Archived blockbuster films to get 3D treatment

Relaxnews
Tuesday 27 September 2011 01:46 EDT
Comments
(All Rights Reserved)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Following the surprising success in North America of the recent re-release of The Lion King in 3D hitting the top of the box office, plans are in the works for such classics as Star Wars, Titanic and Top Gun to be converted to 3D format for theatrical release.

George Lucas is overseeing the 3D versions of his six Star Wars titles and expects to rerelease Star Wars: Episode 1, The Phantom Menace to theaters in February 2012, with the other five films released in 3D at the rate of one a year. The Blu-ray version of Star Wars, released in mid-September, broke records.

The company behind the process, Legend3D, is converting catalog titles to 3D, which costs about $10 million per film to complete the process thoroughly. Prices are dropping - conversion did cost $100,000 per minute and is now as low as $25,000 a minute.

An avid 3D advocate, James Cameron will releases his 1997 epic Titanic, the second-highest-grossing movie of all time, converting it to 3D as an $18 million project. The three-hour film will be released in April 2012, timed with the 100th anniversary of the ship's sinking.

The intended effect is to add a sense of reality and immediacy to the historical drama with the original filmmakers involved. Tony Scott will be available to oversee Top Gun.

The Lion King in 3D, which cost less than $10 million to convert, has earned $60 million so far with the new release. A Blu-ray will follow in October.

RC

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in