Checked out the new 3D TVs at Best Buy and was blown away!!! Panasonic displayed its plasma set with a clip of ASTRO BOY. (Oddly enough, the theatrical version of ASTRO BOY was shown in 2D which probably hurt its bottom line.) Samsung displayed it’s LED/LCD set with a clip from MONSTERS VS. ALIENS. Both sets had two pairs of shutter system glasses available for anyone who cared to indulge. The glasses were very comfortable and there was NO flicker. But the real surprise was the razor sharp quality of both pictures (beating REALD and IMAX). It was better than I expected. The clerk said that’s what everyone was saying. Initially, about $3,000 (plus tax) gets you the TV, Blu-ray player and glasses but package deals are coming. Best Buy needs to plaster their windows with signs inviting customers to check out these sets. Also, Cablevision (yes, Cablevision!) will have the honor of delivering the first high definition 3D broadcast in the USA this Wednesday (Islanders vs. Rangers NHL game). Theatres beware! While nothing can beat sitting in front of a large theatre screen, these sets will definitely provide a serious alternative. Check them out!
I’m surprised (and flattered) that you remembered that, Justin. Frankly, I’m not surprised that THE HURT LOCKER won since the buzz lately was that it would probably pull it off. To me, AVATAR was still the big winner according to “the people” who spent over 2.5 billion at the box office and voted for it in these online polls. And how many records did any of these other movies break? At least it took Best Picture at the Golden Globes. Between AVATAR and UP, it was a great night for 3D too. Looks like ALICE will continue that momentum.
YIKES! I’m aware of the ABC/Cablevision impasse but wasn’t aware that ABC could go dark Saturday night. BTW, to my knowledge, NO 3D movie (major or otherwise) has ever won an Oscar. 3D was never taken seriously until IMAX was born and now RealD, as well as the more mature approach being taken to how it’s used. I just read an interview with Cameron and he not only seemed pretty cool about the possibility of losing Best Picture since sci-fi seldom wins that category, but also acknowledged that women directors (Bigelow?) deserve a lot more recognition than they’ve been getting. Regarding AVATAR, could we conclude that people are seeing it over and over until they’re BLUE in the face?
Not to sound too greedy, but two RealD screens are not enough to keep up with this year’s 3D offerings. AVATAR is back UP to the No. 2 spot (a recurring pattern once the initial interest in a given week’s new releases begins to diminish). And yet it has been reduced to one screen starting tomorrow in order to accomodate ALICE on the other RealD screen…similar dilemma with IMAX (AVATAR’S finale tomorrow). But hey, all things in time. I know this stuff is expensive and, to be honest, Rockaway has come a long way since the dark days of endless anticipation that we would ever see 3D capability.
I haven’t heard anything lately, nor have I asked anyone at the theater. SlimShady appears to be the supreme source for that kind of inside info, so I depend on him. I will say I hope it’s soon since we are entering the “competitive” phase of 3D movies and lack of screens will only hurt potential revenue for a particular movie (and for theaters since these movies will have to play on more 2D screens). Could we also see another IMAX screen at Rockaway someday since a lot of these movies play on that screen as well as RealD and IMAX appears to be the preferred choice for moviegoers. I’m sure AVATAR would have continued to do well in IMAX had it not been bumped by ALICE.
Did Rockaway add a third digital screen? Based on the showtimes, Avatar is still on two RealD screens (and IMAX of course) and Celine Dion is on a third digital screen at 2:00pm.
Fair enough. It was the part “give someone else a chance” and Justin’s “OK” that made me think you were serious. My mistake. BTW, I wish I had stock in AMC theatres, especially now.
We each have different amounts of passion and time to post comments on this site and, granted, not all of the information is of equal importance to everyone. But, we also all have the same OPPORTUNITY. None of us have ever been denied the chance by anyone else to make a contribution, nor should we discourage anyone else from doing the same. We have the luxury to decide what to read and what to skip.
to Larry 2: Glad you went to see it. My greatest fear is “overkill”. When everyone jumps on the bandwagon, eventually the wheels fall off from the weight (I just made that up!). The introduction of a new (or improved) technology can go from novelty to mainstream to boring awfully quickly if overused or used improperly. That, in part, killed 3D in the 50s and 80s. And, while the technology is vastly superior today, there’s still the risk of overkill. When Color TV first came out, it was a treat to see a show in color. Now, I don’t even see the colors because everything is in color. Likewise, I don’t want every movie to be in 3D either. Besides, I’d have to pitch a tent in the parking lot.
to Justin: I think 3DTV will certainly put a dent in 3D in the theater (as TV did to movies in the 50s) but nothing will replace seeing it on a large screen with an audience. Going to the movies is about more than just seeing a movie. I don’t have any info on how ticket sales are going for the Oscar marathon.
Finally, let’s not compare everything to Avatar…Elvis, Beatles, Avatar. They’re in a league of their own.
So, what IS showing on the other digital screen? And why put AVATAR back in 2D? It ain’t gonna make any money. DEAR JOHN dethroned AVATAR for only two days (Friday, Saturday), then AVATAR bounced back into first place. I imagine the new week’s movies might produce similar results…but will AVATAR rebound again? Also, what’s taking some of the other theaters (East Hanover, Wayne, Essex Green) so long to add more digital? Even with the expense, the investment seems to be paying off for those who do. They’re gonna need them soon with all these overlapping 3D movies coming out.
I’ve been waking up in a cold sweat from this nightmare that “Avatar” will lose Best Picture to some plotless film by an ex-wife about diffusing bombs that most people have never heard of (much less seen). Hope I’m wrong.
Thanks, Ski, for the heads up on Palisades. I was planning on seeing Avatar (for the fourth time) on that screen but am now having second thoughts. I’m not sure it’s worth the trip or extra $6. Also, are they still using film? If so, how sharp was it compared to Rockaway’s digital IMAX?
Today’s news that Avatar is now the highest grossing movie ever (excluding inflation, actual ticket sales, blah, blah, blah), is not only a win for the movie and director, but also a win for 3D. Who would have thought this distinction would have gone to a “3D movie?” And to those who have already started criticizing 3DTV as “unnecessary” or “too soon”, guess we should have held off on color until we perfected black and white, or held off on 3DTV because a bunch of people just bought HDTV sets. No one is forcing anyone to see anything in 3D, but stop complaining and allow those who want to see these movies or own these sets the option.
ski, regarding your comment, “COnsidering theaters always end up playing the hits on 2 or 3 screens, including one tiny one, I don’t knwo why they (or almost anyone else in the region) didn’t jsut build one giant palace and elimate one of the shoe boxes…. seems dumb to me on many levels. But they didn’t listen to anyone’s input….”, here’s an excerpt from my June 26, 2007:
“There are NO IMAX theaters in our area. You have to travel to West Nyack or Lincoln Center in NY, or Atlantic City to see an IMAX movie. I wrote to IMAX Corporation, AMC, Simon Management and the Mayor of Rockaway to get them to add an IMAX theater to the mall, with no success…I’m no expert in theater management but I’ve been reading a lot about the new 3D and what’s ahead. 3D is here to stay, finally, and Rockaway is going to have to come around eventually. It just makes good business sense!!!”
This would have been an investment that would have paid off handsomely. Morris County is ideally located for an IMAX. Clearly, no one was listening! But, at least we have what we have and Rockaway has the best screens I’ve ever seen in a multi-plex.
Starting Friday, the 35mm (2D) version of Avatar has been reduced to one showing at 10:30pm. That says it all about the power of 3D/Imax but I don’t believe it necessarily means people prefer digital over 35mm. I don’t think the average person even cares which format they’re watching as long as they’re enjoying the movie. Furthermore, 3D and 35mm are not incompatible, if done right. Technicolor 3D has plans to bridge that gap and make available high quality 3D for 35mm prints for those exhibitors who cannot yet afford digital projectors. This will also be the year we begin to see 3D in the home. Notice how conspicuously silent the prophets of “3D doom” have been?
Yes, thank you. Between MarketSaw’s news of “things to come” and Box Office Mojo’s current and historical summary, we have a complete picture of the growing success of 3D movies. They need to add “A Christmas Carol” which would come in at No. 5 with just over $136M. The fallout of Avatar’s success is that theaters, like Rockaway, have had to resort to a 2D showing of “A Christmas Carol” but that will be corrected in time. I just read that the First Family had attended a private showing of Avatar this morning.
Absolutely! I hesitate to quote numbers of screens because it is constantly changing. I do recall, however, that when “Chicken Little” was out in 2005 (the beginning of the digital 3D era) there were only two screens in NJ (Edgewater and Elizabeth). Now, according to RealD’s current list, there are 39 (this doesn’t include AMC Essex Green) so I suspect it’s already out of date. 3D=$$$, so you can expect the numbers to grow rapidly. Also, we’ll see brand new 3D HDTVs (required), Blu-ray DVD players and a 3D HDTV channel from Direct TV in 2010 (gotta get Cablevision on board). The naysayers who are predicting this resurgence as yet another short-lived gimmick are not paying attention.
Sounds great. I also plan on seeing it in both versions just to compare the overall effect. I’d be curious to know if either larry 2 or movie534 has seen Avatar and what they thought since they were so negative on digital 3D. Chime in guys. Do you, at least, feel differently about 3D’s future this time around and what it brings to the experience (especially since Avatar) even if you personally don’t like it?
Bald with a moustache. Things came up and I still haven’t made it over to the theater. I am currently planning on Monday for the 10am IMAX showing so I guess I better get there early. Perhaps we will run into each other someday. BTW, you haven’t said anything about the movie itself. What did you think?
Just before seeing “A Christmas Carol” I compared #7 (RealD) and #8 (IMAX). There’s no question IMAX is bigger but I suppose you can get a similar effect by just sitting closer to the RealD screen. It’s all relative to where you sit. Quality-wise, they’re both excellent. If I were forced to choose, I’d choose IMAX (even at the higher price) but if IMAX were sold out, I wouldn’t be disappointed to settle for the RealD side. Just don’t expect the West Nyack version of IMAX. Both sound systems are more than satisfying.
Alvin beat Avatar on Wednesday but Avatar rebounded on Thursday. Keep in mind Avatar is PG-13 and probably not for smaller kids. Plus, try and get a small child to sit through 2hr. 40min. of anything. I can barely do it. Have you seen Avatar yet? I’m on schedule for sometime this week.
I might add, the 3D effect is more pronounced from the back row but you’ll feel less like you’re part of the picture. The reverse is true the closer you sit to the screen since the edges seem to disappear but with less of a 3D effect. The middle is a good compromise.
I think there will always be a percentage of people who just can’t handle 3D (especially IMAX) where there is plenty of soaring, flying, fast action scenes. I felt uneasy during certain scenes of “A Christmas Carol” when they were flying through towns. Add the rumbling sound system and it’s like being on a roller coaster. I got a headache during the IMAX version of “Polar Express”, not from the picture but from the sound system. Then again, maybe their popcorn wasn’t fresh.
Was curious as to who contributed the most to this site.
No. 5 – John J. Fink (19 posts)
No. 4 – movie534 (20)
No. 3 – SlimShady (41)
No. 2 – JJD (87)
No. 1 – guess who! (over 500)
You’re still the champ!
Checked out the new 3D TVs at Best Buy and was blown away!!! Panasonic displayed its plasma set with a clip of ASTRO BOY. (Oddly enough, the theatrical version of ASTRO BOY was shown in 2D which probably hurt its bottom line.) Samsung displayed it’s LED/LCD set with a clip from MONSTERS VS. ALIENS. Both sets had two pairs of shutter system glasses available for anyone who cared to indulge. The glasses were very comfortable and there was NO flicker. But the real surprise was the razor sharp quality of both pictures (beating REALD and IMAX). It was better than I expected. The clerk said that’s what everyone was saying. Initially, about $3,000 (plus tax) gets you the TV, Blu-ray player and glasses but package deals are coming. Best Buy needs to plaster their windows with signs inviting customers to check out these sets. Also, Cablevision (yes, Cablevision!) will have the honor of delivering the first high definition 3D broadcast in the USA this Wednesday (Islanders vs. Rangers NHL game). Theatres beware! While nothing can beat sitting in front of a large theatre screen, these sets will definitely provide a serious alternative. Check them out!
I’m surprised (and flattered) that you remembered that, Justin. Frankly, I’m not surprised that THE HURT LOCKER won since the buzz lately was that it would probably pull it off. To me, AVATAR was still the big winner according to “the people” who spent over 2.5 billion at the box office and voted for it in these online polls. And how many records did any of these other movies break? At least it took Best Picture at the Golden Globes. Between AVATAR and UP, it was a great night for 3D too. Looks like ALICE will continue that momentum.
Excellent, Justin!
YIKES! I’m aware of the ABC/Cablevision impasse but wasn’t aware that ABC could go dark Saturday night. BTW, to my knowledge, NO 3D movie (major or otherwise) has ever won an Oscar. 3D was never taken seriously until IMAX was born and now RealD, as well as the more mature approach being taken to how it’s used. I just read an interview with Cameron and he not only seemed pretty cool about the possibility of losing Best Picture since sci-fi seldom wins that category, but also acknowledged that women directors (Bigelow?) deserve a lot more recognition than they’ve been getting. Regarding AVATAR, could we conclude that people are seeing it over and over until they’re BLUE in the face?
Not to sound too greedy, but two RealD screens are not enough to keep up with this year’s 3D offerings. AVATAR is back UP to the No. 2 spot (a recurring pattern once the initial interest in a given week’s new releases begins to diminish). And yet it has been reduced to one screen starting tomorrow in order to accomodate ALICE on the other RealD screen…similar dilemma with IMAX (AVATAR’S finale tomorrow). But hey, all things in time. I know this stuff is expensive and, to be honest, Rockaway has come a long way since the dark days of endless anticipation that we would ever see 3D capability.
I haven’t heard anything lately, nor have I asked anyone at the theater. SlimShady appears to be the supreme source for that kind of inside info, so I depend on him. I will say I hope it’s soon since we are entering the “competitive” phase of 3D movies and lack of screens will only hurt potential revenue for a particular movie (and for theaters since these movies will have to play on more 2D screens). Could we also see another IMAX screen at Rockaway someday since a lot of these movies play on that screen as well as RealD and IMAX appears to be the preferred choice for moviegoers. I’m sure AVATAR would have continued to do well in IMAX had it not been bumped by ALICE.
Did Rockaway add a third digital screen? Based on the showtimes, Avatar is still on two RealD screens (and IMAX of course) and Celine Dion is on a third digital screen at 2:00pm.
Fair enough. It was the part “give someone else a chance” and Justin’s “OK” that made me think you were serious. My mistake. BTW, I wish I had stock in AMC theatres, especially now.
We each have different amounts of passion and time to post comments on this site and, granted, not all of the information is of equal importance to everyone. But, we also all have the same OPPORTUNITY. None of us have ever been denied the chance by anyone else to make a contribution, nor should we discourage anyone else from doing the same. We have the luxury to decide what to read and what to skip.
to Larry 2: Glad you went to see it. My greatest fear is “overkill”. When everyone jumps on the bandwagon, eventually the wheels fall off from the weight (I just made that up!). The introduction of a new (or improved) technology can go from novelty to mainstream to boring awfully quickly if overused or used improperly. That, in part, killed 3D in the 50s and 80s. And, while the technology is vastly superior today, there’s still the risk of overkill. When Color TV first came out, it was a treat to see a show in color. Now, I don’t even see the colors because everything is in color. Likewise, I don’t want every movie to be in 3D either. Besides, I’d have to pitch a tent in the parking lot.
to Justin: I think 3DTV will certainly put a dent in 3D in the theater (as TV did to movies in the 50s) but nothing will replace seeing it on a large screen with an audience. Going to the movies is about more than just seeing a movie. I don’t have any info on how ticket sales are going for the Oscar marathon.
Finally, let’s not compare everything to Avatar…Elvis, Beatles, Avatar. They’re in a league of their own.
So, what IS showing on the other digital screen? And why put AVATAR back in 2D? It ain’t gonna make any money. DEAR JOHN dethroned AVATAR for only two days (Friday, Saturday), then AVATAR bounced back into first place. I imagine the new week’s movies might produce similar results…but will AVATAR rebound again? Also, what’s taking some of the other theaters (East Hanover, Wayne, Essex Green) so long to add more digital? Even with the expense, the investment seems to be paying off for those who do. They’re gonna need them soon with all these overlapping 3D movies coming out.
I’ve been waking up in a cold sweat from this nightmare that “Avatar” will lose Best Picture to some plotless film by an ex-wife about diffusing bombs that most people have never heard of (much less seen). Hope I’m wrong.
Thanks, Ski, for the heads up on Palisades. I was planning on seeing Avatar (for the fourth time) on that screen but am now having second thoughts. I’m not sure it’s worth the trip or extra $6. Also, are they still using film? If so, how sharp was it compared to Rockaway’s digital IMAX?
Today’s news that Avatar is now the highest grossing movie ever (excluding inflation, actual ticket sales, blah, blah, blah), is not only a win for the movie and director, but also a win for 3D. Who would have thought this distinction would have gone to a “3D movie?” And to those who have already started criticizing 3DTV as “unnecessary” or “too soon”, guess we should have held off on color until we perfected black and white, or held off on 3DTV because a bunch of people just bought HDTV sets. No one is forcing anyone to see anything in 3D, but stop complaining and allow those who want to see these movies or own these sets the option.
ski, regarding your comment, “COnsidering theaters always end up playing the hits on 2 or 3 screens, including one tiny one, I don’t knwo why they (or almost anyone else in the region) didn’t jsut build one giant palace and elimate one of the shoe boxes…. seems dumb to me on many levels. But they didn’t listen to anyone’s input….”, here’s an excerpt from my June 26, 2007:
“There are NO IMAX theaters in our area. You have to travel to West Nyack or Lincoln Center in NY, or Atlantic City to see an IMAX movie. I wrote to IMAX Corporation, AMC, Simon Management and the Mayor of Rockaway to get them to add an IMAX theater to the mall, with no success…I’m no expert in theater management but I’ve been reading a lot about the new 3D and what’s ahead. 3D is here to stay, finally, and Rockaway is going to have to come around eventually. It just makes good business sense!!!”
This would have been an investment that would have paid off handsomely. Morris County is ideally located for an IMAX. Clearly, no one was listening! But, at least we have what we have and Rockaway has the best screens I’ve ever seen in a multi-plex.
Starting Friday, the 35mm (2D) version of Avatar has been reduced to one showing at 10:30pm. That says it all about the power of 3D/Imax but I don’t believe it necessarily means people prefer digital over 35mm. I don’t think the average person even cares which format they’re watching as long as they’re enjoying the movie. Furthermore, 3D and 35mm are not incompatible, if done right. Technicolor 3D has plans to bridge that gap and make available high quality 3D for 35mm prints for those exhibitors who cannot yet afford digital projectors. This will also be the year we begin to see 3D in the home. Notice how conspicuously silent the prophets of “3D doom” have been?
Yes, thank you. Between MarketSaw’s news of “things to come” and Box Office Mojo’s current and historical summary, we have a complete picture of the growing success of 3D movies. They need to add “A Christmas Carol” which would come in at No. 5 with just over $136M. The fallout of Avatar’s success is that theaters, like Rockaway, have had to resort to a 2D showing of “A Christmas Carol” but that will be corrected in time. I just read that the First Family had attended a private showing of Avatar this morning.
Absolutely! I hesitate to quote numbers of screens because it is constantly changing. I do recall, however, that when “Chicken Little” was out in 2005 (the beginning of the digital 3D era) there were only two screens in NJ (Edgewater and Elizabeth). Now, according to RealD’s current list, there are 39 (this doesn’t include AMC Essex Green) so I suspect it’s already out of date. 3D=$$$, so you can expect the numbers to grow rapidly. Also, we’ll see brand new 3D HDTVs (required), Blu-ray DVD players and a 3D HDTV channel from Direct TV in 2010 (gotta get Cablevision on board). The naysayers who are predicting this resurgence as yet another short-lived gimmick are not paying attention.
Sounds great. I also plan on seeing it in both versions just to compare the overall effect. I’d be curious to know if either larry 2 or movie534 has seen Avatar and what they thought since they were so negative on digital 3D. Chime in guys. Do you, at least, feel differently about 3D’s future this time around and what it brings to the experience (especially since Avatar) even if you personally don’t like it?
Bald with a moustache. Things came up and I still haven’t made it over to the theater. I am currently planning on Monday for the 10am IMAX showing so I guess I better get there early. Perhaps we will run into each other someday. BTW, you haven’t said anything about the movie itself. What did you think?
Just before seeing “A Christmas Carol” I compared #7 (RealD) and #8 (IMAX). There’s no question IMAX is bigger but I suppose you can get a similar effect by just sitting closer to the RealD screen. It’s all relative to where you sit. Quality-wise, they’re both excellent. If I were forced to choose, I’d choose IMAX (even at the higher price) but if IMAX were sold out, I wouldn’t be disappointed to settle for the RealD side. Just don’t expect the West Nyack version of IMAX. Both sound systems are more than satisfying.
Alvin beat Avatar on Wednesday but Avatar rebounded on Thursday. Keep in mind Avatar is PG-13 and probably not for smaller kids. Plus, try and get a small child to sit through 2hr. 40min. of anything. I can barely do it. Have you seen Avatar yet? I’m on schedule for sometime this week.
Happy Birthday, Justin!
I might add, the 3D effect is more pronounced from the back row but you’ll feel less like you’re part of the picture. The reverse is true the closer you sit to the screen since the edges seem to disappear but with less of a 3D effect. The middle is a good compromise.
I think there will always be a percentage of people who just can’t handle 3D (especially IMAX) where there is plenty of soaring, flying, fast action scenes. I felt uneasy during certain scenes of “A Christmas Carol” when they were flying through towns. Add the rumbling sound system and it’s like being on a roller coaster. I got a headache during the IMAX version of “Polar Express”, not from the picture but from the sound system. Then again, maybe their popcorn wasn’t fresh.