James Cameron and the Third Dimension

Scott Hardie | May 7, 2005
Though sometimes criticized for "cheapening" his recent IMAX documentaries with the "gimmick" of filming them in 3D, James Cameron is a firm believer in the technology, and intends to make every film for the rest of his career in 3D. He says:

"With digital 3D projection, we will be entering a new age of cinema. Audiences will be seeing something which was never technically possible before the age of digital cinema - a stunning visual experience which 'turbocharges' the viewing of the biggest, must-see movies. The biggest action, visual effects and fantasy movies will soon be shot in 3D. And all-CG animated films can easily be converted to 3D, without additional cost if it is done as they are made. Soon audiences will associate 3D with the highest level of visual content in the market, and seek out that premium experience."

Any comments?

I doubt that Cameron's optimistic prediction will come true, but personally, I'm annoyed by his total embrace of the technology. Like many people, I have lazy eye, which means that the vision out of one eye is blurry. It screws up my depth perception (let's just say I've gotten bumped in the face by more than one volleyball) and it makes 3D imperceptible to me. I can see the background plate just fine, but the objects that are supposed to extend into the foreground only appear clearly to one eye, so they look transparent and half-there. As long as Cameron makes available an alternate 2D version of his films, as he did with the DVD release of "Ghosts of the Abyss," I can enjoy them, but I won't be one of his audience members seeking out the "premium" experience of an image I can't see.

Anna Gregoline | May 8, 2005
I haven't seen that yet - what movies does he have that one, or is it forthcoming?

I have one eye stronger than the other too, so I'm curious if it would work for me.

Scott Hardie | May 8, 2005
"Ghosts of the Abyss" was released primarily in 3D format in IMAX theaters in spring 2003, though I vaguely recall a brief 2D run later that year. To my knowledge, the DVD is 2D only. It's a neat documentary, worth renting. (link)

He has a similar documentary out in IMAX theaters now called "Aliens of the Deep" that is also 3D. No word on the DVD release yet. (link)

His next, due in summer 2007, will be an action-adventure fiction film, featuring a CGI lead character against photographed backgrounds. It will also be in 3D, but not made for IMAX. (link)

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