It’s been 13 years since the release James Cameron visually stunning sci-fi epic Avatar defined a generation with its 3D filmmaking technology. In a recent roundtable interview attended by SlashFilm, Cameron commented Avatar impact on the film industry and attributed this to the use of 3D. Cameron told reporters:
“I would say 3D was widely used for a while. Avatar won Best Cinematography with 3D Digital Camera. No digital camera has yet won an Oscar for Best Cinematography. Then two of the next three years, Oscar-winning cinematographers used the same cameras. So you’ve got 3 out of 4 years that the Academy has been doing digital cinema. And all three films were in 3D.”
Films referenced by Cameron include Hugo, Life of Pias well as Gravity, which received recognition for their 3D application and won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography. FROM Avatar becoming the highest-grossing film of all time, film studios quickly capitalized on the success by converting their films to 3D during post-production, which was often criticized by audiences, the most prominent example being Clash of the Titans remake. Due to the poor implementation of the technology in many films, audiences quickly grew out of the medium as 3D ticket sales began to decline. However, Cameron added that 3D still has a place in theaters, despite the fact that the general attitude towards them is becoming dismissive.
“Most people think 3D is over. But in fact, this is not the end. It was just accepted. Now it’s part of your choice when you go to the cinema to watch a big blockbuster … I compare it to color,” Cameron added. “When color films first came out, it was a big deal. People went to see films because they were in color. Avatarpeople used to go to see movies because they were in 3D… I think that influenced the way movies were presented, which is just accepted now, is part of the zeitgeist and the way it’s done.”
It is not yet known if 3D has a place in the eyes of the general public. However, not all hope is lost for the technology, as Cameron Avatar returns to the big screen later this month ahead of the highly anticipated sequel. Viewers will be able to experience the beautiful world of Pandora again and again in 3D in enhanced and stunning 4K high dynamic range. Following the film’s re-release, viewers will be able to see Cameron’s return to 3D filmmaking later this year when the director returns with a highly anticipated sequel. Avatar: Path of Water. Considering the acceptance to 3D filmmaking of the first Avatarit’s likely that its long-awaited sequel will upgrade the technology to create an even more immersive experience for viewers when the film debuts on December 16th.
Viewers will be able to return to Pandora’s World in 3D next week when Avatar re-releases in theaters September 23. Check out the official trailer for the theatrical re-release of the film below:
Source: Collider
