April 5th, 2009

Today I learned that Disney is planning to upconvert Beauty and the Beast (1991) to 3D. From what I have read, the process involves using the original digital files for the movie and updating them using modern innovations. Sadly, as of this writing, I am unable to find the preview that was played at ShoWest this year featuring the first upconverted scene released, "Belle"; however, from what I have heard/read, the upconversion is breathtaking.

Although I'm excited at the thought of seeing classic films resurfaced and back on the big screen (I was 4 when Beauty & the Beast was onscreen), I am annoyed at the lack of innovation in the coming years. Let's take a look at the upcoming films, shall we?

Ghostbusters 3 - Yes, the four originals are back.... training the next generation of Ghostbusters! ...really? We get to watch a training video? Pass.

Men in Black 3 - Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones are back to battle more alien crime... one can only assume Frank and the Worm Guys will have even bigger roles this time. Pass.

Cars 2 - Featuring Lightning McQueen and Mater... traveling the world! Other than a display of Pixar's ability to feature the world in CGI when cars rule (the Eiffel Oil Rig?), I don't see this as being an advancement of the characters in Cars. Pass.

Spider-Man 4 - I realize he's a superhero and all, but really? Four films? Pass.

Tom and Jerry - Another Scooby-Doo-type live-action film. I'm OK when a film that focuses on the humans (e.g. Flintstones) goes live action (and I'm waiting for The Jetsons), but films that focus on the cartoon characters themselves should stay cartoons. Pass.

Land of the Lost - A remake of a 1974 television series - better yet, it stars Will Ferrell! ...and considering that the director chose THIS over the Jetsons only makes me want to say, more than ever, PASS.

Terminator Salvation - I'll give some credence to this one, seeing as there's decades in canon that can be covered.... though, at the same time... pass.

Shrek Goes Fourth - Part 4/6.... I'm starting to feel like I'm watching a video on Youtube.... pass.

The Karate Kid - A remake of the classic Karate Kid... really? Is it really necessary? Pass.

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs - *sigh* Pass...

Saw VI - Never saw any of the films in the Saw series.... continue to hear complaints about the sequels. Why is a sixth necessary? Pass.

Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore - Pass. Just. Pass.

Guilty Pleasures
Now that I have bashed several upcoming films (and believe me, that list is by no means complete)... here are the films that I would bash were I not already going to see them...

Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3 - 3D Releases - To pump up the excitement for Toy Story 3D, Disney is rereleasing to theatres the first two Toy Story films in 3D. And I will be at each one.

Beauty and the Beast 3D - What could be better than a classic Disney film gone Digital 3D? It's not like they're bastardizing the characters in a sequel... just revamping them.

Harry Potter 7: Part One - Okay, even after Warner was a jerk and pushed the film back to July, it'll still be epic.

Up - It's an original Pixar film. Need more be said?

2012 & Knowing - Yeah. I'm a fan of the completely ridiculous disaster film, The Day After Tomorrow, I expect this film to maintain the same level of absurdity and humor combined with the seriousness of an apocalyptic event.

Ninja Assassin - ...a movie with ninjas and a storyline that sounds very close to one by a friend of mine. Count me in.

I'm sure there are more movies I'm looking forward to, I just can't think of them now... I realize that there are movies on my 'pass' list that you may be looking forward to, but that's why I included my 'guilty pleasure' list. ^_^