Reaction Shot – Which Films Could Work as Post-Conversion 3D?

Jon Lyus

I think for curiosity value more than artistic reasons I’d like to see 2001: A Space Odyssey giving an extra dimension. If Kubrick was alive there’s no chance he’d let someone tinker with it I’m sure but there’s something about the shots in space (the docking ballet and the final retina melting kaleidoscope) which would look a bit special.

It’s hard to get away from the gimmicky nature of the post conversions, but how about Vertigo? Hitchcock did film Dial M for Murder in 3D and Rope was filmed in a series of unbroken ten (or so) minute takes so experimentation certainly isn’t out of the question.

Bubbling Under – The Alien trilogy – for the chest burster sequence alone I think it’d be worth it.

Steven Neish

For me there is one film that stands out from the crowd as inherently worthy of a 3D overhaul, its prolific and much imitated use of the camera lending itself to the process of stereoscopy in a way that most movies don’t. The Matrix – the Wachowskis’ 1999 mind-bending masterpiece – is as famous for its stunt work and “bullet time” effects as it is for its cinematic homage’s and obscure references to academic philosophy, and it is these effects that I believe would likely benefit from a well implemented 3D revamp.

The sequels are largely take or leave, but even in the current re-release climate, I would be more than happy to fork out the price of admission for the chance to have my eyes duly popped by the subway fight and lobby shooting spree.

Dave Roper

Although 3D conversions get a bum rap, like any other cinematic innovation they undoubtedly have their place, if handled correctly. What seems to be problematic at the moment is that any big release must be in 3D, rather than seeing whether the content of the film itself warrants it (like Avatar and Hugo). I’m not so precious about my favourite childhood films that I would feel violated if any of them were updated with a bit of 3D, although I might get a little aggravated if the Indiana Jones films get the stereoscopic treatment.

Perhaps the films to look at are cheesy, leap-out-at-you type (Deep Blue Sea rather than Jaws, Final Destination rather than Saw), the immersive, other-worldly ones (Lovely Bones, What Dreams May Come), or even the cataclysmic ones (2012, The Day After Tomorrow, Knowing, Armageddon).

I can’t say that any film leaps out as being desperate for the 3D upgrade, but those might be a lot of fun if done well. Undoubtedly effects heavy films would be easier to polish, as you can digitally tweak your CG elements, but if an aesthetically satisfying way of rendering the chariot race from Ben Hur in 3D could be found, I’d be happy to sit through it.

Barry Steele

I’m gonna get stoned for this, but I’d love to see Apocalypse Now in 3D. It’s visually stunning, and so batshit crazy that a more immersive 3D experience would be perfectly fitting. The film has been revisited and revised several times already, so a 3D conversion is in no way unthinkable. Imagine experiencing the Flight of the Valkyries sequence in three dimensions? How could you not want to see that?

It doesn’t have to be just Apocalypse Now. It may well be that 3D is the perfect medium for the war genre in general. So many good war movie sequences work by making you feel part of the action. Good 3D could really enhance that. The attack on Pearl Harbour from Tora! Tora! Tora! The battle of Rourke’s Drift from Zulu. Think about it, you could watch the awesome Omaha Beach landing from Saving Private Ryan in 3D. Then leave the theatre…

It would only really work with a good 3D conversion, of course. Maybe even go 4D, so we can all enjoy the smell of napalm in the morning.

Agree or disagree? We’d love to hear your thoughts.