YES! GHOST IN THE SHELL Goes 3D As Well As THE FINEST HOURS and PETE'S DRAGON Remake

The magical crew over at Disney have announced what I had hoped would happen since we started following the project way back when Spielberg had a serious interest - GHOST IN THE SHELL will be released in 3D!

I'm thrilled because not only are we finally seeing movement on the project that has been in limbo for awhile, but it will in fact be 3D. With the recent signing of Scarlett Johansson as the lead and assuming director Rupert Sanders (SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN) stays in place we could see production start in months. The release date is slated for April 14, 2017.

The movie's pedigree is outstanding of course from it's Japanese roots, from writer Laeta Kalogridis being originally involved, and William Wheeler subsequently adapting for the screen.

Here's a brief description of the original story's background:
Ghost in the Shell is a futuristic police thriller dealing with the exploits of Motoko Kusanagi, a member of the covert operations section of the Japanese National Public Safety Commission, Section 9, which specializes in fighting technology-related crime. She may be named after one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan and Shirow makes reference to them at the end of the second manga. Although supposedly equal to all other members, Kusanagi fills the leadership role in the team, and is usually referred to as "the Major" due to her past rank in the armed forces. She is capable of superhuman feats, and bionically specialized for her job — her body is almost completely mechanized; only her brain and a segment of her spinal cord are organic.

I would have loved to have seen James Cameron's BATTLE ANGEL go up against GITS, but hey - no one can argue with his attention to AVATAR 2, 3 and 4!

Further, Casey Affleck's THE FINEST HOURS moves to replace THE JUNGLE BOOK (also in 3D) which needs more time on it's visual effects. TJB moves to April 15, 2016. THE FINEST HOURS is a drama centered on the Coast Guard and sails in on October 9.

And finally, Disney's Pete's Dragon remake is slated for release on August 12, 2016 in 3D.

More updates, like native 3D / 3D conversion confirmation when I get it!

Dreamwork's GHOST IN THE SHELL Moves to Director Rupert Sanders

I was REALLY hoping Steven Spielberg himself would helm this 3D project and now I'm not sure it will retain stereoscopic 3D at all. GHOST IN THE SHELL remains at Dreamworks so I'm hopeful. The project has been passed over to Rupert Sanders (SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN) and while I like his style - what can I say, he's not Spielberg. That's not an insult by the way.

GITS is now being adapted and written by William Wheeler, but Laeta Kalogridis (SHUTTER ISLAND, AVATAR) was also involved back in 2009 and may still have her touch on the project. She is now working on TERMINATOR: GENESIS along with my pal Patrick Lussier (DRIVE ANGRY, MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3D).

Here's a brief description of the original story's background:
Ghost in the Shell is a futuristic police thriller dealing with the exploits of Motoko Kusanagi, a member of the covert operations section of the Japanese National Public Safety Commission, Section 9, which specializes in fighting technology-related crime. She may be named after one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan and Shirow makes reference to them at the end of the second manga. Although supposedly equal to all other members, Kusanagi fills the leadership role in the team, and is usually referred to as "the Major" due to her past rank in the armed forces. She is capable of superhuman feats, and bionically specialized for her job — her body is almost completely mechanized; only her brain and a segment of her spinal cord are organic.

So yeah, I was looking forward to seeing a Spielberg directed GHOST IN THE SHELL go up against a James Cameron directed BATTLE ANGEL at the box office. Wow that would have been jaw dropping. But with BATTLE ANGEL delayed until at least the AVATARs are out of the way and marketed and Spielberg stepping back from GITS, it won't happen. Oh well. At least these projects are dead. To the contrary they're brimming with life so that's the silver lining. APHRODITE IX was another female cyborg project that was floating around that hopefully will someday see projector light.

Producers Avi and Ari Avid are still attached as well as Steven Paul. Lots of muscle there to get the job done obviously. Let's hope native 3D sticks to this project!

Stay tuned for more info when I get it!

Source: Deadline

Spielberg's ROBOPOCALYPSE Has Life! Fox And Dreamworks To Co-Finance; Release Set For July 4, 2013!

There is no word yet whether Steven Spielberg's ROBOPOCALYPSE will be in 3D or not, but judging by recent sentiment from the man himself, the movie should fall into the category that would benefit from 3D. Sci-fi.

Here's a brief storyline for the movie:
In the near future, an increasingly robot-reliant society faces extinction after a computer scientist accidentally unleashes a sentient artificial intelligence named Archos.

Fox will take the movie overseas while Disney will handle the North American distribution.

The news broke today that the project has picked up massive momentum and that the financing, distribution and release date have all been set. The movie is based on the book by Daniel H. Wilson with an adaptation by Drew Goddard (CLOVERFIELD, THE CABIN IN THE WOODS).

Sounds like an exciting project! Wilson has a darker edge than a lot of writers so I am looking forward to this adaptation quite a bit. Will have more details about whether or not this thing is going 3D or not in the coming months!

Sources: THR | Deadline

How to Train Your Dragon First Impressions

UPDATE: Paramount and Dreamworks Animation have offered to reshow the film--in its true S3D form--to people who were at my screening.

Michael here. I just got back from a screening of Dreamworks' How to Train Your Dragon at The Grove in LA, and despite technical issues with the screening I greatly enjoyed the film.

First off, the screening was not in S3D. They handed out Dolby 3D glasses, but there was a mixup and the film was projected only in 2D. I kept waiting for them to fix it, and eventually stepped outside to let the theater employees know. Alas, it turned out that the projectionist thought the film was supposed to be 2D, so no fix was incoming. Funnily enough, at least half of the packed audience kept their glasses on throughout the entire film, apparently not realizing that what they were seeing was not S3D. What this says about general audience education regarding S3D is slightly troubling.

Secondly, the film went black and the sound would cut out for 20 seconds or so a few times throughout the film.

But the movie was charming, funny, and at times possessed a real lyrical beauty. The sequence where the hero, Hiccup, rides his dragon for the first time with his quasi-romantic interest gave me chills--I felt like I was soaring through the skies with them. It's different from the banshee flying sequence from Avatar, but is similarly awe inspiring. The CG is incredible throughout the film, especially the Vikings with their knotted beards and fur lined outfits.

But, most importantly, the movie has a real soul to it. I cared about Hiccup and his dragon, Toothless (which has an awesome design), and wanted the Vikings to see the error of their dragon-fighting ways. I also wanted a dragon of my own. The film is, on a fundamental level, about the relationship between a boy and his amazing, super-special pet. In fact, this type of dragon is legendary in the Viking lore, as it has never been glimpsed. The "taming" sequences between Toothless and Hiccup are a joy to behold, especially for those of us who have owned pets.

The film is probably the darkest of the Dreamworks CG animated films in both the production design and plot: the story revolves around the fact that Vikings and dragons have been killing each other for years. It also shows the consequences of battle; for instance, in a character who is missing an arm and a leg. And the final confrontation is very intense, with lives on the line throughout. The story itself is also mature, dealing with the relationship between Hiccup and his dragon-killing Viking father who wants him to follow in his footsteps, but has only been dissappointed in his son thus far. The story is also a coming of age tale, showing Hiccup's growth as he learns to stand by what he believes is right.

The movie has many funny moments. Thankfully all of the laughs in the film come from the plot and the characters, not cheap gags or pop-culture references.

My only criticism of the film is that what turns out to be the "bad guy" is not given enough explanation. I was hoping to learn more about this creature. But the battle with it does make for a thrilling action sequence.

I missed about 10 minutes of the film while trying to get them to turn on the 3D, but I was so caught up in the story that I watched the rest of the movie in 2D anyway instead of holding out for a pristine viewing experience, just to see what would happen. This, in my opinion, is the mark of a successful film. I look forward to seeing this again (Dreamworks has offered to show it in its true S3D form), this time in gorgeous S3D.

Quick Post: Kalogridis Writing GitS

Jim here. Variety is reporting that Laeta Kalogridis is writing GHOST IN THE SHELL (GitS) for Dreamworks. Not a huge surprise here at all as clearly the writer is able to form strong stories for leading ladies (BATTLE ANGEL - though it seems the version has been shelved) and we had suspected as much.

Of course we knew about Spielberg obtaining GitS' rights back in April 2008. And, YES, it is in stereoscopic 3D!

Another strong female lead to watch out for is Top Cow's APHRODITE IX.

Dreamworks Sees 3D With View-Master Deal?

Jim here. According to THR, Dreamworks is in talks to buy the movie rights to Mattel's View-Master to produce some good wholesome family fare for theaters.

Apparently Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci will be attached to produce and bring their TRANSFORMERS touch to the project. Further, Brad Caleb Kane is set to pen the movie.

Kane tweeted this message over the weekend (and it has since been taken down): "It'll be like the old '80s Amblin movies: 'Goonies,' 'Young Sherlock' ... in that vein."

Do you remember YOUNG SHERLOCK? Man, I do. To me that was classic Spielberg with the stained glass coming to life. I was thrilled with that movie. I am all for a trip back to those wide eyed days of youth.

If this isn't a 3D movie I will be terribly disappointed - but it makes sense doesn't it? I mean thats what a View-Master does! I used to stare into those for hours. Don't let me down Dreamworks!

How to Train Your Dragon Image

Michael here.  After seeing the wonderful Monsters Vs. Aliens this past Sunday, I can't wait for How to Train Your Dragon, Dreamworks' second 3D film.  The story sounds great and the art design looks fantastic.  Here's the plot description:

Meet Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, heir of the Viking chiefdom, but a boy with one very big problem: a hero he is not. "How to Train Your Dragon' is the riotous story of Hiccup's quest to hunt down the fiercest dragon, bring it into submission, and—hopefully—pass his initiation. Instead, he ends up with the smallest, most ornery dragon—it's even toothless! Thus begins the hijinx of the world's most lovable, unlikely hero and a most reluctant "beast." Packed with energetic drawings and plenty of action, this boisterous tale is just right for fantasy fans or anyone with a spirit of adventure. Based on the book by Cressida Cowell.

How to Train Your Dragon flies into 3D theaters March 26, 2010

source: animatoons via comingsoon.net

Monsters Vs. Aliens Review!

Hi everyone, Michael here.  I had the privilege of attending Dreamworks' crew screening of Monsters Vs. Aliens yesterday at the 3000+ seat Gibson Ampitheatre at Universal Studios, and my first impression soon after the film started was that I had never before seen 3D this immersive and effectively woven into the fabric of a movie.

As many of you know, Monsters Vs. Aliens is the first 3D Dreamworks release, as well as the first major animated movie to be designed with 3D in mind from story conception through final rendering.  The result of this design philosophy is evident on-screen: watching Monsters Vs. Aliens is often a dazzling experience.  At one point, a wave of debris particles from an explosion engulfs you.  At another, a character on a floating platform seems to enter the theater, buzzing in front of your face, but in a way that makes you believe that you and he are sharing the same space--you are transported into the world of Monsters Vs. Aliens, and at the same time that world is brought into yours.

A huge amount of credit goes to Phil "Captain 3D" McNally, stereoscopic supervisor on MvA, and his team.  Not only is the 3D technically perfect (there is never a moment where I was taken out of the experience by a jarring 3D cut or awkward shot), but the use of stereo space to aid in the storytelling is incredibly artful.  Whether it is an emotional, dramatic scene involving the main character, Susan, or an action sequence in the villain's spaceship, the 3D serves to heighten the emotional reaction of the viewer.  I could tell that the filmmakers put a ton of thought into the stereospace of every shot.

The story was a pleasant surprise, too.  The trailers don't really do justice to the human element in the film.  Case in point: The character Susan (aka Ginormica) is the central character, and gives the film its emotional and narrative anchor.  The supporting monsters are all hilarious, especially Bob, the indestructible gelatinous mass, who somehow bears an uncanny resemblance to his voice actor, Seth Rogan.

Before the screening Jeffrey Katzenberg came out and thanked the audience of crew members, telling them that they, through their work on the film, are trailblazers in their own right, having helped push modern 3D into existence.

And with Monsters Vs. Aliens, it is clear:  3D is HERE!

James Cameron to Headline 3DX keynote - Avatar footage may be shown

Hi everyone - Michael here. James Cameron will join Fox co-chair Jim Gianopulos and Dreamworks boss Jeffrey Katzenberg for the keynote address of the 3DX: 3D Film & Entertainment Technology Festival, which will be held in Singapore from November 19-23 and touts itself as the world's first fully 3-D based film festival.

Gianopulos tells Daily Variety that he expects to screen footage from either Ice Age 3, Avatar, or both, depending on what is ready to show, with the hope to speed the international transition to digital, which he calls, "slower than we'd like."

Certainly revealing Avatar would be the best way to pique the interest of the international exhibitors, as it will be the first 3-D film with mega-blockbuster potential. The timeframe also fits with Zoe Saldana's comment that we may see a teaser by December.

Keep an eye on the 3DX website for updates!

Quick Post: Today is 3D at SID 2008 - Check It Out If You Are In LA !

Today is a awesome 3D focused day at SID 2008 being held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Speakers from Dreamworks, Sony, 3ality, Quantel, Dolby and Real D are giving talks today!

For more details of today's events and sessions, check out the agenda right here.

There's A New Epic In Town: Spielberg Buys Rights To Manga "Ghost In The Shell" - Will Be Live Action 3D!!

Steven Spielberg has gotten unnecessarily bitten by John Fithian of NATO lately and here is another HUGE reason to prove Fithian wrong.

Dreamworks has acquired the rights to the Japanese manga "Ghost in the Shell" with Jamie Moss writing the adaptation. Seaside Entertainment's Steven Paul with Ari and Avi Arad brought the project to Spielberg who really connected with it.

Variety says:

"Avi Arad is at the forefront of comicbook-based material, having produced the three "Spider-Man" films, the three "X-Men" movies, the two "Fantastic Four" pics and the upcoming "Iron Man" and "The Incredible Hulk."

Moss' writing credits include "Street Kings," which bowed Friday, and "Last Man Home," in development at Universal."

Here is some background from Wikipedia:

Ghost in the Shell is a futuristic police thriller dealing with the exploits of Motoko Kusanagi, a member of the covert operations section of the Japanese National Public Safety Commission, Section 9, which specializes in fighting technology-related crime. She may be named after one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan and Shirow makes reference to them at the end of the second manga. Although supposedly equal to all other members, Kusanagi fills the leadership role in the team, and is usually referred to as "the Major" due to her past rank in the armed forces. She is capable of superhuman feats, and bionically specialized for her job — her body is almost completely mechanized; only her brain and a segment of her spinal cord are organic.

Ummm yeah - this sounds RED HOT. With the oncoming mega budget for James Cameron's "Battle Angel" and this new Spielberg addition - both manga AND 3D are going to be taking over the box office soon!! Get ready for spectacles never seen before...

Don't be misled into thinking Spielberg is not at the forefront of the Digital 3D movement - he is definitely one of the visionaries!

Added to the ever growing MarketSaw 3D Movie List.

Source: Variety

Next Genre of Movies? Dreamworks' AIR GUITAR and Another in 3D!

**Exclusive**

Guys - I have just gotten word yesterday from a reliable source within Dreamworks that they have a "huge 2-D Air Guitar film in the works" - hey now, I was not expecting that but it makes sense. Best of all though, later on in the day in conversation with Ed Meyer over at Adirondack International Pictures, he said that he too was working on "Air Guitar 3-D" of the same genre to be shot concurrently with "Dumbass 3-D".

I can see the long neck of a Gibson sticking out into the audience like that spear did in "Beowulf" - awesome don't you think? Especially if you like rock.

Whatever it turns out to be it looks like a hot idea and well timed. Air Guitar video games have been rocking the world's consoles for some time now!

So what are these movies going to look like? If the 3-D version is shot simultaneously with "Dumbass 3-D" then perhaps some of the same Jackass type actors will be in it? Casting ideas? Storyline? Video game tie-ins? Let me know your thoughts!

Photos courtesy of Guitar Hero and Activision.

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