Third Magazine

2d Being Phased Out? Not likely….

Posted on 17. Feb, 2010 by The James in Movie Releases, Theaters

Apparently, over at Cinemablend.com they are pushing for a boycott of Alice in Wonderland in 3D. They have the notion that the popularity of 3D movies will cause theaters to phase out 2D movies. Well, the beginning of their logic is sound, but after that, it is a little comical. If theater attendance is up for 3D movies, of course theaters are going to want more of their screens capable of showing 3D movies. It is simple supply and demand, but does this mean that we will see a sudden disappearance of 2D movies? Doubtful. Currently, 3D productions are pricey, very pricey. So if a studio is going to push a movie in 3D, they better have a good sense that it will be a blockbuster. Probability says that you will see the big seasonal hits and the “big ticket” blockbusters in 3D, because it’s a good bet that they will be popular. But will you see indie films and smaller ticket dramas be stuffed into 3D theaters?  Most likely not. The other key factor is that we are seeing the last of the big budget pictures that got their funding during the credit boom. The gestation period of a film production from funding to screen is quite long. We will be seeing more theaters that are 3D capable, but 2D movies will be around for a while.

But this brings me to my second point. The number of 2D theaters will be shrinking. So what? Cinemablend’s article doesn’t seem to make any argument regarding why consumers should prefer 2D over the 3D other than price. If that is the only reason, it’s a non-issue. Because the more common the technology becomes, the more the price well regulate. Movie prices have been rising faster than inflation since the first “talkie” came out. There’s no stopping it.

In the end, it comes down to fear of change. I have a feeling that there was probably an outcry when color cinema started. There were probably people that were upset that all movies were making the transition to color. Well, entertainment changes as technology changes. I think this is a positive thing. Enjoy it.