Dolby 3D, now for real!
September 2nd 2008 07:06
Bob's trip
Finally, my Dolby 3D journey came full circle yesterday, in Budapest Film's Corvin theatre. While Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D is more of a weightless popcorn movie, it's a milestone in the fact that it's the first live action full length feature in digital 3D.
If you have followed my previous branching posts on 3D technology, the PACE/Cameron Fusion 3D camera system might ring a bell. Well, it was utilized here as well, and I can tell you that it works subtly well. Subtly? Why would that be good? Mostly because it gives depth to scenes, and especially when 3D isn't used as a gimmick. Sure, there are many creatures, rocks and even a tape measure thrown and poked at your face, but the constant feel of quasi-real space is what will bring cinema to it's new era. Soon it will be the standard, and although it's magic will slightly fade, you won't want to go back to flat, only for some special artistic expressions.
So how was the experience? My trip to the all-so familiar screening room in Budapest was like the coronation of my previous glimpse visits to Dolby 3D. Surprisingly few journalists came to the very first screening of Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D, maybe 20-25. And while some "experts" were discussing half-false technical facts and concepts on this 3D technology, most were pointless on what is behind this all. Luckily, Gabor Menyhart the exec of Corvin Theatre dropped a few hints on the reasons and details of this improvement: Dolby 3D was their choice mainly for financial reasons, so that they can screen regular 35 mm, digital, and Dolby 3D in the same room. A relatively small multiplex theatre with 6 screens must take every opportunity to stay competitive.
The screening started, and while there was a slight digital glitch towards the end, and the luminosity could have been a notch stronger, the technology triumphed. Beautiful sharp digital picture, great sound, and the 3D? I was determined to be nitpicking, but I must say that I saw no ghosting at all. If there was any flicker because of the frame rate, that was concealed well. The Dolby 3D colorfilter glasses were great. So far the best experience of all (IMAX and RealD included), mostly because upon head movement, the picture stayed intact in quite a large range. It is because of the different approach of this 3D. You can read more in my first Dolby 3D post about this. Obviously you cannot watch a 3D movie with your head horizontal, because the picture cannot adjust to your eyeposition, and the 3D illusion will diminish, but there is enough room for movement that you would use in a movie theatre. Try this at IMAX, and a ghost image will appear.
The movie itself was ok, nothing special, Brendan Fraser is funny, but nothing hilarious. The 3D element overshadows almost everything. I think in the future this movie will be remembered as a milestone of 3D, but nothing more. I'm sure there will be more and more quality movies, where 3D isn't the reason, but a cinematic tool. Overall as a movie I felt entertained, it's not a bad movie, just forgettable. There are some beautiful vistas and imaginative scenes, so that's a good point. It's 2D version would fit well as a Hallmark adventure special.
What is the conclusion? Dolby 3D is as good as RealD or even slightly better. I can't wait for more 3D movies to come, and I guess I'm not alone with this feeling.
Finally, my Dolby 3D journey came full circle yesterday, in Budapest Film's Corvin theatre. While Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D is more of a weightless popcorn movie, it's a milestone in the fact that it's the first live action full length feature in digital 3D.
Corvin 3D, the revolution of a theatre
If you have followed my previous branching posts on 3D technology, the PACE/Cameron Fusion 3D camera system might ring a bell. Well, it was utilized here as well, and I can tell you that it works subtly well. Subtly? Why would that be good? Mostly because it gives depth to scenes, and especially when 3D isn't used as a gimmick. Sure, there are many creatures, rocks and even a tape measure thrown and poked at your face, but the constant feel of quasi-real space is what will bring cinema to it's new era. Soon it will be the standard, and although it's magic will slightly fade, you won't want to go back to flat, only for some special artistic expressions.
Journey 3D down below
So how was the experience? My trip to the all-so familiar screening room in Budapest was like the coronation of my previous glimpse visits to Dolby 3D. Surprisingly few journalists came to the very first screening of Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D, maybe 20-25. And while some "experts" were discussing half-false technical facts and concepts on this 3D technology, most were pointless on what is behind this all. Luckily, Gabor Menyhart the exec of Corvin Theatre dropped a few hints on the reasons and details of this improvement: Dolby 3D was their choice mainly for financial reasons, so that they can screen regular 35 mm, digital, and Dolby 3D in the same room. A relatively small multiplex theatre with 6 screens must take every opportunity to stay competitive.
The screening started, and while there was a slight digital glitch towards the end, and the luminosity could have been a notch stronger, the technology triumphed. Beautiful sharp digital picture, great sound, and the 3D? I was determined to be nitpicking, but I must say that I saw no ghosting at all. If there was any flicker because of the frame rate, that was concealed well. The Dolby 3D colorfilter glasses were great. So far the best experience of all (IMAX and RealD included), mostly because upon head movement, the picture stayed intact in quite a large range. It is because of the different approach of this 3D. You can read more in my first Dolby 3D post about this. Obviously you cannot watch a 3D movie with your head horizontal, because the picture cannot adjust to your eyeposition, and the 3D illusion will diminish, but there is enough room for movement that you would use in a movie theatre. Try this at IMAX, and a ghost image will appear.
The movie itself was ok, nothing special, Brendan Fraser is funny, but nothing hilarious. The 3D element overshadows almost everything. I think in the future this movie will be remembered as a milestone of 3D, but nothing more. I'm sure there will be more and more quality movies, where 3D isn't the reason, but a cinematic tool. Overall as a movie I felt entertained, it's not a bad movie, just forgettable. There are some beautiful vistas and imaginative scenes, so that's a good point. It's 2D version would fit well as a Hallmark adventure special.
What is the conclusion? Dolby 3D is as good as RealD or even slightly better. I can't wait for more 3D movies to come, and I guess I'm not alone with this feeling.
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