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Is 3D Conversion of Existing Movies Worthwhile?

Scott Wilkinson  |  Apr 13, 2012

As I discuss in my blog this week, I just saw the new 3D conversion of Titanic. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would—and way more than the recent Star Wars Episode I conversion. I suspect this is largely due to the fact that writer/director James Cameron is a 3D fanatic, so he was bound to do it right.

How do you feel about converting existing 2D movies to 3D (assuming it's done well)? Is it worthwhile? If so, what movies would you like to see converted? Or do you think this is an abomination and all existing movies should be left alone?

Vote to see the results and leave a comment about your choice.

Is 3D Conversion of Existing Movies Worthwhile?

COMMENTS
notabadname's picture
Submitted by notabadname on April 14, 2012 - 6:56am

If it is a great film first, one that warrants a second viewing at the theater, then it is certainly a worthwhile enhancement to the film for re-release.

But it can't be a cheap gimmick for a poor film, even if done on its first release (Clash of the Titans anyone?).

AVtheaterguy's picture
Submitted by AVtheaterguy on April 14, 2012 - 7:35pm

As a movie buff there are plenty of films I'd love to see in the theaters again, and WAY MORE that I'd like to see for the first time on the big screen.

One thing that is very cool about 3D conversion of older films is that it is a way for the studios to re-release older films that would normally never get another chance on the big screen.

Here's a quick list of movies off the top of my head that would be awesome for a 3D re-release...

ALIENS
SUPERMAN
ARMAGEDDON
STARSHIP TROOPERS
SCARFACE
A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (for all of Kubricks slow forward moving perspective shots)
2001: A Space Odyssey
BACK TO THE FUTURE
TERMINATOR 1 and 2
GRAND PRIX

Okay off the top of my head thats a start.

aleksandr's picture
Submitted by aleksandr on April 15, 2012 - 12:32am

only in animated films or with heavy computer graphics use like 300, watchman or the matrix .....

K.Reid's picture
Submitted by K.Reid on April 16, 2012 - 3:15pm

I would like to see The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and JJ Abrams' films Cloverfield and Star Trek only in IMAX 3D - assuming the conversion was exceptional.

ca1ore's picture
Submitted by ca1ore on April 17, 2012 - 6:32am

This most recent incarnation of 3D leaves me cold. OK, Avatar was quite good in 3D, but everything else I have seen has been underwhelming. I'm not sure which movies were shot in 3D, versus those that were post-converted - and maybe that does make a difference - but I no longer bother to pay the theatrical 3D premium. Even though my current flat panel came with 3D capability, it has become an increasingly incidental feature (would I have to pay a premium for a TV without 3D? :)) - so I voted to leave older movies alone.

bugsy's picture
Submitted by bugsy on April 20, 2012 - 3:39am

I think "Plan 9 From Outer Space" would be GREAT in 3D. For those drunken movie parties, anyway.

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