New "My Bloody Valentine 3D" Poster Comin' At Ya!

Jim here - thanks to my friend Ryan Rotten over at STYD, here is the next MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3D poster from the fine folks at Lionsgate. Looks like he has an axe to pick with you.

Click to zoom.

I sense a THEME here... don't you? You think there will be the occasional pick axe being thrown at the audience? Not sure... but... I think so. I always thought gas masks were scary from my youth - don't know why really. Just creeps me out. Now if there was a ZOMBIE in a gas mask - I would bolt for the nearest exit.

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Alice in Wonderland Concept Art Shown! (3D-Summit)

Michael here.  During Walt Disney Motion Picture Group President Mark Zoradi's keynote presentation he showed some concept artwork from Alice in Wonderland...and let me tell you, young kids will have nightmares for months after seeing this movie.  Heck, I probably will too.

The design style is dark and gothic, exaggerated and stylized, worlds away from the picture on the left.  The Cheshire Cat, as large as a bear and with crazy eyes and a huge, Joker-like widened smile, looks like he would eat you.  Tweedledum and Tweedledee are enormous, stunted bald giants. Huge, twisted mushrooms cover the landscape.  The Queen of Hearts is scary and has a large head topped with fiery red hair.

We only got a tease of the Mad Hatter, as he is depicted in silhouette from behind while seated at the tea table.  But I'm sure he'll be awesome to behold with Johnny Depp driving his performance.

To give you an idea of how the concept art interprets the Alice characters and world, take a look at this Mario fanart:

Big, thick characters.  Dangerous undertones.  And an oddly real-world underpinning to the art style, despite the craziness.

I can't wait to see more from Alice in Wonderland.  Hopefully we won't have to wait until Avatar for the first trailer, although Avatar would of course be the perfect place to show it.

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Fox Sports Intercepts 3D Football: Will Broadcast College Game January 8th

Fox is now joining the 3D sporting ranks alongside the NFL and NBA as it will be broadcasting a college football game on January 8th, 2009. David Hill, CEO made the announcement at the 3D Entertainment Summit in LA.

No further details about the game were given. I have always said - of all the sporting events that could be displayed in 3D, football makes the most sense to me. More when I get it...

Source: Engadget

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MarketSaw Exclusive: James Cameron Talks Avatar Trailer!!! (3D-Summit)

UPDATE: I talked to Vince Pace, and he confirmed that the pictures of the reels (including the one on the left) are fake.  He has never heard of them, and he said he'd be in the position to know if something was going around. Also, he seconded Cameron's comment that Monsters Vs. Aliens would likely have the teaser / trailer. Oh, and Vince also said that the 3-D Avatar footage he has seen has completely blown him away in a way he has never been before....and this coming from someone who pretty much invented modern 3-D.  Vince's enthusiasm and hype level for what is coming with Avatar was infectious.  Look for more from Vince and PACE here at MarketSaw soon!

Hey everyone, Michael here.  I just got to the pressroom after briefly speaking to James Cameron after his keynote with Vince Pace here at the 3D Entertainment Summit.

There was no footage of any kind shown during the discussion, but Cameron did shed some light on when we starving fans might get the first, long-awaited glimpse of the sure to be awe-inspiring Avatar.  Here's a summary of what he told me:

1. Cameron has quite a few lengthy scenes from various parts of the film completed, but he said that he simply does not have enough finished material from throughout the film to cut a representative teaser.

2. He has not spoken with Fox much regarding trailer placement, but sees many options over Spring / Summer 2009 in terms of 3-D movies in front of which the trailer could play.

3.  When I mentioned Monsters Vs. Aliens as a possible trailer destination, he said that it was definitely possible we could see the trailer in front of that.

4. He emphasized that people will definitely know the movie is coming, and that he has challenged Fox to market this groundbreaking film in appropriately groundbreaking ways.

5.  When I told him how humongous and fervent the fansbase anticipating this film already is, and how we've been pining for the smallest morsel of information since before he had even chosen Avatar as his next project, he emphasized that whatever we expect it to be, it is sure to be something completely different.

Many thanks to Jim for taking the time to say hello and chat.  I'll have more on his presentation with Vince soon.

Image of James Cameron at 3D Entertainment Summit courtesy of Meant to be Seen

I will be speaking to Vince Pace later today, so look out for that!

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Neilsen Paints Rosy 3D Picture For 2009

It is no real surprise to me that industry leading Neilsen has echoed what I have been saying for some time now - even when the economy is not doing well, Hollywood tends to perform as well or better than during peak periods. What has them really excited in the advent of 3D. Here is what they had to say:

"Cinema admissions will increase fueled by growing availability of 3D movies and theatres."

"While many families are likely to keep a tight reign on their budgets in 2009, movie theatres might just be the exception. Why? Consumers appear to love 3D films. In fact, gross sales increased over 60% for films exhibited in 3D as compared to traditional film, and this increase is due to higher prices and higher attendance. With over a 1000 3D theatres already in the U.S. and with studios helping to fund the transition from 35MM to 3D, 2009 is looking particularly good. In fact, with as many as 11 major movie releases expected to hit the screens in 2009, including James Cameron's "Avatar", this is bound to have the cinemas seeing green."

You haven't seen half of it yet! The best 3D movies have yet to grace our screens - and of course AVATAR will be the true turning point for the stereoscopic industry's launch into everyone's reality. Neilsen should check their "major movie releases" for 2009 however - as there are 14 / 15 the way I see it.

The Nielsen Company is the world's leading provider of marketing information, audience measurement, and business media products and services.

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Speak Russian? New "Monsters vs. Aliens" Poster

**SAME DAY UPDATE: And now the English version! lol Thanks for the update Colin (Get The Big Picture) - though I disagree with your sentiment...

Jim here guys. Dah. Looks like another MONSTERS VS. ALIENS poster has popped up - this time an international version from Russia...

I don't know what it says obviously, but if someone who knew Russian, or had a Russian keyboard to type in those characters into an online translator (and so is probably Russian anyway) could post the meaning of it - much appreciated! Already know the title, thank you very much!

The character depicted in the poster is known as B.O.B. and is played by Seth Rogen. He is a gelatinous mass. B.O.B. is rather...

Trailer is here.

I think that there will be one of these posters for each character in the movie - why not start with the Rogenizer!

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LG Announces 3D TV For 2009

LG is one of my favorite gadget companies. We have one of their phones and a laptop too. Now comes word from Choon Lee, VP of their Digital TV Research Lab that LG will release at least one 3D TV in 2009.

Lee stated at the Digital TV Technology centre in Seoul: "3D TVs are the next big step for (LG) - we will try with one or two markets in 2009... Over the next few years we will see lots more 3D"

You've got that right Choon. Can't wait to get a 3D set up at home myself - the question is, what set up is best? When the time is right I will run down all the choices we will be able to make for 3D Home Theater. Stay tuned.

Source: T3

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Quick Post: iZ3D Announces General Availability of Latest 3D Display Driver

New 3D Driver is First to Support Broad Types of Stereoscopic 3D Displays and Includes Expanded Features

San Diego, Calif., November 24, 2008 -- iZ3D LLC, designer, developer and pioneer of advanced stereoscopic 3D visualization systems, announced the latest release of its popular stereoscopic 3D monitor driver today. The Version 1.09 Driver began shipping with iZ3D’s 22” widescreen 3D/2D switchable monitor in October and is now generally available at www.iz3d.com.

iZ3D has been publishing regular S-3D driver updates since its first driver release in 2006. Since then, iZ3D has become the defacto-standard for stereoscopic 3D drivers among gamers, display OEMs, and system hardware providers wanting to enable 3D gaming and entertainment.

“iZ3D is committed to bring S-3D to the mainstream. We recognized the importance of software drivers when developing our second generation display in 2006 and began releasing our own drivers with the introduction of the 22” monitor model,” stated Thomas Streigler, iZ3D’s CEO. “Since then, our software group has worked closely with customer beta testers to regularly update and improve our drivers and expand functionality to support a broad range of 3D outputs,” he added.

Expanded Features
This is the first S-3D driver to feature a user-friendly interface, flexible per-game profile system, and compatibility with multiple popular dual output cards and 3D hardware. In addition to the iZ3D output, the new driver now also supports a variety of additional S-3D outputs enabling it to support a wide range of 3D viewing hardware.

The supported stereoscopic methods supported in Version 1.09 include:
- iZ3D output

- Anaglyph output

- Dual output

- Interlaced output

- Shutter output

- Stereo Mirror output

- VR920 output

- 3D DLP output

The driver is compatible with DirectX games and content and runs on Windows XP 32-bit, Windows XP 64-bit, Windows Vista 32-bit, and Windows Vista 64-bit operating systems.

Driver Price and Availability
The Version 1.09 Driver is available at www.iz3d.com with a licensing fee of $49.99 per driver output. Customers that are buying iZ3D’s 22” 3D monitor get both the iZ3D and Anaglyph driver outputs included as part of their 3D kit.
iZ3D also offers drivers for OpenGL Quad Buffer applications with a licensing fee of $99.99 to $499.99 and additional software applications for 3D movie and image viewing

The iZ3D Solution
The iZ3D solution includes a widescreen monitor, viewing glasses, and software drivers. iZ3D developed this unique technology to create an adjustable viewing environment that delivers 3D without the eyestrain, spatial disorientation, or headaches commonly associated with other 3D approaches.

The 22-inch monitor, which is optimized for 3D viewing, can also be easily toggled into a 2D mode when required for productivity applications or email. In 3D mode, viewers see bright, sharp 3D images or video simply by installing the software driver and wearing any of eight iZ3D passive polarized glasses. New or existing PCs equipped with a dual-output video card easily power the display.

Specifications include:
- 1680 x 1050 resolution

- Up to 170-degree 3D viewing angle

- 5ms response time

- 700:1 contrast ratio

- 16.7-million colors

- 300 nits


Most PC games released in the last five years, including many of the most popular multiplayer online, first person shooter, and role-playing games, have already been designed for 3D displays. iZ3D’s optimized driver unlocks the third (depth) dimension of these 3D-ready games to allow gamers to finally play them as they were written – in 3D.

Monitor Solution Availability
The iZ3D 22-inch monitor is currently available at www.staples.com, www.criticalbuy.com, www.pcmall.com, www.amazon.com, www.newegg.com, www.iZ3D.com, and other online retailers.

###

About iZ3D, LLC
iZ3D™ LLC is a leading innovator of 3D stereoscopic viewing display solutions. In addition to the design and marketing of 3D LCD displays, the company enables 3D content creation, and promotes the accelerated proliferation of 3D for entertainment and professional applications.

To present an uncompromised 3D experience, company’s development approach to 3D stereoscopic viewing includes optimizing solutions for gaming, home entertainment, and professional applications. Each solution is compatible with multiple graphics cards and includes iZ3D high-performance LCD displays, lightweight passive polarized glasses, and blazingly fast software.

The company is also developing next generation solutions and enabling content for home entertainment and professional applications needing 3D displays to view visually rich movies, photos, and 3-dimensional graphics with amazing depth, brightness, and resolution.

iZ3D was formed as joint venture of Taiwan-based Chi Mei Optoelectronics, a worldwide leader in TFT-LCD manufacturing and Neurok Optics LLC, a US-based 3D technology developer and marketing company. The company distributes its products directly at the iZ3D online store and through major online and retail outlets. Please visit www.iz3d.com or call 858.646.3015 for more information.

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Quick Post: Panasonic Submits Proposal For 3D Standard On Blu-ray Disc

Jim here. It's happening very fast - Panasonic is jumping ahead of the crowd and moving for 3DHD standardization. Here is a quote from EngadgetHD:

"Just days after hearing that the HDMI specification could be updated to better handle stereoscopic 3D content, along comes word that Panasonic has submitted a proposal to the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) for an official BD standard to store 3D imagery formed of "left / right-eye two-channel Full HD images." Panny reportedly made the move early in order avoid a format war, but really, it's just looking to cash in on royalties for the next decade five years or less. It's no secret that movie studios are dead set on moving forward with 3D production -- might as well be ready on the other end, right?"

Looks like a powerplay, but of course it was coming. Let's see what pans out - there are a lot of players in the market! The sooner we get 3DHD into our homes the better.

Source: EngadgetHD

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Quick Post: NFL Going 3D For Chargers - Raiders Game Dec 4th!

Awesome! Jim here. The NFL is again looking to 3D as an experimental option by the screening of a 3D NFL game to select theaters in LA, NYC and Boston - this time LIVE.

"The idea is a "proof of concept," says Howard Katz, NFL senior vice president of broadcasting and media operations. "We want to demonstrate this and let people get excited about it and see what the future holds."

"The several hundred guests at the three participating theaters Dec. 4 will include representatives from the NFL's broadcasting partners and from consumer-electronics companies. The event will be closed to the general public. Burbank, Calif.-based 3ality Digital LLC will shoot the game with special cameras and transmit it to a satellite. Thomson SA's Technicolor Digital Cinema is providing the satellite services and digital downlink to each theater, and Real D 3D Inc. will power the display in the theaters."

3ality filmed the 2004 Super Bowl in 3D and so it is nice to see them attached to the live event as well - the technology has improved a great deal in 4 years! Hopefully we will see live 3DHD sports and events in the home in a few years time. Football BEGS to be shown in 3D - it is a match made in heaven.

Source: WSJ

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It's Baaaack: The James Cameron / Jon Landau Discussion At Microsoft Advance 08

Jim here. It disappeared for awhile (old link was here) - but an intrepid reader of MarketSaw (thanks Mirza!) sent me the link so that we can watch the excellent conversation between James Cameron and Jon Landau at Microsoft Advance 08. They spoke there as they used Microsoft to co-develop an digital asset management system to track all of the components of their shots (blades of grass, vines, buildings, etc).

They talk mainly about AVATAR and the technology that they used for the project. It's about 50 minutes long. A few things of note:

1. They have 120 cameras surrounding their performance capture volume.
2. Actors wore a headset similar to what Madonna wears for her concerts - but rather than a mike in front of her face, it is a camera - capturing all of their facial movements.
3. Cameron used a virtual camera that he held with both hands and he was able to scan around the volume in realtime and have a crude CGI mockup display for him with the actors and backgrounds in place - buildings, mountains, jungle - you name it. Very powerful.

Here is the link. It should spawn Windows Media Player.

If that one doesn't work for whatever reason, go here and then scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "James Cameron and Producer Jon Landau of Lightstorm Entertainment".

If you have further notes that you would like to share from the video, by all means list them in the comments. I chose these as my highlights.

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AVATAR Source: Teaser Clip Being Readied For Early December AND Our Exclusive Images Confirmed!

Jim here. A lot of excitement has been generated over the past few days about AVATAR and what is happening with this project. Security has been extremely tight, but that has never stopped us before right?

And so, I have been in contact with another source of mine (in a position to know) and he/she assures me of the following items:

1. The recent concept art from Jonay is not representative of what the Na'vi look like today and was his own work. Ok, fair enough - Jonay was clear about them being a way of getting a position with them and not the real deal. This also backs up this claim.
2. The silhouette version of the female Na'vi and the zoomed in close up of the male Na'vi in this exclusive high resolution shot ARE real. We should expect the female Na'vi to be extremely attractive to most, but the males will be very sinister and dark.
3. Ney'tiri herself will be exceptionally attractive and sexy.
4. James Cameron WILL HAVE a a video teaser ready for early December and it will have visual effects and CGI! We are not certain if it will be shown before Day The Earth Stood Still (DTESS), but the actual footage portion will be 2 minutes and 15 seconds long. I am guessing that the additional time will be filled with perhaps Cameron talking about the project and how awesome it will be, or even past box office successes from Cameron - we all know that the teaser containers said 3 minutes and 57 seconds. Or we could actually see the full 3:57 - the big message here is that we should expect to see this teaser. I still am hazarding a guess for the 3D Summit in LA or a teaser trailer for DTESS.
5. Weta is having a hard time pleasing Cameron on pieces of AVATAR. JC sometimes doesn't like what he sees (we know this already about him - he is a perfectionist) so Weta struggles at times with it. Not overly surprising, but still - Weta knows what they are doing!
6. Cameron has a great marketing plan in mind - no one knows what it is yet though!
7. The AVATAR footage that Jon Favreau saw was 90% pre visuals.

Interesting stuff! Nice to hear that the silhouette and high resolution zoom of the Na'vi is REAL. Many of you thought that Weta has borrowed something from KING KONG for the design of this sinister creature - you may be bang on. Apparently the Ney'tiri character will be a knock out and will be talked about a lot by guys everywhere! And how about seeing that teaser - he assures us that a large block of special effects and CGI has been readied for early December! Peculiar that he says that is only 2:15m, but hey lots of things could be put in to round it up to almost 4m. Man I hope it is revealed at the 3D Entertainment Summit, but it looks as though DTESS will be the vehicle to launch the first official teaser trailer based on the clip being ready in December.

I have asked some follow up questions and I will let you know more when I do... I hope this guy/gal continues to send us stuff, because the insight into AVATAR is amazing.

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