An Ever Evolving Technology - The Film Industry

The film industry has come along way from the days of black and white films. The films that we watch are not just in color, but they are the characters are now jumping out of the big screen and right into your lap with 3D technology. 3D technology has changed the way we watch movies because it allows people to feel like they are apart of the film. 3D is a great technology to use in film, but only if it is used on the right films. Films like Avatar, Transformers, and some animated films can be successful at the box office, but movies like Happy Feet Two, The Lion King, and Step Up 3D does not need 3D technology. Many people are sick of 3D and have been complaining about 3D’s less sharp picture quality, shaky effects that cause headaches and nausea, and skyrocketing ticket prices (2011). If 3D technology is added to the right film and the picture quality and does not have shaky effects then people may not mind paying to see a great quality movie.

As technology continues to advance, so will the way we watch film in movie theaters. The new 4D technology is now being tested. A 4D film is a 3D film with physical effects in the theater. CJ 4D Plex has tested this technology in Korea with the movie Avatar. The company incorporated shaking seats, the smell of explosions, water mists, and flashing lights. These screenings have attracted 50% more people that the regular screenings (Lussier, 2011). I believe if 4D movie theaters make its way to the United States, people will have the experience of a lifetime.

Film distribution has also come a long way from just being distributed through movie theaters. We can now watch movie OnDemand. Movies can now be streamed through your computer, iPod, iPhone, Blu-Ray Players, and video games systems. Soon movies may be sent fresh from the box office to your living room. According to Russ Fischer studios could broadcast new or recently released movies to cable and/or satellite subscribers, essentially creating a new release window prior to DVD release. In some cases, this might be the same day as the theatrical.  If this happens people may not worry about going to the movie theaters to watch film when they can watch in the comfort of their own home. This can cause movie theaters to become obsolete. I personally love going to the movie theaters because it gives me a chance to get out of the house and socialize. Hopefully movie theaters will me around for a while.

Reference

Anonymous (2011) Can Transformers save 3D films? Retrieved on November 14, 2011 from http://theweek.com/article/index/216904/can-transformers-save-3d-films

Fischer, R. (2010) FCC Will Allow Movie Studios to Broadcast Directly to Your Home; What Does This Mean For Theaters. Retrieved on November 14, 2011 from http://www.slashfilm.com/fcc-will-allow-movie-studios-to-broadcast-directly-to-your-home-what-does-this-mean-for-theaters/

Lussier, G. 4D Movie Theaters Opening; Smell-O-Vision Being Developed. Retrieved on November 14, 2011 from http://www.slashfilm.com/photos-4d-movie-theaters-opening-smellovision-developed/