Aspects ratios are the new… black, we guess? Certainly, there’s been more conversation lately about the framing of images in movies, from Wes Anderson‘s “The Grand Budapest Hotel” serving up three different formats, while Xavier Dolan‘s “Tom At The Farm” and the upcoming “Mommy,” also play with the black bars. And so it was probably just a matter of time until a major studio blockbuster did the same.
Director James Gunn hit Facebook yesterday, and let fans know what’s coming as he wraps post-production. And while many directors fret about 3D conversion, Gunn reveals he’s dove deep into the process, and moreover, promises a different experience for those of you who decide to pay for the IMAX 3D upgrade. Here’s what he wrote:
Just got out of working on the Guardians cut for IMAX 3D and I’m unbelievably excited about it. Guardians of the Galaxy has been planned as a 3D film from its very inception. Yes, if you see the film in 2D, you’ll get a full experience. But the 3D experience promises a little something extra. Unlike many directors, I’ve been actively involved with converting every shot to 3D, making sure it works perfectly for the story and the film, making sure it’s spectacular and immersive without being silly, distracting, or overly showy. 3D conversion was once far inferior to shooting in 3D, but over the past couple years new technology has allowed us incredible control over the 3D effects, making it equal to or in some cases greater than shooting in 3D.
As an EXTRA benefit for those who see the film in IMAX 3D, we will be changing aspect ratios throughout the film in a way that makes the experience even fuller and more encompassing. I’ve personally chosen all the places where the changes occur and, again, I love how it’s coming along. The changing aspect ratios in this case are actually a part of the storytelling.
Just wanted to share some of this stuff with you guys since I haven’t had a chance to talk about the 3D much. Hope you’re all having a great day. Hi!
It’s definitely an intriguing visual approach that Gunn is promising, and it’s certainly nice to see a filmmaker care about ensuring that no matter which ticket you buy, you get a complete experience with attention to care and craft. But whether or not audiences en masse will notice will be interesting to see. Thoughts? Leave ’em below. “Guardians Of The Galaxy” arrives on August 1st.