3-D and IMAX are the future of movie theaters
March 27, 9:10 AM · Add a Comment
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Monsters vs. Aliens in 3-D opens today.In preparation for the onslaught of 3-D films debuting this year, and the recent Monsters vs. Aliens release on March 27, theaters around the nation are finally stepping up to the plate and making the switch to digital projectors capable of a 3-D movie watching experience.
Studios are jumping on the 3-D bandwagon as well -- or more likely -- are the catalyst for the recent evolution to digital theaters. All the major studios have plans to release blockbuster films in 3-D in the near future. Disney and Pixar recently announced it will release all of its films in 3-D. Dreamworks has pledged that all of its movies will be released in 3-D this year. And George Lucas even plans on remastering all 6 Star Wars films in 3-D.
Monsters vs. Aliens (from DreamWorks Animation and Paramount Pictures) is just the first of many 3-D films coming soon to theaters near you. And it is also the first computer animated movie which will be produced in real 3-D, instead of converting the film into 3-D after it is finished (an extra $15 million cost to the film's budget). This cost is reflected in ticket prices. Currently, the average 2-D movie ticket is about $7, according to the National Association of Theater Owners. IMAX and 3-D films are generally double that price.
But while studios move full-steam ahead with 3-D production, there's one minor hitch. The chicken and the egg if I may? There still aren't a whole lot of 3-D movie theaters -- only about 1,000 out of 38,900 screens in the United States are 3-D.
IMAX in particular is pushing to build and convert more theaters as quickly as possible. However, some IMAX theatres are independently owned, and their operators make the business decisions on whether or not to show movies in 3-D. Additionally, some theatres are only equipped to play 2D movies.
Here is a list of where you can catch new 3-D films in eye-popping IMAX 3-D in your area: http://www.examiner.com/x-4907-Movie-Reviews-Examiner~y2009m3d27-Watch-Monsters-vs-Aliens-in-eyepopping-IMAX-3D-at-these-locations
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I was at the Franklin Institute yesterday and went to their IMax theater. It was amazing! Actually made me a little sick. The screen is huge and I had to keep looking around to see everything on the screen. I'm not actually sure, but the last movie I paid $7 for was a matinee. It's about $9.50 to see a movie at night. I'm not surprised its about $14 for a 3D and IMax film. It has to cost so much more for a theater that big. I don't think people would pay that much to go one of those theaters, on regualr basis.
ReplyDeleteThe thought of 3-D movies and not having to wear the funky glasses sounds cool. The only drawback would be motion sickness, so hopefully there will be a disclaimer in the beginning of the flick that states whether or not there are a lot of car chases or rollercoaster rides so those of us who suffer from this affliction would be warned ahead of time and be prepared with a bag. With the amount of times my wife and I go to the movies, I would be willing to pay the $15 per ticket for a night out.
ReplyDelete"The Dark Knight" at IMAX was quite an experience.. the only way to see the film. However, I know some people who prefer the regular wide-screen so then they can see the movie for what it is and not be wowed by the enormous size of the screen.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to personally watch a movie in 3-D but I think it may be fun. I do think that there is possibility that a screen that big may make me sick.
ReplyDeleteI love 3d movies and even 4D with smells and motion. It makes the movie more real, I would love to watch a movie like Watchmen and be able to smell the cigar of the comedin or smell NY city. I love movies and to be in one(or at least feel like i was in it) would make it even better.
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