Waiting for a spectacle

SAM BAKER/The Manawatu Standard

THE EYES HAVE IT: Downtown Cinemas employees try out the 3D glasses, from left, Mark Walsh, Kendra Howe, Ainsley Sands, and Laura McKinlay.

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Three-dimensional movies are taking off worldwide and Palmerston North moviegoers won't be left behind for much longer.

Downtown Cinemas has confirmed it has placed an order for a 3D projector which chief executive John Garrett expected to arrive in mid-June – in time for the school holidays, although he had wanted it sooner.

"I placed the order last week and I was hoping we would have it by the end of April."

The popularity of 3D blockbuster Avatar had created a "phenomenal" demand for 3D films.

Mr Garrett said he hoped about 50,000 to 60,000 people a year would watch 3D movies at Downtown.

The projector was expected to cost between $200,000-$250,000. It will operate in cinema eight and will arrive in time to screen the latest Shrek movie Shrek Forever After from June 24 and Toy Story 3, which opens on July 1.

Mr Garrett planned to alternate the screening of the two films.

Later in the year Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will also screen in 3D.

Before Avatar, a made-for-3D movie, Mr Garrett said he had considered investing in the new technology.

"But when I sat down and worked out the investment involved it didn't really stack up until Avatar proved 3D was here to stay."

Another 3D movie, Alice in Wonderland, collected US$116 million (NZ$166m) in its opening weekend in the United States.

"It's a lesser cost if you're setting up in Melbourne or Auckland than Palmerston North because of the potential return."

Downtown planned using a Real D system where customers purchase 3D glasses and re-use them as often as they like.

This meant Downtown would not have to sanitise the glasses after each use or worry about scratching.

Some cinemas, like Wellington's Reading, require 3D glasses to be returned after a movie screening.

"I'm very very confident we'll end up with two 3D screens by the end of the year."

Palmerston North film reviewer David Collins welcomed the news, although he said films would still have to have solid story-lines and characters.

"Ultimately, it can't be 3D for 3D's sake."

There was though still a "novelty side" to 3D films, he said.

Mr Collins had heard there was work being undertaken to convert past films into 3D.

"Theoretically, God help us, they could 3D Twilight."

- © Fairfax NZ News