No 3D for Harry Potter!

Warner Brothers announced today that they won’t be releasing a 3D version of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows –Part 1.  Some industry wags think this is due to the poor reaction to the studio’s post production conversion of Clash of the Titans.  The studio claims:

We will not have a completed 3D version of the film within our release date window. Despite everyone’s best efforts, we were unable to convert the film in its entirety and meet the highest standards of quality…  We, in alignment with our filmmakers, believe this is the best course to take in order to ensure that our audiences enjoy the consummate “Harry Potter” experience.

But we think it’s because the film would have been hampered with the awkward title of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1: 3D.

Michael Bay Dumps 3D Cameras on Transformers 3!

According to Screen Rant:

Since the start of production a few months ago, Michael Bay’s Transformers 3 has made a number of unfortunate headlines. Now, we have learned from a source close to Bay that the movie is not being shot in 3D as originally believed.

Instead, next summer you will see yet another product guilty of a post-production 3D conversion. Apparently, filming did begin in 3D, but Bay opted out when the production moved to Chicago.

This news has been met with the usual Internet grumbles.  But Brendon Connelly, on Bleeding Cool, treated it with a bit more sophistication.  After stating that he “can even see the value in using post-production 3D techniques where appropriate”, he goes on to argue:

If it’s true, then I’m not mystified by this decision at all. Bay likes nothing if it’s not swinging his camera about recklessly and, whether or not he’s right, he’ll likely be convinced that his familiar 2D kit offers more freedom and liberty. The decision to ditch the 3D rig should help Bay get closer to the visual style he wants in the way he was used to getting it.

And there was me thinking the 3D camera was going to force him to be more thoughtful and change his approach a little.

Bay becoming thoughtful?  Brendon, you silly, silly man.

DOCTOR WHO Goes 3D!

As part of the promotion for the fifth series of the new “Doctor Who” the series is creating a 3D trailer which will air in cinemas before UK showings of Alice in Wonderland.  Those of us in the US will just have to hear about this bit of excitement second hand.

3D STAR WARS Getting Closer!

Although Lucasfilm denied reports of creating 3D versions of the Star Wars film as recently as October, it seems they’ve had a change of heart.

In an interview with George Lucas during the Golden Globes he had this to say about Avatar:

I liked it … I make movies like that,  I can appreciate what he went through to do it.  Happy it’s so successful, and worked very well in 3D.  Haven’t been a big fan of 3D, but that movie definitely improves in 3D.

Then he went on to say:

We’ve been looking for years and years and years at trying to take Star Wars and put it in 3D.  But the technology hasn’t been there. We’ve been struggling with it, but I think this will be a new impetus to make that happen.

Doesn’t sound like it’s close to active development, but the “impetus” he speaks of may soon put it there.

HALLOWEEN 3D News: Myers and Miner Together Again?

According to a rumor that landed in the lap of Uncle Creepy at Dread Central, Steve Miner is in talks to direct Halloween 3D.  Miner is no stranger to genre, the franchise or 3D.  He directed Friday the 13th Part II, Friday the 13th 3D, and Halloween H20.

This is the kind of old school choice which could send the franchise in the right direction.  And it should make horror fans very happy.  Let’s hope it’s true.

FINAL DESTINATION Leaves H2 in Pieces

This weekend’s horror showdown at the box office doesn’t look like it’s even going to be close.  Moviegoers seem far more interested in dodging flying tires than ducking from slashing kitchen knives.

On Friday, The Final Destination 3-D took in $10.9 million and is expected to take in $26 million for the weekend, while Halloween 2 took $7 million on Friday and is only expected to take in $17.5 million for the weekend.

But though H2 may not have performed as many hoped the combined box office take shows that August continues to be an excellent month for releasing horror movies.

Audio: THE FINAL DESTINATION Interviews

This weekend has a big horror movie showdown as The Final Destination faces off against Halloween 2.  We’ve already shown you the lastest H2 trailer, now we’ve got another treat for you:  Audio interviews with the cast and crew of The Final Destination.  Enjoy!

First up an interview with actors Bobby Decampo and Shantel VanSanten:

Next an interview with director David Ellis:

Followed by an interview with Producer Craig Perry and Screenwriter Eric Bress:

And finally an interview with actors Haley Webb and Nick Zano:

Tolkien Fans Say “No!” to 3D HOBBIT!

The recent release of the “Avatar Day” 3D trailer prompted One Ring to poll their readers about whether the movie version of The Hobbit should be in 3D.  The unscientific survey found that 74% either “either flat out don’t want a 3D Hobbit or strongly dislike the idea. Only 13% of you think it should be in 3D.”

One Ring plans to revisit this question after the release of Avatar.  This should be a good gauge on the effect of the film on the perception of 3D.