3D V 2D Pt. 1

Written September 2009.

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I have heard the argument from the film industry for the past few years that they must do something about the increased piracy. Their answer - 3D films for kids and some for adults as well. Fine and dandy, except there is a 3D "uplift" charge.

I went to the cinema today and have an unlimited cinema card. This used to include everything including 3D glasses, although in the two years I have had my card I have only ever seen two or three 3D films. The ticket clerk told me that there was a 3D uplift charge to see The Final Destination. She said there was a letter if I would like to see it. I wanted to, but she coiuldn't find it. I said, but I have my glasses from the last time. She said, it is not to cover the cost of the glasses, it is to cover the fact that the technology for 3D is so much more expensive than 2D. I told her it was the cinemas decision to show 3D films. Most of the multiplex had 3D and 2D versions running almost every hour. I decided to pass as I had already seen The Final Destination in 2D last week.

But I walked into the other movie very angry indeed. Not for me, but for the parents of children who now want to see movies have to fork out an extra £1.50 per ticket per movie to pay for the technology. Surely by now, this has all been paid for. Children's movies are big business, especially during the school holidays.

How does 3D combat video piracy when you have a 2D version on the next screen? And why oh why do they not make two sizes of glasses - one for adults and one for children).

What do you think about the extra charge? Is it warranted that we the cinema-going public should pay for the upgrading of facilities every time we go to the cinema. Surely the admission price is what the cinema needs to cover costs and make a healthy profit.

I am definitely disgusted in Kent.