3-D movies: An expensive gimmick

Since the introduction of 3-D films in the 1950s the technology has had its ups and downs. Especially downs. While 3-D films have been around for the last 60 years, they've only again become popular recently.

Now 3-D films are making a comeback. James Cameron's "Avatar," one of the most popular films of 2009, is being called the highest-grossing film of all time.

Does this mean that 3-D films will become the standard in film? Make that a negative.

First, making a 3-D film is expensive. For example, "Avatar" cost almost $500 million. That's a lot of moolah for something that could end up a giant flop. Fortunately for 20th Century Fox, it has been a smash hit..

Some think that box office success means that 3-D would become the standard despite high production costs. Not so much.

As for the claim that "Avatar" is the highest-grossing movie of all time, that might be true except for one thing: ticket prices have fluctuated throughout the years. The prices for movie tickets are more expensive today at an average of $7.61 as opposed to 36 cents in 1948, according to the National Association of Theatre Owners. The bias toward modern movies when it comes to the highest-grossing film title is obvious.

In fact, when adjusted for inflation, the highest grossing movie of all time is actually "Gone With the Wind," according to Box Office Mojo. "Avatar" is number 14 on that list.

3-D movies have been tried before. Critics have had mixed reactions to these movies, but criticism remained constant. Complaints ranged from headaches and nausea to labeling 3-D as a gimmick.

Now to turn a critical eye on "Avatar" itself. Granted, it's a very pretty movie. However, in all other aspects, it's bland.

There is nothing original about the plot. It can be broken down as Pocahontas with alien Smurf kitties.

To put it simply, 3-D is a fad. It's a neat little gimmick that  gives false beauty to boring movies, like "Avatar." It will go away again as it has before.

I realize that "Avatar" is not the only 3-D movie that has been made in recent years. It's just that it is over-rated and over-priced.

Other movies that were released in 3-D include Henry Selick's "Coraline" and Disney Pixar's "Up." Both of these examples are quality movies. However, in the DVD release of both of these movies, the 3-D movies were only released in a more expensive "Collector's Edition."

3-D films are more expensive for both, the companies producing them and the consumers that purchase them. Keeping the increase in costs in mind, 3-D movies will not become the industry standard anytime soon.