Converting 2D Movies to 3D: How is It Done?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the methods used to convert 2D movies into 3D formats, with a specific reference to the re-release of Titanic in 3D. Participants explore various techniques, including the use of multiple camera angles, cutout methods, and 3D recreations of sets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether converting 2D movies to 3D requires multiple camera angles or if it involves cutouts of actors placed on a Z-Plane.
  • Another suggests that texture mapping the movie onto 3D recreated sets could be a method, but expresses skepticism about the feasibility of doing it well.
  • There is a mention that the quality of the conversion can vary significantly based on the effort and budget invested, with some conversions resembling old Viewmaster slides.
  • A participant wonders if Titanic was originally shot in stereo and held back for future technology, although they doubt this is the case.
  • One participant expresses nostalgia for Titanic and hopes for a successful re-release, indicating a personal connection to the film.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various hypotheses about the conversion methods, but there is no consensus on the specific techniques used or their effectiveness. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to converting 2D films to 3D.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the variability in quality of 2D to 3D conversions, but do not delve into specific technical limitations or assumptions that may affect the conversion process.

DavidSnider
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How do they convert movies that were shot in 2D to 3D? I recently saw that they were rereleasing Titanic in 3D... Doesn't this require multiple camera angles? or is it more like doing a 'cutout' of the actors and placing them on a Z-Plane? The other method I can think of is recreating the sets in 3D and texture mapping the movie on to them.. but that seems like it would be an impossible amount of work to do well..
 
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DavidSnider said:
How do they convert movies that were shot in 2D to 3D? I recently saw that they were rereleasing Titanic in 3D... Doesn't this require multiple camera angles? or is it more like doing a 'cutout' of the actors and placing them on a Z-Plane? The other method I can think of is recreating the sets in 3D and texture mapping the movie on to them.. but that seems like it would be an impossible amount of work to do well..

A little better than just doing cutouts and pasting them in a Z-plane, since, with some geometry and a good computer, they can texture map the movie into an expected terrain the same as for 3D animations.

How well that works depends on how much effort and money they put into it. The worst look like the old Viewmaster slides and leave you feeling ripped off at having spent extra money. Some do a pretty decent job of it, even if the movie doesn't look as good as a movie that was actually shot in 3D, such as Avatar.
 
I was just wondering this myself, since I saw an ad for the re-release of Titanic in 3d. I was wondering whether they originally shot it in stereo and just held on to the master film until technology could catch up. Probably not though.

This is the same question I had about my copy of Bladerunner in HD. lol
 
And the news about Titanic in 3В are they true? It was my favorite movie in my childhood! Only the end disappoints me greatly and any time I hope the tragedy will not happen and Leo will stay alive. Will it be shown in cinemas? Still no any official information how they will do it only our assumptions but you say that's possible to do so I prefer to believe you and I will wait forward to a new version of the movie :)
 

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