A set photo from Thor released over a week ago by the LA Times grabbed one fan’s attention at Superhero Hype when he recognized some equipment as a possible 3D filming system. It makes sense, considering the massive scale of Thor‘s story and effects.
While we can’t confirm director Kenneth Branagh is working in the format for the Marvel film, the luggage on set sure looks like it. If only we could rotate the image a few feet to the right…
The equipment in question is the 3D-BS Pro Rig. It was created as an affordable rigging system to shoot in 3D with the RED Camera. Keep in mind, the RED shoots in digital, which I can’t imagine an old-school filmmaker like Branagh doing. But times change, and Branagh’s Hamlet was Danish, not Norse. It would be a bit distracting if the apparition in Hamlet was hovering over the movie screen. With the advancements in 3D and IMAX technology, however, 3D may be the only way to tell Thor’s tale on the scale necessary.
This shouldn’t come as an overwhelming surprise, though. The general public is starting to recognize the differences between gimmicky post-production 3D and movies “filmed in 3D.” Thor is not a film to be taken lightly, and the subject matter will lend itself to some battles well-worth the 3D efforts. Marvel knows what is in store, and if the crew is filming this way, it is the right move. But the camera doesn’t necessarily mean they are shooting in 3D. It could actually just mean the IMAX format is being used.
Check out the behind-the-scenes set photo below and judge for yourself:
Boy, Branagh is starting to look like Bruce Davison…
Branagh used 65mm film to shoot his Shakespeare epic Hamlet some years back, so the director is used to working in large formats and it would make even more sense to prepare for an IMAX release using 70mm film. It is becoming almost customary to present major blockbusters in IMAX, even though many of them are not actually shot in the format.
Until we find out what that camera is facing, there isn’t much else to speculate, but hopefully news surfaces soon enough about the formats being used to film Thor. If they are actually shooting the film in 3D, it will make for a much better experience, I think. Let’s face it, the movie could ultimately be released in 3D regardless of how it is shot, so the steps they take during production will be important.
Could that mysterious camera be facing Idris Elba, the actor portraying Heimdall in Thor? Elba spoke briefly about the role during a press conference for his upcoming role in The Losers. The actor is doing his research and hopes to portray a character fans will recognize from the comic book lore. Hey, isn’t this what we asked Chris Evans to do for Captain America?
“If you know anything about the Nords, they don’t look like me but there you go. I think that’s a sign of the times for the future. I think we will see multi-level casting. I think we will see that and I think that’s good.”
“I looked at the comic books actually because Heimdall, he’s a very central character and I wanted to reflect him as he is in the comic books.”
Heimdall in Thor
Latino Review tried to pry some costume exclusives out of Elba, but he was reluctant, simply stating it “looks phenomenal.” He got skiddish about his responses from there on out and only revealed that it should all be pretty cool when it’s finished. Sooner or later, we’ll get you some images of costumes or something to get fired up over. For now, it rests in the hands of Kenneth Branagh and Marvel.
Would you like your Norse gods in 3D and/or IMAX? Sound off in the comments below or just speculate about what the camera may be shooting.
Thor is set to unleash on theaters May 6, 2011.
Source: Latino Review and Collider via Superhero Hype
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If it's subtle, like in Avatar, I'm all for it, but if it is “in your face” then it is too distracting and I'll see the 2D version (if there is both.)
3D or Imax would be right for this film, I trust Branaugh knows what he's doing. It will be amazing to see Elba as Heimdall on film, he's such an imposing figure guarding the bridge.
I hope they're doing IMAX and not 3D. Simply for the fact that all the other MARVEL films were done in 2D, and IMO it would mess with the continuity.
I would love to see this in IMAX, I'm fairly hesitant on the 3D but I do think it could be done well. If indeed it does come out in IMAX and 3D looks like I'll be seeing the movie 3 times haha
If a movie is filmed with 3D in mind, then I have no problem with it. I feel the same with Thor. If Kenneth Branagh feels that the story of Thor would be best told in 3D then I trust that he will make the movie into a masterpiece.
I agree with everybody else on here. Thinking of the environment elements of Asgard and the other mystical realms, creatures, magic, and action that we'll see in Thor, I think that combining IMAX and 3D could be revolutionary, particularly for this film. If its just done in 3D I think it still will work. But I'd be content with it just being shot in IMAX. As far as Elba is concerned, he's the only actor that I seriously want to see become another Marvel character, and that would be none other than Luke Cage.
I'm pretty sure that neither of these cameras are IMAX cameras just from the look of the film canisters. They're laid out wrong. They look like Panavision cameras which were used on the first “Iron Man” film as well as much of the “Dark Knight.” Here check these out; http://www.panavision.com/history.php
My guess would be something in the Panaflex Platinum series.
Please no more 3D……Next they'll be filming Drama's and Comedies in 3D.
Thats an IMAX camera!! Same IMAX camera Nolan used to film “The Dark Knight.”
I've said it before and I'll say it again – I'm holding out for the Reboot of “Weekend at Bernie's” in 3D… 8P
It may just be subtle like Avatar. Avatar had a environment of strange and epic proportions and so does Asgard such as clouds and lightning, so I'm all for it just so long as it doesnt suck like Clash of the Titans. 2D was better for that film.
How about 'From Justin to Kelly' in 3D? Or a Reboot of 'Kazaam' starring Dwight Howard in 3D……….
i hope its shot in 3D and not converted, i seriously cant watch movies converted into 3D hurts my eyes.
btw is IM 2 being shot in 3D or converted ?
3D has become such a negative connotation and rightfully so with all this moneygrabbing awful 3D we've seen recently.
If it's shot in 3D (which it looks like it might be) then I'm okay with it for Thor because it's… Thor.
Idris Elba is awesome so I'm glad they chose him against expectations.
Both cameras have 35mm film magazines (gray blimps on top) attached. Unless my eyes deceive me it appears the Camera Assistant is taping off the second film magazine with yellow camera tape.
Not sure about the binocular looking thing on top of the first camera's matte box though. It's not something I've ever come across and I would only be guessing.
But it is fairly common for the main film unit to have a Camera A & Camera B.
Either way, what ever they do is going to be awesome. Can't wait for this film to be released.
my thoughts exactly. Definitely looks like 35mm magazines, but the double adapters on top feel like something you'd see on a 3D camera. The two set ups are likely an A and B camera, with one moving and the other staying relatively stationary. My guess at least
I hope that they do film it in 3D. It would be a pity if they didn't, really.
2D or 3D – I'm just looking forward to the movie.
I wish Idris well in his role as the legendary guardian of the rainbow bridge.
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Thor in 3D would be Epic!!! Watching this in IMAX 3D would be absolutely amazing and worth every penny.
what are u talking about hah?
yeah you didn't see that coming did you
avatar was the biggest and most expensive commercial Ive ever seen and its product is the 3d brand
its the shape of things to come
Actually if you DO know enough about the Nords and Vikings you know from historical reference that there were Iberians or Vikings that were tanned in complexion at that time. There were Vikings that had dark curly hair and brown skin. The Iberians were black and they mixed even with the Celts which created a fierce group of people's called the Celtiberians . The Iberians came from the southern western Peninsula and was used as a blanket term for all the people's living in this area, but they migrated from Northern Africa and stretched out in ancient Europe as far north as the area where the Vikings come from. It's an aspect of history that has been brushed to the side for many reasons. In our post-racial world it's hard to imagine why it would still not be acknowledged as much. But its a very legitimate theory with much evidence to support it. So it gives credence to the Black/Moore Viking for the movie.
The Vikings referred to blacks as blaumen in reference to the black skin. Many of the Blaumen were warriors/soldiers captured from Spain. — There are even a couple of prominent Vikings who are said to have been possibly black as well. Look up
Thornhall: “the huntsman in summer, and in winter the steward of Eric the Red. He was, it is said, a large man, and strong, black, and like a giant, silent, and foul-mouthed in his speech, and always egged on Eric to the worst; he was a bad Christian.”
Earl Thorfinn: “the most distinguished of all the earls in the Islands. Thorfinn ruled over nine earldoms in Scotland and Ireland, and died at the age of seventy-five. His widow married the king of Scotland. Thorfinn was described as “one of the largest men in point of stature, and ugly, sharp featured, and somewhat tawny, and the most martial looking man… It has been related that he was the foremost of all his men.”
If this is in 3D then I will avoid, there has been one 3D movie that has worked: Avatar. Clash Of The Titans-ruined by 3D/Alice In Wonderland-ruined by 3D. There is a pattern.
The one I'm dreading the most is Harry Potter, how can they make the last film 3D when the others havent, as much as I enjoyed Avatar, I sorta wish it had never come out because then we wouldnt have films being ruined by adding an unecessary dimension.
$@#%!!!!!!!!!! I hope not……
I had the great pleasure of seeing Clash of The Titans in 2D, and I must say I enjoyed it……Why is 3D even necessary? I hope George Lucas isn't paying attention. Could you imagine Jar Jar Binks in 3D?
If they film it in 3D I will most likely see it in 3D.
THOR RULZZZZZZZ :X
I really couldent see Idris Elba as any of Marvels black Superheros Luke Cage was from the streets and someone like tyrese is better suited to playing him. Idris really reaks of refinement and class…lol hes british. and i couldent see him doing the black panther either…hes a little too old i think.
It will be interesting to see him as a norse god though. Kenneth Branaugh has proven before that he can place an actor in a role not intended for that race and make you feel comfortable about the choice, he did that with Denzel Washington in “Much ado about nothing” and from what i remember it was an excellent shakespeare remake.