Laziness Could Cause Big Problems For 3D And The Theater
By now, you’ve probably heard about Lensgate, but if not, here’s a quick rundown:
It’s come to light (ha!) that many, if not all, theaters are incorrectly projecting 2D movies with the 3D lens still attached to the projector, meaning the film is projected up to 85% darker than intended. Not only that, but both 3D and 2D movies are being projected with 3000W bulbs set at 2000W in a misguided attempt to save money.
Both these practices, while thrifty and convenient in the short term are representative of disturbing trends that have emerged in recent years. Firstly, the average audience doesn’t know that these things are going on. Though a dimly lit movie may be noticeable, it certainly won’t occur to many that this is not only the theater’s fault but is something that is on purpose and can be actively rectified. Secondly, the theaters take advantage of this ignorance all too often.
If you’re watching a movie in a theater and it’s projected wrong for even a minute, you can ask for your money back. It’s a dickish move, yes, but it can be done. A better option might be to wait it out for a few minutes then politely bring it to the management’s attention, at which point they should correct the issue or even restart the movie. If they don’t, make it clear you’re not giving them your business for as long as they neglect their primary function as a cinema.
It’s a shame that it’s come to this. Projection is not a dying job but a dying art. Much can be said for digital cameras and digital projectors, but it’s important that audiences and distributor’s don’t lose sight of the inescapable fact that 3D is still a gimmick, and that digital production is necessary to facilitate this gimmick. Even as modern greats like Jackson, Speilberg, Scorsese and Bay (just kidding) embrace the medium, they more often than not acknowledge a curiosity that led them to the method in the first place. Curiosities are fleeting. 3D is still in its earliest and most fragile days, but theaters are subscribing to an as yet untested and temporary digital trend like it’s going to replace film entirely in a few years.
