The San Diego based Legend3D contributed 2D to 3D conversion for "The Smurfs," which did surprisingly well last month at the summer box office. KPBS film critic Beth Accomando considers how some new 3D entries might fare this weekend. 3D 2 (ba) (1:18) The Motion Picture Association of America says that we'll have 34 3D movies this year, almost ten more than last. Nearly half of the 16,000 digital screens across the country are now equipped for 3D. Harry Medved, spokesperson for the online ticketing company Fandango, says sales for 3D have been surprisingly strong throughout the summer. 3D 2A (:15) Most of the 3D summer films have done pretty well. Look at "The Smurfs," 41% of the ticket sales were for the 3D version. But don't forget that the majority of theater screens across the country are in 2D. So to say that a film is selling 41% of its tickets in 3D is pretty darn good. And 3D sales have been even stronger for films like "Transformers 3" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2." Today, San Diego audiences can choose between two new and very different films both shot in 3D says Medved. 3D 2B (:21) The "Glee 3D Concert Movie" should do well but I don't think it will be Justin Bieber or Hannah Montana size but the film will make its money back. "Final Destination," the 3D version, it just seems like it's made for that kind of format because it's all about the kills... (from movie) "Help me!" Critics may hope 3D is a passing fad but so long as audiences keep paying extra for it and boosting the take at the box office, Hollywood will be keeping this gimmick alive. Beth Accomando, KPBS News.
The San Diego based Legend3D contributed 2D to 3D conversion for "The Smurfs," which did surprisingly well last month at the summer box office. KPBS film critic Beth Accomando considers how the new 3D entries -- "Final Destination 5" and "Glee the 3D Concert Movie" (both opening August 12 throughout San Diego) might fare this weekend.
Last year, state of the art 3D technology helped push "Avatar" to a record breaking international gross of $2 billion. The Hollywood Reporter says that 3D is currently driving revenues and helping boost global box office receipts. That trend is continuing with 3D film also performing well in the U.S. says Harry Medved, spokesperson for the online ticketing company Fandango.
"If you look at the totality of summer movies released in 3D you have a whole bunch of bona fide hits," says Medved, "You Have 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,' 'Transformers 3,' 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2,' 'Captain America,' and even 'The Smurfs.' So the studios will keep cranking these out so long as these movies are making money.
The San Diego based Legend3D has been involved in 2D to 3D conversion on some of the summer's most financially successful films like "Transformers 3," Pirates 4," and "The Smurfs."
"Look at 'The Smurfs,'" says Medved, "41% of the ticket sales were for the 3D version. But don't forget that the majority of theater screens across the country are in 2D. So to say that a film is selling 41% of its tickets in 3D is pretty darn good."
The Motion Picture Association of America says that we'll have 34 3D movies this year, almost ten more than last. Nearly half of the 16,000 digital screens across the country are now equipped for 3D. On Friday, San Diego audiences can choose between two new and very different films both shot in 3D.
"The 'Glee 3D Concert Movie' should do well but I don't think it will be Justin Bieber or Hannah Montana size but it has had sold out Wednesday night previews and the film will make its money back. 'Final Destination,' the 3D version, it just seems like it's made for that kind of format because it's all about the kills."
Critics may hope 3D is a passing fad but so long as audiences keep paying extra for it and boosting the take at the box office, Hollywood will be keeping this gimmick alive. And from my point of view, 3D horror films are the ones that I'm most inclined to spend the extra bucks on.
