The use of 3D technology within the film industry isn’t, as some people think, a new phenomenon. 3D has come and gone just like a trend that’s as predictable as the changing tides. Therein lies my problem, if it didn’t work the first times, why keep trying again for yet another hoorah?

But, this time, the 3D has come back rejuvenated and sometimes breath-taking.  James Cameron proved that it can be done, and done very well with Avatar.  More directors should use 3D to compliment their films, not just add some in the hope of selling more tickets. Avatar 3D was incredibly beautiful, extremely cinematic and the use of 3D added much to the movie going experience. 

I actively avoid going to 3D screenings to avoid the disappointment. Aside from one or two films, every ‘3D film’ merely serves as a gimmicky load of displeasure and leaves a bad taste in the mouth. For instance,  Men In Black 3 was the last film I saw and I made a mistake with times and missed the last 2D screening of the day so if I was still to see it, it would be in 3D.  Men In Black 3 was an okay film, but seeing it in 3D ruined most of the greatest moments. I still believe that 3D for the most part never adds anything to thestory.

Cinema has tried many different ways to enhance the movie going experience over the years.  The only ways that have actually made a difference are Imax and Dolby surround sound.  Christopher Nolan, the director of the Dark Knight series is, in my humble opinion, the director whom still creates his cinematic worlds with the right intentions and uses of technology. He compliments his films with Imax cameras that enhance the story and is one of the first of a growing number of directors to speak out against the use of 3D, and I’m compelled to agree.

To put it bluntly, 3D in cinema is a gimmicky, money spinning waste of time. Obviously, this is not all of the time,James Cameron proved its possible, but my point is why does every film need to now be shot in 3D? Some film companies must slap the ‘VIEW IT IN 3D’ label on it in the hope that it will drag people to the cinema.  The most pointless example of a film I saw that did not benefit at all from 3D technology was Toy Story 3. For the life of me, could not see why 3D was needed at all, even the gimmicky stuff wasn’t there!

3D is all well and good, but I look forward to a few years when the fad is over. But then it shall rear its ugly head again for the next generation to grow dissatisfied with it themselves.