Real or fake 3D? Converted movies spark debate

Captain America will be converted to 3D. Photo / Relaxnews

There is some debate over the quality of films converted to 3D, such as Clash of the Titans and The Last Airbender, which have been receiving criticism for compromising the image of movies shot in real 3D, such as Avatar and Toy Story 3.

The concern is that the sometimes muddied look is a factor responsible for the downward slide of 3D ticket sales, from 68 percent for How to Train Your Dragon to 45 percent for Despicable Me, according to entertainment news site The Wrap, even though Despicable was shot in real 3D.

Now moviegoers can check a new website, Real or Fake 3D, which lists films that are converted to 3D or shot in 3D, so audiences can decide if 2D might look as good and cost less.

Not all films suffer from the conversion. Alice in Wonderland was converted but Tim Burton planned on 3D to enhance the effect. Upcoming films, such as Green Hornet, Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger will be converted to 3D in post-production and might be worth it, as long as the audience knows in advance.

The controversy caused director Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen) to reconsider converting his film Sucker Punch to 3D - a film starring Jon Hamm (Mad Men) and Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical) about a young girl who is institutionalised by her wicked stepfather. Snyder decided against it.

- RELAXNEWS