For news about the upcoming Star Wars movie that hits theaters in May 2015.
Today, it was announced that it is going to be made on 35 MM film instead of digitally.
I’m stunned, but happy about it. Good for them for using actual film, unlike Episode 2 and 3, which looked really fakey.
Then again, what is the point? The Hobbit was filmed digitally, but they still built the sets and made it look like film.
Anyway, Christopher Nolan will certainly be glad. He’s a big advocate for film.
Abrams found that 35mm captured the lens flare more brightly.
That’s more expensive, and still requires a digital intermediate. I can’t see the point of film anymore, any legacy style that nerds fanboy over it has long since been addressed, digital is cheaper, faster, more efficient, and is no worse than film in competent hands.
JJ Abrams is definitely a step up from George Lucas.
It’s just not that much of a step, is my concern.
I’m not a huge fan, but it is a big step. From totally terrible to quite nice and at worst, adequate.
No, at worst Star Trek Into Darkness, which wasn’t really adequate.
How many projectors capable of 35mm film are there around, any more? One or two per theater, I’m sure, but are there enough for as many screens as something like Star Wars is going to command?
No, the delivery/exhibition mechanism will still be DCP in 95% of the houses out there. I’m a film fetishist, but most people can’t tell the difference (or care) while watching it in the theater, so I approve of the idea on principle, but know it won’t make much difference in the quality of the final product.
But if they’re planning on releasing VII, VIII, and IX all a year apart from each other, that is a much more worrisome issue, and one that makes me highly skeptical that the final result isn’t going to be more than merely serviceable.
So long as George is kept away from the script, the direction, the casting, the special effects, the foley work, … and the craft table, I’m sure we can’t go too far wrong.
The Clone Wars show turned out pretty good, and George was involved at the story concept level and having the final say BUT everything else was handled by others. I think that is the best arrangement.
If a movie is shot in 35mm, should I save money on my Imax ticket, and just go to a normal showing and sit near the front?
I ran Phantom Menace through the Instagram boardwalk photo booth filter and it was much improved.
But seriously, is 35mm film going to gain anything that a processing filter can’t either replicate or improve? Especially for such an effects-heavy subject matter like Star Wars?
I think Star Wars is a lot more amenible to Abram’s style of “everyone runs around and stuff blows up” style then Star Trek is. So even though “Into Darkness” was a mess, I’m mildly hopeful about Episode VII.
It’s cute that you’re all worried about Disney’s pocketbook.
Are they filming any of the new movie in Imax format? I’m not sure.
What are you talking about? What does your post contribute to the thread?
Don’t jump to conclusions. I read that the screenplay-writing duties had been assigned to Wallace Shawn, and he’s going to go with a My Dinner With Andre approach to the episode.*
Sure, lots of exciting stuff will be happening, but it’s going to be mostly Luke, Han, Leia, and the ghost of Jar-Jar Binks sitting around a in conversation pit with a pot of fondue, and talking about how each incident made them feel.
*This is absolutely TRUE. I read it right after I made it up and typed it out, and just before I hit “Submit.”
Mentions of expense, time, and digital conversion all of which cost money. But, no, you’re right. I forgot that the SDMB is always 100% contributory and never at all bitingly sarcastic. Thanks for holding the board to your personal standard of what’s on point, but goddamn, that must keep you busy!
I’ve given you a warning for this post. I considered “personal insults” and “junior moderating,” but settled on “being a jerk.” Your tone is way out of line for Cafe Society.
twickster, Cafe Society moderator
I’m anticipating that the next Star Wars film will be on par with the last 3 1/2 films: bad.
I may eat these words, but:
Come on, it has to be a step up from the prequels. It doesn’t have to be “Empire Strikes Back” good, but it shouldn’t suck. Isn’t the “Toy Story 3” writer writing it? And Lawrence Kasdan is contributing to the sequels?
JJ Abrams. From an idea by George Lucas.
I rest my case. 