The lure of 3D movies on the big screen has helped generate interest among new audience members, but the highly promoted technology faces numerous difficulties that still need to be addressed.
3D movies were released sporadically in the beginning, but there has been a recent flood of numerous 3D titles hitting theaters. The problem is that the overall quality of many of these movies is poor because filmmakers are unsure how plan for and implement 3D effectively in their movies.
Additionally, many viewers do not want to wear 3D glasses while in the theater or at home -- a problem that could be remedied by "glasses-free" 3D technologies that are now in development.
I've seen a few 3D movies over the past year, but have decided to wait and see if any better quality films are released before seeing another. Since first hearing about Resident Evil: Afterlife, I've only seen negative things about the presentation of 3D, lack of storyline, and numerous other complaints.
After the movie's release, the amount of criticism drastically increased as Resident Evil fans were left disappointed. Most movie goers were disappointed when Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D producers chose added 3D effects instead of focusing on a good plot.
It's possible some movies will become 3D conversions, such as Twilight: Breaking Dawn, which will not be filmed in 3D.
The overall price of 3D movies also remains a constant battle, with 77 percent of those asked in a research poll saying 3D ticket prices are already too expensive.
Furthermore, there is a power struggle between filmmakers and Hollywood studios as they fight over 3D movies. Until all of these problems are resolved, I think it's going to be impossible for 3D movies to see much success.
I think it'll take at least one year before movie studios and manufacturers are able to fully convince consumers that 3D is a long-term viable format. It may still take until 2012-2013 before consumers begin to adopt the technology on a larger scale, if at all.
In the home market, 3D Blu-ray and HDTV adoption has grown a bit, with analysts expecting a good future for the format. However, the simple addition of 3D isn't enough for American consumers to head to stores and purchase a new HDTV, a Deloitte survey indicated.
"While major companies are betting on 3D, the survey finds that a majority of the consumers are not ready to make the transition to what is perceived to be more expensive technology,” the study notes.
Millions of consumers recently purchased new HDTVs in the past few years, which means that they're less likely to purchase another new TV anytime soon. A price drop and continued 3D saturation will take time as consumers slowly become more comfortable with the overall product.
