Finally!

BBC published lately a very interesting article about what 3D brings to the cinema, and how it might change the course of its lasting battles against piracy and new economic models (OK… this latest is not always absolutely justifiable, you're right).

The trigger for the story was the coming out in theaters around the world of Monsters vs Aliens, the newest 3D animation movie from Dreamworks. The first weekend, it was shown in 2100 3D cinemas and 5100 "normal" ones, and earned $58m, of which 56%  comes from the 3D. At the same time, several major 3D cinema projects are being worked on : Spielberg and Peter Jackson announced a 3D Tintin, Pixar will reedit Toy Stories, James Cameron and Henry Selick will also be in the move… What is all this about?

According to the article, this is the cinema's third attempt at 3D. The first two happened in the 50s and the 80s, but they were dismissed as "a cheap parlour trick". Nevertheless, the breakthrough of technology making the filming process easier and cheaper than before, and with economic issues threatening, today's situation is different. Bringing a real new experience to the user, giving the scene a third dimension might attract audience and help fight the ongoing problems the industry is facing. In the words of Jeffery Katzenberg, the president of Dreamworks Animation, "You can't camcorder 3D".

Worth taking a look!