Final 'Harry Potter' Movies Coming in 3-D

The next two Harry Potter movies, Deathly Hallows I and II, will be presented in 3-D. As we always like to point out, they weren't shot in 3-D, the way Avatar and a few others have been, but simply processed/converted to add the extra dimension. MarketSaw says that, in equal measure, the success of Avatar and the studio's own reaction to the up-converted scenes from Clash of the Titans are the catalysts for the move, which may or may not mean anything to the moviegoing experience. It's my opinion, and simply my opinion, that there's no definitive 3-D conversion yet, not one movie you can point to as an indication that a standard 2-D film is significantly a better film when you're wearing glasses. There's more proof that Avatar is better in 3-D (because it was always intended to be) but movies like Up didn't add a whole lot and we'll see if Warner follows through with Titans or not. Boiled down, this is probably a financial move. Potter has a standing reservation at IMAX, which is more than capable of housing 3-D movies, so for the amount the conversion costs, you'll more than make up the difference in higher ticket prices for digital 3-D in traditional theaters and the already higher rates at IMAX. And, let's face it, $10 - $15 million to convert a movie in this series, even two movies in this series, won't eat away at the nearly $7 billion in total ticket sales Potter will have generated by the end of its run. Devotees of 3-D might have a case that the technology is finally here to stay, but I don't think we're quite at that point yet. We haven't seen enough success with dedicated 3-D films at this point, no matter how much money Avatar brings in. But we do know there are more digital screens on the way, which will certainly improve 3-D's chances and make the conversions more palatable to the studios trying to get in on the trend. We are, however, definitely closer to 3-D becoming a staple of the moviegoing experience, even if it's not going to be the answer to everything. Blockbusters sure do seem to be warming up to it, though.

Comments

[Vince]

We're just waiting for Summit to announce that Edward and the gang will be back...in 3D!!!1!1 for Eclipse aren't we? I mean, I dug when I saw Harry Potter 5 in IMAX, since they had 20 min of 3D action, but does the film really call for it?

Now I cannot wait for the 3D phase to burn out. Avatar represented the zenith for the format, and no movie will ever touch it. Now 3D as a viable format has an expiration date, and just adding dumb "gotcha" effects will just kill the moviegoing experience faster than it will enhance it.

[Sam]

I dun know why they are moving in 3D????

[Honz Brix]

I'm actually a fan of the 3D gimmic. Wearing the glasses doesn't bother me and everyone may as well get used to it because its probaly here to stay. 3D televisions will be out this year and i read somewhere they already have a bunch of networks lined up to broadcast in 3D. I know ESPN was on of them. I agree that the 3D doesn't always add to the movie. Up was a perfect example of this as i couldn't even tell the difference and felt like i was watching it in 2D. Other movies would have been nothing without it. Final Destination was a horrible movie but the 3D was so incredible it actually made it entertaining. I remember a part where people literally reached out to catch the ashes that were falling in the theater. I'm not sure i agree with them turning Potter into a 3D movie because its just unecessary, but if its as good as the 3D effects were in Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs or Final Destination then it can't hurt.

[Jim Dorey]

THR's Heat Vision stole my story and ran with it. I won't be citing them anymore on my site. Makes my life easier actually!

[Get The Big Picture]

Well, I apologize, Jim. Someone sent me the link to their story and it was the one popping up everywhere. I've corrected the source because you rule.

[Jason]

This is SOOO GAYY ALL THE OTHER HARRY POTTER MOVES WERENT EVEN SHOT IN 3-D AND THIS WASNT EVEN SHOT IN 3-D THERE CONVERTING IT! THERE GOING TO LOSE SO MANY PEOPLE! WHEN MY FRIENDS FOUND OUT AND THERE PISSED TOO! THEY BETTER NOT DO THIS OR I WILL BE SO PISSED!