Titanic and Terminator 2 3D Still In The Works

Titanic

With the re-release of Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in 3D around the corner, the question around town has been: What’s the next blockbuster to enter the third dimension?

If you ask the folks over at Lightstorm Entertainment (James Cameron’s production company), the answer is obvious… Titanic?

Now, before you go running for your tissue box and 3D glasses, an insider suggests one should not expect to hear any specifics announced until later next year – but you’re not going to have to wait too long as Lightstorm partner Jon Landau says, “I don’t think it’s too far into the future. We’re pretty far down the road.”

As we previously reported for all you Cameron-atics (Yeah, totally just made that up), Titanic isn’t the only film on the books for receiving the 3D treatment. In fact, Lightstorm has done 3D tests on two of Cameron’s most successful movies: Titanic and some little movie called Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

While I’m not as much interested in seeing dual Bill’s (Paxton and Zane) tackling a sinking ship in 3D, I will happily sign up to see Terminator 2 in any dimension – 2nd, 3rd or 6th. This also begs the question: is Titanic too long of a movie for 3D? I’ve heard from many people that the after a while the whole “3D Experience” becomes less enjoyable and let’s be honest… 3D doesn’t automatically equal better.

Although, Dolby has been working on converting Star Wars into 3D using their own technology, and from what I’ve heard from people that have been lucky enough to see samples of it, it looks extremely promising.

For those against all this 3D back-converting, you don’t have to worry about ALL your favorite films being dragged into the third dimension. As of right now, the most likely films to receive the treatment are family films, as they are the only films likely to recoup the costs of converting a film to 3D. CGI-animated films are also more likely to be converted, as the cost of converting a CGI film is $4 million compared to usual $8 million. I know that in the world of film $4 or $8 million doesn’t sound like much, but that’s not including the projected $25 million dollars needed for marketing.

While Disney has been the forerunner in re-releasing 3D films (“Disney Digital 3D!”) they have been hesitant to commit on further 3D releases. Disney distribution president Chuck Viane said, “We continue to look at past properties to see if we have the right vehicles for this format, but we want to see what happens with these.”

Even at Fox, distribution box Bruce Snyder said that they have “looked at some titles that we could think about maybe doing in 3D.” While nothing has been planned, Snyder is focusing more on family films, saying, “You’ve got older teens and early-20s males who are rabid about technology right now. So it has the possibility of expanding from the family audience into that audience.”

As a wearer of glasses (Yes, I’m a nerd – 1011001) for my entire life, I’ve always had problems with the “amazing technology” of 3D glasses. As the technology for producing and converting 3D is advancing, you’d really think that someone could create a better alternative than plastic glasses with tinted lens. For my entire movie watching experience I have never been able to enjoy 3D films as I spend most of my time figuring out which is less uncomfortable; Wearing the 3D glasses over or under my nerd spectacles.

With all this talk of converting movies into 3D, how do you feel? I’m a little worried, but open to it. What are some films that you’d like to see in 3D? (All I’m going to say is Teen Witch. Top that!) Is Titanic really the best prospect for 3D?

The Toy Story and Toy Story 2 3D double feature opens October 2nd 2009 and will run for 2 weeks. For those not interested in staying for both films, don’t worry, you can use your ticket to return anytime during the limited engagement.

No word yet and when we might officially see Titanic and/or T2 in 3D theaters.

Source: THR