2D or not 2D

This may make me sound old, but I’ll risk it. Remember when you could go to the movies and there was just one version of the film?  Things have changed drastically since then – you can thank James Cameron and his Avatar, which single-handedly brought about the 3D revolution. While his film did look amazing in 3D, like fire from the gods, the technology would soon be abused.

Enter Clash of the Titans….a film that was not filmed in 3D, but later converted to the new format. Despite the movie being terrible, the fact that people had to pay extra for a lame postproduction conversion made many hate it even more.

Now let’s move to today, where 3D option films like Kung Fu Panda or the never-ending Pirates of the Caribbean series, account for less than half of the film’s respective box office take. Are people wising up to this shiny new gimmick Hollywood has chosen to choke us with while bending us over a barrel? I would hope so, erotic asphyxiation is no joke.

I personally, will only go to a 3D showing if all the 2D showings are sold out. Even then I’m irritated that I have to wear those Buddy Holly glasses over my own Buddy Holly glasses. Not to mention, the headache I get from wearing them.  A recent study at the University of California, Berkeley found that headaches and eyestrain can be caused by watching 3D films. I even read an article where a guy passed out after watching a 3D film.  Sorry, I’m getting off point….money.

The latest Harry Potter flick only raked in 35% of its ticket sales from 3D showings. To contrast that, this summer’s The Avengers saw 3D take a 52% share of its opening weekend box-office return. Many have touted The Avengers as the best 3D since Avatar.  This obviously places it as the exception as money and time were used to make it a great 3D film.  Unfortunately, most films released in 3D don’t receive this kind of attention.

While I’m sure plenty of directors are excited to use the technology, I feel strongly that they should stick to what they know best: good old-fashioned, money-making 2D.  Once the tech is used for porn, you know the fad is in decline.  Maybe before a film is released with the added dimension, it should be approved by James Cameron; kind of like an MPAA for 3D films.  I mean, let’s be honest.  How many times in the last six months have you said, “Yeah, I really want to see that in 3D!”