‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Will Be a Different Experience in IMAX
'Guardians of the Galaxy' is being post-converted into 3D for its upcoming August release, and will be shown in the IMAX format as well -- which is standard operating procedure for tentpole titles these days. But director James Gunn is working on both transfers, and is trying to make the IMAX presentation more engrossing by featuring well-placed shifting aspect ratios.
Gunn went to Facebook and posted this:
Just got out of working on the Guardians cut for IMAX 3D and I’m unbelievably excited about it. Guardians of the Galaxy has been planned as a 3D film from its very inception. Yes, if you see the film in 2D, you’ll get a full experience. But the 3D experience promises a little something extra. Unlike many directors, I’ve been actively involved with converting every shot to 3D, making sure it works perfectly for the story and the film, making sure it’s spectacular and immersive without being silly, distracting, or overly showy. 3D conversion was once far inferior to shooting in 3D, but over the past couple years new technology has allowed us incredible control over the 3D effects, making it equal to or in some cases greater than shooting in 3D.
As an EXTRA benefit for those who see the film in IMAX 3D, we will be changing aspect ratios throughout the film in a way that makes the experience even fuller and more encompassing. I’ve personally chosen all the places where the changes occur and, again, I love how it’s coming along. The changing aspect ratios in this case are actually a part of the storytelling.
Just wanted to share some of this stuff with you guys since I haven’t had a chance to talk about the 3D much. Hope you’re all having a great day. Hi!
As we've seen a number of films switch from IMAX shot footage to the film's original ratio recently, the decision to go from small to big in 'Guardians' (even if the film wasn't shot with IMAX cameras) sounds like fun because so many of the previously-shot IMAX sequences essentially announce a big set piece or cool shot. If it's more of a stylistic choice, it sounds more engaging.
It's also nice to hear Gunn is hands on with this side of the post-production process as we've grown pretty cold to 3D, which is (more often than not) just used to raise ticket prices with little benefit to the viewer. 'Guardians of the Galaxy' will hit theaters August 1.