2010 saw a huge increase in 3D releases, both in the form of conversions to native 3D productions. This led to disasters, such as Clash Of The Titans, but followed on from the success of the groundbreaking Avatar.
Following is a selection of films from 2010. I have not seen all of these titles, let alone in a 3D theatre, but this is my view of 3D, the films I seen, anticipate and dread, but primarily focusing, pardon the pun, the ‘Parallax Illusion’, as 
Christopher Nolan has quite rightly called it.
The ratings are based on the 3D feature as a whole, and not just the narrative, acting or directing. For more detailed reviews, follow the links where applicable to the actual reviews of those movie which I have seen.
Is there a future in 3D? Don your glasses and read on…
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2010
5/10
Did this benefit? Tim Burton’s foray into 3D was only average, This was a post-conversion and with the exception of some of the more fantastical scenes, such as the Rabbit hole sequence, so not really.
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HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
Want to see this
Did this benefit? Looks good for what I’ve seen, with the trailer and subject matter seemingly appealing.
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1/10
Did this benefit? Louis Leterrier’s post-conversion was in danger of derailing the whole 3D fad. This was 2D in every sense. Rubbish conversion turned a mediocre movie into a disaster movie! The WORST 3D that I have ever seen.
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SHREK FOREVER AFTER (aka SHREK THE FINAL CHAPTER)
8/10
Did this benefit? 3D works best with digital animation, and this is no exception. Did we need it though? No.
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8/10
Did this benefit? Yeah, this was an effective and entertaining debut 3D feature from our very own in the UK. The 3D didn’t leap out of the screen nor should it have. Not perfect but a very good entry none the less.
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THE HOLE IN 3D
Want to see this
Did this benefit? I’ve heard good things about the 3D in Joe Dante’s of Gremlins fame, The Hole, but as of yet, no comment.
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9/10
Did this benefit? Surprisingly, no, not really. The 3D was almost so PERFECT that it became redundant. This may well be the problem with high brow 3D.-
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10/10
Did this benefit? Yes. Absolutely. This is proof positive that dance films with their inherent extravagance are prime for 3D. Over the top and exuberant. Top marks. Is this the BEST 3D film ever?
Want to see this
Did this benefit? I’m defiantly against post-conversion, certainly when applied to existing films and classics. This is as bad as colourisation, and must not be sanctioned. I also believe pursuing this will definitely lead to a backlash against 3D that may lead to its end.
The film though, in its original design does lend itself to 3D so it may well have looked good. This to date, has not been released in the U.S. or U.K. but suspect it primary purpose is to be sold on 3D Blu-ray, along with the proposed Lion King conversion…
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5/10
Did this benefit? Not as good a use of 3D as you might expect from the Horror genre, 3D’s other home apart from Dance and Animation. The film wouldn’t have worked without it though, as it was driven by the novelty.
10/10
Did this benefit? James Cameron’s revolutionary 3D feature short his new Fusion camera system. Is this the best use of 3D composition in the history of film? Possibly, but has it revolutionised the movie industry? That has yet to be seen, but it’s certainly fueled the latest craze. The film itself doesn’t work as well without 3D, but it does work well enough. In time, higher brow subject matter will find its way onto 3D screens and then we’ll finally see whether the market really exists.
But this and Toy Story 3 are the best examples yet of proper films doing well in the format, besides the highly enjoyable use as applied to Step Up 3D.
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LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS
Not interested
Did this benefit? Again, not seen this one, but seen the trailer. The quality of the animation is clearly first-rate and is almost photo-realistic which does lend itself to 3D. But we’re back on the whole digimation argument.
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SAW 3D
Not interested
Did this benefit? Horror sequel. This is prime, tacky 3D. No need, but no real need for the franchise in the first place is you ask me so no loss.
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JACKASS 3D
Not interested
Did this benefit? I can only imagine that it would. But since this is the third of the franchise, it clearly works in 2D, though 3D will do it no harm what so ever, but what’s the point?
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HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, PART 1
N/A
Did this benefit? No. Namely because the 3D conversion was canceled. I don’t see any need for 3D with Harry Potter as the first six entries did just fine without it.
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6/10
Did this benefit? There was no need what so ever, and the only major scene to benefit was The Lanterns towards the end.
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THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER
Want to see this
Did this benefit? It just goes to show what little faith the producers have in this franchise. Or is this just me?
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9/10
Did this benefit? Yes, though in a similar way to Toy Story 3. It was very good and effective, handled with care and attention. But after a while you forget about it and the your left wondering does this NEED to be in 3D? The choice to film the real world in 2D and the computer in 3D, in homage to The Wizard Of Oz was inspired.
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CONCLUSION
2010 was a big year for 3D. Avatar had finally been released in December of 2009 and had been an unbridled success. I remember feeling that 3D could work, and that films needed to be made in the style of 2D but with the added dimension for effect rather than gimmick. But in the end, this has proven to be wrong.
You lose around four foot-candles of light with polarised Real D, or Disney 3D, a
nd it has a miniaturising effect which is do with the depth of field vs. the ability to focus etc… In short, it may deepen the image or propel object out of the screen, b ut the latter is often seen a trashy gimmick and the forming is pointless, as demonstrated so well in Toy Story 3.
Then there’s the more practical angle of the added cost to the ticket and the shoddy manner in which the pricing has been handled. Initially, tickets were £2.oo dearer, and now it’s £1.00 + £1.oo the glasses, but giving you the choice to bring your own. Not a bad idea, but still costing more for the 3D film than it would for the 2D counterpart.
I don’t think that 3D has proven itself just yet, and this year, 2011, may well be the year that pushes the format into the mainstream, with blockbusters such as Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Transformers: Dark Of The Moon.
But I believe that the breaking or even making of 3D as a viable and lasting format comes with the Dimentialisation, as some have called it, of older films. The Harry Potter and Star Wars franchises are already slated for conversion, as is Titanic. As I’ve said, this is the bastardisation of classic films, no different to the colourisation of King Kong and It’s A Wonderful Life.
Cinema needs to change to continue to grow and maintain an audience in the 21st Century but trends lead more toward the rise in YouTube and computer games. They are the future, film is becoming literature, a precious thing, with passionate readers, viewers and followers but its mainstream days are numbered, and rehashing 3D in its pr esent form is not the way forwards. Now, holographic technology, now you’re talking...
My Top Five 3D films of 2010
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For more information, on 3D releases, I would recommend The Illistrated 3D Movie List site, 
which have found to be helpful.
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