Warners confirms 3D plans for 'Harry Potter' and other pics

By Carl "Cookie" DiOrio

Warner Bros. on Tuesday confirmed plans for the 3D release of the next "Harry Potter" movie and the one-week delay of action fantasy "Clash of the Titans," which the studio is making with Legendary Pictures, to April 2 to facilitate its conversion into 3D.

Heat Vision reported both those developments Jan. 26.

"We are experienced and have been successful in the conversion of 2D to 3D going back to such hits as 'The Polar Express,' select scenes in 'Superman Returns' and the last two Harry Potter films,” Warners domestic distribution boss Dan Fellman said.

Warners said its conversion tests on "Titan" footage have gone well and noted that conversion work will be handled by Prime Focus, a Hollywood-based postproduction company that figured among digital vendors on "Avatar," whose nine Oscar nominations include one for visual effects.

"We're excited about 3D and look forward to bringing a rich, involving visual experience to audiences around the world," Warners film group president Jeff Robinov said.

The next "Potter" pic -- "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1" -- is set to unspool Nov. 19. "Part 2," set for July 15, 2011, also will be released in 3D, though Warners hasn't yet acknowledged the latter move.

The studio's other upcoming 3D titles include "Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore" (July 30) and Zack Snyder's "Guardians of Ga'Hoole" (Sept. 24).

Comments

[Cc]

Wow!!Now i really cant wait for the 1st half to come out!!!3D!!I saw the HBP 8 times in thertear!!I was thinking i was going to have to double that for DH. Change of planes now that its in 3D! Gunna have to tripple it!!:p
Cant wait~<3~

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I wonder what percent of movies are actually going to be shot using 3D Imax cameras compared to those that are converted, slapped with a "3D!" sticker, and released as such. I don't think I've seen a converted 3D movie before; does it add anything at all compared to a real 3D movie?

[No to conversions]

Converted 3D movies will never equal the quality of movies shot in 3D. It's impossible because the information for a 2nd angle isn't there to begin with.

You need two lenses to do it right. The 3D in Avatar was 100 times better than any converted film. That is why it went past 2 billion dollars and it wasn't due to the story.

Studios just want to make more money on Avatar's success, but they are delusional if they think they can get the same success of Avatar if they use the conversion process.

[mystic tash]

but they're not that delusional, people genuinely are excited when they see the '3D' tag, because they don't know that it's all post-production stuff and not filmed with 3D in mind. Its such a cheat, because the marketing for the new film will be '3D' central, the kids and parents will go expecting great effects and will be disappointed as well as seriously out of pocket. Ridiculous decision in my opinion, but will end up getting the producers cash-o-rama which is essentially all that matters to them.

[Oh Noo!!]

There is a difference when you convert a movie to 3D?:/ I wasnt aware of that:/
!Lets hope for the best!

[mystic tash]

haha exactly!! There's no way of knowing what's been filmed with 3d cameras and what hasn't when all you see is that big '3D' sticker. The only hope for cinema goers is blogs like this! Speak the truth my friends!!

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Hi Guy's,
he kids and parents will go expecting great effects and will be disappointed as well as seriously out of pocket. Ridiculous decision in my opinion, but will end up getting the producers cash-o-rama which is essentially all that matters to them.