The Future Of 3D Movie Theaters May Not Be Movies
3D is making a big comeback. Over the past decade, the film industry has been dabbling in IMAX and 3D. Producers are putting 20 minutes of experimental 3D in movies such as The Dark Knight, Superman Returns and Harry Potter. Polar Express was IMAX’s first full length 3D movie, but was slammed by critics and moviegoers. A few other animated films, such as The Ant Bully and Monster House, were also 3D but weren’t smashing successes.
It wasn’t until the success of Beowulf that convinced people that 3D has a big future. Now just about every animated film will have a 3D release. Regular films are also getting the treatment, such as Journey To The Center Of The Earth. Hollywood is even going so far as to remaster older films in 3D, like The Nightmare Before Christmas.
James Cameron’s Avatar just might seal the new 3D (or is it considered Machinima?, another emerging trend) as the biggest movie-watching invention since color. Who else is sold on 3D? Robert Zemeckis (of course), Steven Spielberg, Robert Rodriguez and Peter Jackson, to name a few. Pretty big names.
But let’s look at 3D from a different angle.
There are megatheaters all over the place now; offering as many as 30 screens. I don’t want to say they are struggling, as the movie industry seems to be doing just fine and always will. But the cost of tickets have been steadily rising in order to support these huge complexes. I won’t even go into the concessions other than saying they are disgustingly expensive.
The evening hours are the prime hours for business, due to work and school. The slow hours are those earlier in the day and megatheaters are looking for ways to put more bottoms in those seats. Some are turning to churches, allowing them to congregate in their theaters. How much money could there be in that, though?
I’ll tell ya where there is money, and LOADS of it: sports.
And sports are played throughout the day, seven days a week.
Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks Owner and Dot Com billionaire, is convinced that sports have a strong future in 3D theaters, as reported by Wired. Love him or hate him, Cuban has money. And he takes action.
With his money and drive behind 3D sports, I would bet the farm on it.
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One Response to “The Future Of 3D Movie Theaters May Not Be Movies”
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I have been betting on 3D in a big waym - video, movies, mobile, sports, casino and in virtual worlds.
I have watched my Google Alerts trend from 10 a day to hundreds. I finally had to narrow them considerably as I couldn’t keep up with the reading!
I believe that the theatres will have to hurry to make money in 3D because I think 3D at home will take off within a few years.
I agree that the sporting, concert and other forms of entertainment (Cirquede Soleil type shows in theatres) will offer enormous potential for the theatres.
Personally, in terms of my portfolio, this can’t happen soon enough. (Afternic…)
***EDIT***
I love Google Alerts. And you’re right, you need to be real specific with them or else they can flood you. I recall reading somewhere that home televisions don’t do the new 3D (Real D) very well. That’s why you don’t see a whole lot of TV 3D. I could be remembering wrong.
Good point on the concerts. We’ve already seen one or two released at theaters here and there (Hannah Montana). I can totally see someone like that getting into the 3D and releasing it at theaters.
Thanks for the comment!
-Scott