One Fan’s Response to Variety’s Report About 3D in Cinema–It’s Dead

Subscribers to Variety Magazine and fans of the 3D film medium will no doubt want to read Carolyn Giardina’s report where the “Summer Movie Season [will be] Testing 3D Cinema’s Recoverability.” But as for whether that’s happening everywhere, I’ve noticed that my local movie theatre chain is close to abandoning the format unless it’s a blockbuster. As far as advance ticket sales are indicating what’s available, I’m not seeing any listings.

The only film listed is The Garfield Movie, and it’s a product not worth paying more for. If this activity is indeed happening, I imagine that they are only occurring at major metropolises where numbers matter instead of small towns. Whether fans of this medium want it back, the next few months will be telling. Ever since Covid-19 struck, the fear of getting the virus any which way depends on how much of a germ phobia one has. I firmly believe this fad is just that; and it’s finished running its course.

Part of it due to a variety of factors, as echoed by many other reports or YouTube editorials–like what Upscaled Reviews said. Part of the problem lies in the auxiliary markets, namely 3D gaming. There’s inconsistency across the board, and Nintendo’s 3DS has been retired. The only thing new is Sony’s VR 2, and as for whether there’s a lot of content offered, I can’t say. I’m not that invested and when I wear glasses, I don’t want to take it back to the optometrist for an adjustment every time.

Additionally, there are no films being made using proper cameras. Everything is converted, and the discerning eye can recognise what’s fake or not. Whether that’s done with the director on hand or with artificial intelligence to reduce the workload, the brain cannot be tricked to believe that UFOs flicking in and out of frame from far, far away can teleport to a few miles closer to a human person’s natural field of view and not be jarring.

As much as I like the format, I believe 3D cinema’s only staying power lays in virtual reality. There’s some support in YouTube and Netflix when donning that Meta Quest 3 or Sony VR headset. But as for whether Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro is a game-changer, it’s too late. Had this product been released at the height of 3D gaming/cinema’s popularity, it might garner some attention.

Ultimately, until technology can find a way to offer 3D entertainment without putting on any form of headwear, it’s best to abandon the idea than to have it drag on.