography for Resident Evil and Tron. Currently in Hawaii and flying out to London for Hugo."

Perfect! I can't wait to see the 3D visuals from TRANSFORMERS 3. And the unnamed Disney movie shooting in Hawaii? I would place my bets on PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES wouldn't you?

Andrew Garfield Officially Named Peter Parker For Sony's SPIDER-MAN Reboot!

BREAKING: Andrew Garfield (THE SOCIAL NETWORK, THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS) has been officially named the new Peter Parker for the upcoming Sony reboot of the SPIDER-MAN franchise!

What do you make of the decision? Apparently not even he knew about the selection until this afternoon - that is pretty tight security!

3D Geek Alert: Scorsese's 3D Steadicam Rig For HUGO CABRET And More Info On Just What Cameras He Is Using...

Got a couple of interesting behind the scenes news items for you 3D geeks out there who are following Martin Scorsese's project HUGO CABRET.

First, Andrea from 3D-Life.it sent me some cool backstage photos (which I always love receiving) which show us 3D steadicam operator Chris Fawcett using a rather interesting 3D rig setup (click for larger images). Note that you can configure the set up for an operator to stand up or sit down as needed. Be sure to click through to 3D-Life for more shots.

As these shots demonstrate, Scorsese is using a 3D beam-splitter rig (not sure of manufacturer yet) to house two ARRI Alexa cameras used with a steadicam package on a Segway! How cool is that? Makes sense that it would be quite functional too. The Segway would relieve the weight burden of carrying that equipment for the operator.

Second, I recently spoke with Vince Pace who is, as usual, extremely busy. Pace has been given the contract to supply 3D cameras and expertise for HUGO CABRET. As part of the deal, PACE has taken delivery of the first ARRI Alexa cameras and has 23 more on the way. Yes, you read that right - Scorsese approached PACE for their expertise in shooting 3D and not necessarily their proprietary Fusion 3D cameras that were used for AVATAR. That is not to say that the Fusion cameras are not being used though. To the contrary. More on that in the next post. I am sure you will be very interested...

Very cool to see PACE being tapped for their stereoscopic expertise and not just for their cameras alone. 3ality Digital is experiencing the same industry needs of late and I have pinged them for an update as well. More when I get it!