High Frame Rate 3D Guide & Review
Much like James Cameron’s Avatar introduced a new generation of 3D technology Peter Jackson has chosen to make The Hobbit An Unexpected Journey the first major cinematic release in so called High Frame Rate 3D (or HFR 3D for short). What does it all mean and how does it actually looks… read on below to find out:
What is Frame Rate and why does It matter?
In simple terms the difference between so called High Frame Rate films and the normal format you’re used to seeing in cinemas is an increased number of images being shown each second. The standard format for films has long been around 24 frames per second. This number of images allows the human eye and brain to put things together in a flowing sequence so that you don’t notice the tiny gaps between each image. Creating the aptly named ‘moving picture effect’.
If there were less images being shown each second then it would look like the image was flickering. You may have noticed this effect if you’ve ever seen clips of old silent movies form the early days of movie making.
What is High Frame Rate?
As implied by the name HFR simply means the film has a higher number of images being shown each second than the usual 24. In the case of The Hobbit and the new format people are talking about HFR means that each second of film is actually made up of 48 unique images rather than the usual 24.
What does HFR actually do?
In simple terms it means there are shorter gaps between each image you see and that you are effectively getting twice the visual information you’re used to seeing. Otherwise it works exactly the same way as watching any normal film.
What is the Soap Opera Effect?
Higher Frame Rates are often described or compared to the ‘Soap Opera Effect’. The reason for the term is that TV shows, particularly money conscious daily soaps that film a lot of episodes, have used higher frame rates because they shoot on the cheaper format of 60i video rather than using actual film.
Sometimes HDTVs also uses a technique called ‘Motion Interpolation’ that increases normal frame rates by adding extra animated frames between the existing images to try and make the animated effect more fluid and reduce blurring.
What are the advantages of HFR?
The reason Peter Jackson and other people want to use Higher Frame Rates is largely because, it is supposed to give a clearer image and reduces problems with blurring or camera shake, particularly when used in combination with new 3D technology.
As there are twice as many frames being recorded each second the time between each image being captured is half as long. So you don’t notice minor changes in focus as much and the image consistently appears crisper and more defined.
What are the problems with HFR?
The reason many people are against using HFR 3D is that it does look very different from what people are used to seeing and has in some opinions a less ‘cinematic’ feel.
If you’re wondering what exactly that means and how it actually ‘looks different’ simply put the increased definition can be distracting especially when you see it at first. The effect is less noticeable in close up or stationary shots, but when people and things start moving it’s a little weird to see everything stay in perfect focus. You miss all the usual motion blurs and things almost seem to be happening a little too fast.
At first it can almost feel like you’re watching things with a fast forward button on. Part of the reason for this is that obviously you’re just not used to processing so much visual information on screen and it takes time to adjust.
So that’s a quick guide to the New Format and what it all means, but now for the big questions…
Is HFR 3D Good or Bad?
The new format will divide opinions. Some people will love it, others will clearly not. A simple guide would be your existing attitudes to 3D movies.
Avatar introduced a new generation of 3D technology that creates a greater depth of field to the image. It is intended to give you a greater feeling of perspective i.e. far away things look far away and closer things feel tangibly closer. Some people love it and find it more a ‘immersive experience’, while others find wearing 3D glasses and the occasional blurring effect caused by bad 3D makes them feel less connected to what’s on the screen.
If you like 3D films you will probably find that you enjoy the Higher Frame Rate look, because it enhances that existing 3D effect and gives a much sharper depth of field. It makes people and objects really pop off the screen and stand out sharply even during hectic action sequences.
However if you aren’t a fan of that kind of effect, HFR 3D is only going to make it worse. It won’t give you a headache or make you dizzy. It just won’t have the soft focus charm of traditional celluloid that you’re used to and may prefer.
So should I watch The Hobbit An Unexpected Journey in HFR 3D or not?
The short answer is that The Hobbit is your first chance to experience a new format which may or may not become the industry standard. Much like Avatar started a new wave of 3D blockbusters, already James Cameron is reported to be making his Avatar sequels using the Higher Frame rate and Bryan Singer may be using it for his new X-Men film.
Whether you ultimately like it or not, it IS worth seeing The Hobbit in the new format so that you can actually makeup your own mind about it. The particular advantage of watching a film like this in HFR 3D is that it is nearly 3 hours long so it give you lots of time to grow accustomed to the new style. It’s also a wonderful film so that even if you’re not entirely convinced by the HFR you’ll still be able to enjoy the film a lot.
Of course if you really don’t enjoy the format just make sure you watch The Hobbit An Unexpected Journey again at a standard 2D or 3D screening.
The Hobbit An Unexpected Journey Review
The Plot:
When the wizard Gandalf invites unassuming Hobbit Bilbo Baggins to join a brave band of Dwarfs on a quest to reclaim their homeland from the monstrous dragon Smaug; he finds it impossible to decline and sets out on an unexpected journey to face the magical perils of middle earth.
The Good:
J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings precursor The Hobbit is probably the most widely read and beloved fantasy book ever written. The incredible success of the previous Middle Earth films made it inevitable that The Hobbit would eventually make the predictable journey to the big screen. Now Director Peter Jackson has finally delivered a superb adaptation that should delight new and old fans alike.
Sherlock star Martin Freeman was an obvious and well-chosen choice to play mild-mannered Hobbit hero Bilbo Baggins. His trademark ability to play a flustered everyman is vital in keeping Bilbo endearing. It allows him to be appropriately confused, irritated and astounded by the fantastical world around him. He may be consistently out of his element, but Freeman’s Bilbo thankfully isn’t a buffoon.
The band of Dwarf warriors that Bilbo joins may be numerous, with confusingly similar names, but each has his own well defined personality and charms. This is thanks in part to a well picked group of seasoned character actors and the astonishingly work of skilled hair, makeup and wardrobe departments. Ken Stott as weary old warrior Balin and James Nesbitt as the jovial Bofur are particularly memorable and enjoyable performances. But the real star is Richard Armitage as the heroic dwarf leader Thorin. He epitomises Tolkien’s vision of the dwarves as fierce and proud warriors in spite of their slightly diminutive size.
Of course it is also very welcome to see Sir Ian McKellen reprise his role as powerful wizard Gandalf the Grey. It’s always a joy to see one of the most iconic characters in Tolkien’s world captured so perfectly on screen. His booming voice and clam wry smile allow us to enjoy even the most perilous moments and gives the franchise the same kind of good natured spirituality that Yoda brought to Star Wars.
The most magical assets of Tolkien’s tales have always been the rich array of monsters and mythical creatures that roam his Middle Earth. Goblins, Orcs, Elves, Trolls and Dragons may be generic staples of the fantasy genre, but rarely have they been so beautifully imagined in words than in Tolkien’s book or on screen by Jackson’s Weta Workshop special effects team. Building on the ground-breaking techniques developed while making Lord of the Rings and guided by Guillermo Del Toro who was heavily involved in the film’s pre-production, The Hobbit boasts a dazzling array of imagery equally beautiful and grotesque.
The Bad:
Those lacking in patience or an appetite for fantasy adventure may find 2hours and 40 minutes a long time to follow Bilbo’s adventures; even if it is shorter than any of Peter Jackson’s previous Lord of the Rings adaptations. An Unexpected Journey follows a similar pattern to the first Lord of The Rings film The Fellowship Of the Ring, beginning in the idyllic and uneventful Shire and taking some time to pick up the pace with actual adventure. The film moves with more urgency and excitement as it goes on but it does test audiences stamina.
Those that by choice or accident do see the film in its High Frame Rate 3D format may find takes some getting used to and offers at best minimal improvement. The Hobbit is the first major cinematic release to be released using 48 Frames per second, rather than the traditional 24 frames. This controversial new style of cinema has already divided opinions intensely and will certainly continue to do so. Much like Avatar’s introduction of a new 3D format, it’s impossible to entirely separate your feelings film overall from your opinion of its unique look and feel. However, it is important to remember the film is also being released in standard 3D and 2D formats, so there’s no need to panic if you’re reluctant to give it a go.
The Ugly Truth:
For fans of Tolkien and Peter Jackson’s Lord of The Rings films, the long awaited return to Middle Earth will not disappoint. The Hobbit translate easily to the screen, matching and at times surpassing both the astonishing effects and scope of storytelling delivered by the previous Tolkien adaptations. Ignoring the obvious debate about the film’s optional new 48 frames per second format, the film is otherwise a magnificent first step that will leave most audiences eager to continue the journey in the next two films.
Moët British Independent Film Awards 2012
The Moët British Independent Film Awards will take place tomorrow at Old Billingsgate in central London. Now in its 15th year, the Awards were created in 1998 by Raindance and set out to celebrate merit and achievement in independently funded British filmmaking, to honour new talent, and to promote British films and filmmaking to a wider public. Tonight’s star studded awards bash will by actor James Nesbitt, soon to be seen as Bofur the Dwarf in The Hobbit An Unexpected Journey.
Full list of this year’s nominees below:
Best Director
Director - Bart Layton for The Imposter
Director - Ben Wheatley for Sightseers
Director - John Madden for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Director - Peter Strickland for Berberian Sound Studio
Director - Rufus Norris for Broken
The Douglas Hickox Award (Directorial Debut)
Director - Bart Layton for The Imposter
Director - Ben Drew for Ill Manors
Director - Rowan Athale for Wasteland
Director - Rufus Norris for Broken
Director - Sally El Hosaini for My Brother the Devil
Best Screenplay
Screenwriter - Abi Morgan for The Iron Lady
Screenwriter - Alice Lowe / Steve Oram / Amy Jump for Sightseers
Screenwriter - Mark O’Rowe for Broken
Screenwriter - Paul Andrew Williams for Song For Marion
Screenwriter - Peter Strickland for Berberian Sound Studio
Best Actress
Actress - Alice Lowe for Sightseers
Actress - Andrea Riseborough for Shadow Dancer
Actress - Elle Fanning for Ginger and Rosa
Actress - Judi Dench for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Actress - Meryl Streep for The Iron Lady
Best Actor
Actor - Riz Ahmed for Ill Manors
Actor - Steve Oram for Sightseers
Actor - Terence Stamp for Song For Marion
Actor - Toby Jones for Berberian Sound Studio
Best Supporting Actress
Supporting Actress - Alice Englert for Ginger and Rosa
Supporting Actress - Eileen Davies for Sightseers
Supporting Actress - Maggie Smith for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Supporting Actress - Olivia Colman for Hyde Park on Hudson
Supporting Actress - Vanessa Redgrave for Song For Marion
Best Supporting Actor
Actor - Billy Connolly for Quartet
Actor - Cillian Murphy for Broken
Actor - Domhnall Gleeson for Shadow Dancer
Actor - Rory Kinnear for Broken
Actor - Tom Wilkinson for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Most Promising Newcomer
Actor - Elliott Tittensor for Spike Island
Actress - Eloise Laurence for Broken
Actor - James Floyd for My Brother the Devil
Actor - Paul Brannigan for The Angels’ Share
Actress - Zawe Ashton for Dreams of a Life
Best Technical Achievement
Cinematographer - Nic Knowland Bsc for Berberian Sound Studio
Sound Design - Joakim Sundström / Stevie Haywood AMPS IPS for Berberian Sound Studio
Music - Electric Wave Bureau for Broken
Cinematographer - Robbie Ryan for Ginger and Rosa
Editor - Andrew Hulme for The Imposter
The Richard Harris Award
The Variety Award
Best Documentary
Best Achievement In Production
Best Short
The Raindance Award
Best International Independent Film
Best British Independent Film
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Kevin Smith Makes Clerks 3 His Final Film
Kevin Smith has confirmed that he plans to make a third and final chapter in the Clerks series, but that this will likely be his final ‘cinematic effort’ as a director. Clerks was Smiths first film and the ultra-low budget comedy about an eventful day in the lives of a couple of store clerks launched his career. It also introduced the world to his alter ego Silent Bob and Jason Mewes’ foul mouthed sidekick Jay.
Smith had previously expected his hockey film Hit Somebody, inspired by Warren Zevon’s iconic song, to be his final film. But that project has since evolved into a 6 hour TV mini-series rather than a movie. Explaining the decision to make a new Clerks film his final big screen effort Smith said:
“with the HIT SOMEBODY shift, the minute Jeff Anderson signs on, my last cinematic effort as a writer/director will be CLERKS III.”
Fans will be hoping Smith can recapture the indie charm of his first Clerks film, especially after Clerks II failed to capture quite the same magic.
Del Toro Plans Pan’s Labyrinth Musical
Guillermo Del Toro’s Oscar winning fantasy film Pan’s Labyrinth is set to become a stage musical. Del Toro has reportedly spent the past four years plotting the unlikely adaptation and now has Oscar winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla and lyricist Paul Williams on board to complete the new show.
The original film tells the tale of a young girl escaping the grim realities of life in the aftermath of the Spanish civil war by exploring her own dark fantasy world, populated by Del Toro’s trademark creature creations.
No news yet on when and where the show will be debuting but the prospect for seeing Del Toro’s beautifully nightmarish imagination brought to life on stage should excite fans greatly.