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District 9 and Ghostbusters in 3D? Sony Hopes to Convert Older Films to 3D for Blu-Ray Release

Posted on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 by Peter Sciretta

Could we be seeing Spider-Man, Ghostbusters, District 9 and 2012 in Digital 3D in 2011? Maybe…

Last month it was reported that Sony Pictures Home Entertainment would begin to release 3D movies on Blu-ray for the first time, beginning this summer with the computer animated release Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (with additional 3D Blu-ray titles expected to also appear this summer).

Bloomberg is now reporting that Sony Pictures might even begin upconverting older catalogue films to 3D, but not for theatrical rerelease, but instead to promote the new digital 3D Blu-ray technology. While no titles have yet to be announced, it is expected that Sony would feature popular catalog titles like Spider-Man, Ghostbusters, Men in Black, Gladiator, and possibly newer blockbuster films like 2012, District 9 and Zombieland.

The story quotes Joe Nakata, a deputy general manager for Sony’s 3D strategy unit, (yes, apparently they are so serious about the 3D future of the company that they have a 3D strategy unit) as saying that they will “probably be able to start next fiscal year” if they are pleased with the results that come from the 3D upconversion companies in India.

Of course, Sony has a lot of money invested in the 3D tech future, with more than a half dozen 3D televisions and Blu-ray disc players set to hit stores this summer. The company projects “sales from 3D products without content will reach 1 trillion ($15.5 billion) in the year to March 2013.” They are even partnered with Discovery Communications and Imax to start a 3D dedicated television network in 2011.So there is certainly a large demand to fill these new products and spaces with 3D content, both old and new.

But I really wonder if Sony would spend millions to convert films to 3D without giving these movies a theatrical venue before they premiere the new versions on 3d blu-ray or 3d television. I also wonder if they will involve the original filmmakers in the process.

Also, if they ever convert Ghostbusters to 3D, let’s hope that Sony pays some good money to remaster a new HD transfer — the recent Blu-ray release looked horrible.

Comments

Zazoo Pitts

Gladiator is not a Sony film....Dreamworks.

Bryan Baca

I would say I can just ignore this and buy the 2d version, but that option seems to be going away fast.

3DGizmo

3d-TV's will play 2D just as well as 3D, after all, 3D is just rapidly alternating frames from different perspectives. I think 3D will be for specialist events like movies and sports. Even when 3D Blurays arrive, I expect the discs will contain the 2D version of the movie.

Zaranyzerak

The Ghostbusters Blu-ray had an excellent transfer, accurately presenting the natural film grain of the film stock used. The only "fix" for a future release would be to dial the gamma down a bit, which was a tad too bright. Otherwise, it was a stunning, accurate transfer of the original source material that looked the way the film is supposed to look.

band

True. I love the transfer of Ghostbusters, it looks like the film is supposed to look. DVDbeaver gave it a glowing review too. As the poster above mentioned, people expect Blu-ray to look shiny and "new", yet for many films this simply wouldnt work.

noodles483

I've never seen something so ridiculous take off so fast. In a matter of months every other greenlit movie is going to be in 3D and every TV announced this year will be 3D. Now they're going back and making 25 year old movies 3D? I have had more than enough of this. Especially if it involves Ghostbusters.

John Heuer

To me it was like when they tried to colorize B&W films. Just because the films are new doesn't mean they don't deserve our respect. 3D is great if that's what the filmmaker intended but these movies weren't made with 3D in mind and therefore it will be bastardizing the films if they are converted.

3DGizmo

Cameron filmed Avatar in 3D. I wonder how simply "3d-ifying" old films will look. I'm betting not as good as actually filming in 3D.

Captain_Howdy

C'mon, we knew studios would swoop on this, didn't we? Like them, I'm guessing the general consumer has no idea nor cares for the difference between something that was shot in 3D and something that has been converted. So long as things 'pop' well, they're satisfied.

Brandon Varnell

meh im over this 3D gimmick, i watched the 3D at CES and was not impressed AT all, until they can come up with a way to get the same experience without having to wear ZE GOGGLES i might give a chance, even avatar 3D didn't impress me, its nothing more then a gimmick.

ben

I find it odd that they're pushing this 3D blu ray like it's a new format when blu ray itself still hasn't taken off with the mainstream public yet.

presto117

they're not pushing it as a new format, just as a new feature.

Bruce

JESUS CHRIST

Does everything have to be in 3D now? How will 3D enhance the story and acting of movies? Thanks James Cameron, you assh0le. I hope you drown in that pool of money you made off Avatar and Titanic.

theJOker

Everything has been in 3-D for like... ever.

thatsheavydoc

Don't blame Cameron, he was sensible with the new technology. Blame the studio heads who just want to see a quick buck get made. I'm afraid that they're gonna do what they did right after twilight and run the 3D trend into the ground. Pretty soon it's gonna be 3D MUSIC VIDEOS! 3D VIDEO GAMES (already happened with avatar)! 3D ANIME! Useless 3D crap that will just make people get sick and tired of 3D and decrease it's viability long-term. If I was a studio head right now, I'd focus on shooting films in 3D and completely skipping upconversion of films not previously shot in 3D - or this COMPLETELY RIDICULOUS DVD conversion idea.

Addy

Sorry but the new blu-ray of Ghostbusters looks wonderful. Yes it has Grain aplenty, but that's how the film is supposed to look. I hate this attitude that everything on HD must look shiny and new.

presto117

i'm with ya there. and it's not just how it's "supposed" to look, it's more of the way it used to look. When I first saw the BD of Ghostbusters, the picture looked good, but not near the quality of Speed Racer or Up, but when you compare it to the original film..... it's a miracle. seriously, just watch some of the special features that feature scenes from the movie not converted to HD, and it's a miracle it looks the way it does on BD.

Jp

I'm just gonna say one thing: F*CK 3D!!!

theJOker

You'll change your mind when the porn industry takes it up...

Ryan

To be honest, I cant see out of one eye.

I have no depth perception, and avatar was the first time in my life that I perceived depth. Something a lot of people take for granted.

So I'm all for this 3D revolution.

presto117

I don't doubt you, but how did you see the 3D with one working eye? My understanding is that you need both eyes to see 3D. when i saw it the second time, if i closed one eye, i would just see the movie in 2D. perfectly crystal clear 2D, and then when i opened the other, back to 3D.

STFU

If you break the glasses and hold the lens over one another and stand on your head while squinting it works. Come on people...do i have to think of everything?
As far as 3D Ghostbusters...I'm holding out for the version that comes with a buzzer for my seat and a goo canon operated by a monkey to shot green slime at me during the hotel scene.

Brandon Varnell

if you can't see out of one eye then you didn't experience it, it would be impossible.

3d glasses don't magically heal your eye that you can see out of and give you perfect depth perception so take your BS elsewhere

theJOker

I am blind. I went to Avatar. JC healed me and now I can see.

Kareem

Oh, by the way, I'm with you on the 3-D revolution. Besides, all these movies will be backwards compatible, so we should just be able to turn the feature off if we want.

Ryan

Yeah, out of 20 years of this life, the first thing I saw in depth was that drop of water.

BLEW MY SKULL

I've heard other "half-blindies" complain... but I saw it just fine.

theJOker

Ryan, seriously? I thought that people with monocular vision couldn't view Avatar.

shane

how the heck do you see 3D with one working eye? you're an idiot, a troll, or watched Avatar with Jesus Christ.

Kareem

Right on, that sounds like it must've been a pretty awesome experience

Kareem

Ok, I'm going to openly look like a fool, but...

You saw 3-D depth in Avatar, even though you can only see out of one eye?

papasanchez

The 3d revolution sounds amazing and i'm all for it, however, after buying a full HD telly last year, I am completely unwilling to fork out more money for this tech.

I think they should concentrate on the cinema versions for at least another four years alone, then maybe people like myself will be prepared to release their hard earned cash.

These movies NEED to be tested out in cinemas first or this might just fall flat on it's face.

Ryan

... Ghostbusters 3-d will get me to buy a bluray player... I give in.

presto117

I already OWN a Blu-Ray player and Ghostbusters on BD, but i'm totally buying Ghostbusters again to watch it in 3D.

presto117

@papasanchez

you're correct, Sony is gonna issue a firmware update that lets the PS3 play 3D movies, and possibly games, but i'm not sure.

I think all the update does is allow the system to output at 120HZ so it can do 3D, but that's only what i've heard.

gslimjim98

they said you need to buy a 3d capable blu ray player to play 3d. the were only going to put firmware updates out for the ps3, first the movies then the games. so ps3 owners have it a lil easier.

theJOker

You're going to need a 3-D compatible Blu-Ray player AND a 3-D compatible flat screen to make that happen.

Start saving your money.

David Delgado

JOker and papasanchez below, you guys are mistaken. /film really needs to do an informative piece on this tech, as their readers don't seem to understand it.

If you have a Blu-Ray player that is moderately new (ie within 2 years) IT CAN BE A 3D PLAYER WITH A SIMPLE SOFTWARE UPDATE.
Yes, you would need a compatible TV, but remember having to download new profiles for slightly outdated BR players? Same thing.

You will most likely NOT have to also upgrade your player, just your TV.

theJOker

You're all going to need the Purple-Ray player.

papasanchez

I knew that. I was just moaning about the fact I would still need a new tv. I do however, like the cut of your jip. Tip of the cap young sir/madam.

Also, think upgrade will be available on ps3. Not totally sure wher I got info but I have heard it whispered in dark corridors.

joenostalgia

I'm angry that all these studios are doing this to their 2D films. They fail to see that the reason Avatar was successful was because the 3D was native, looked great and enhanced the film. Ghostbusters won't be much better in 3D because it never was filmed with 3D in mind. The blu-ray of Ghostbusters looked great, it had fine grain reproduction. The image is supposed to look like that, same with The Godfather's grainy masters. But grain won't translate well to 3D at all.

Slatters

Then don't buy the 3D version?

Studios are interested in money, there's no mystery why they do what they do.

Matthew

I'm betting this will in the long run be considered an expensive bad decision. 3D in its current avatar (pardon the pun) is not suitable for home viewing. You have to sit only at specific angles. The glasses are extremely expensive and the size of the screen will restrict the 3D effect.

Unless theres some real breakthroughs in the technology, this 3D as an added effect to the home viewing experience is gonna become a major flop.

luke_test

Make all this 3D madness stop!

Avatar was only good in 3D because it was filmed natively in 3D.

xorith

bleh, you LIKED the 3d in avatar?

until they have dynamic 3D that can shift focus when i want to see the background and back when i want to look at the foreground...then i will watch 3D movies.

this is why i do not understand the 3D craze, or 3D television, you are losing so much when you watch them because with a depth a field the parts that are out of focus cannot be focused on. sucks.

presto117

i thought the 3D in Avatar was perfect, and i searched every single inch of that screen both times i saw it for something that would bother me. nothing did.

mbellerbrock

Dude, a ton of people liked the 3D in Avatar. I don't disagree that dynamic 3D would be freaking awesome, but it will be a long wait.

wonka bar

Amen! It's like a shark smelling blood when a movie studio finds another way to make a buck. Enough already.

theJOker

No to mention they've outsourced to India despite the thousands of techie workers here in the U.S. who are looking for jobs.

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