Up was Pixar’s first film to be released in 3D, which means that there were nine previous films in the studio’s catalog that were solely developed for projection in 2D. In recent years, that has changed, as the first two Toy Story films, Monsters, Inc., and Finding Nemo were rereleased in theaters, but following a less-than-stellar box office performance from Monsters, Inc. 3D, Disney halted further rereleases. Now, we have word that we could be seeing a few other Pixar classics hit theaters again in the future.
Screen Daily reports (via /Film) that Josh Hollander, director of 3D production at Pixar, spoke about 3D versions of both The Incredibles and Ratatouille at the 3D Creative Summit in London (Note: Yes, I realize there’s a lot of “3D” in that sentence). According to Hollander, work is underway to convert the superhero family film to the 3D format. The Ratatouille 3D version was already completed a number of years ago, and has been patiently awaiting release.
Here are Hollander’s comments:
“Right now we’re working on The Incredibles, which is a lot of fun in 3D. I’m not sure what the release strategy for it will be.”
“It’s been an interesting challenge to work on technology because – while the film was released 10 years ago – the technology is even older as it took four years to make.”
It remains to be seen when (or even if) we will see the rereleases for the two Brad Bird films. Working on the films again and rendering them in 3D is not a cheap process – Pixar is not solely working on 3D versions of its films to sit on them. However, a 3D Ratatouille was developed back in 2010, and we still have not seen it hit theaters, so it is difficult to say when the two films may finally see rerelease. If there are prequels/sequels in development (Incredibles fans, please breathe), it would certainly provide the studio the opportunity to tie-in the rereleases appropriately. However, Bird has often commented that he would not work on sequels unless he had a clear idea (and if it was good enough to be made into a great film).
Hollander also briefly mentioned the 3D work that will be done on Inside Out, the studio’s 2015 summer film:
“The movie is just pure magic,” said Hollander of [Inside Out], set for a June 2015 release. “We’re looking at how translucency and opacity is used, which plays really well in 3D.
“There’s not much more I can share about it but it will build upon our use of 3D, supporting ‘emotions’ and emotional moments.”
Historically, Pixar has utilized 3D relatively well, compared to other studios – choosing to increase and dial down the 3D effect to support the story (essentially, when there is a heart-wrenching scene, don’t expect to be distracted by “in your face” 3D effects). The 3D format has had a bumpy road, that has only gotten rockier in recent years, as studios suffer backlash from fans for higher prices and poor conversions. Attendance for screenings of 3D films have steadily declined (although, certain films such as Gravity and Hugo, that use it to further immerse viewers into the story are exceptions). 3D has its group of fans, especially in the international market, so if the format allows us to see classic films on the big screen again, then I support it.
We do not have release dates for The Incredibles 3D and Ratatouille 3D, but 2D and 3D versions of Inside Out are scheduled to bow in theaters simultaneously on June 19th, 2015.
