I saw Beowulf in 3-D and it was okay, but I certainly pray 3-D does not become the standard in Hollywood. Outside of the fact that it bothers the hell out of my eyes I think it detracts from the overall story as filmmakers and audiences get wrapped up in the effects rather than the story. While the 3-D in Beowulf and the animation overall is astounding, I was very bored watching that film… then again the story of Beowulf is too simple for a feature film, perhaps Tim Burton will fare better with Alice in Wonderland.
Yup, Tim Burton has been brought on by Disney to direct two 3-D pictures with Alice in Wonderland being the first followed up by Frankenweenie.
Alice will combine performance-capture with live-action and while be shown in theaters in 3-D. The script is based on the Lewis Carroll classic and was penned by Lion King and Beauty and the Beast scribe Linda Woolverton.
Production will begin in early 2008 and is set to be finished by May, just before the expiring contract of the Screen Actors Guild making it what is to be considered a pre-strike film.
Frankenweenie is based on Burton’s 1984 short about a pet dog who is brought back to life by his loyal owner. That pic will also be 3-D, but will be similar to Corpse Bride as it will be shot in stop motion animation.
Burton’s next flick is Sweeney Todd, starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter releasing December 21.
