When we reported that the AVENGERS movie would be shot in 3D, I pointed out that the CAPTAIN AMERICA and THOR movies would actually only be converted to 3D - - that is, they’re still being shot traditionally. THOR’s already finished shooting, so that makes sense - - it’s not like they can go back and re-shoot the thing, now. The deed's done. But it might puzzle some fans as to why the CAP movie, which is shooting right now, isn’t doing so with stereoscopic cameras. It turns out that Joe Johnston, the director, has some very good reasons for opting out of using those; reasons he recently revealed to the Coventry Telegraph. 

Interestingly, those problems sound very similar to the problems the Wally Pfister (Chris Nolan’s director of photography) and his crew had using IMAX cameras to shoot THE DARK KNIGHT. The added inconvenience of that, of course, was that those cameras are incredibly loud, too.  == TEASER ==

I’m sure many of you are going to point to AVATAR as a successful example of using 3D cameras. Regarding that, Johnston actually had an interesting piece of inside info. Apparently, the blue alien movie did some 3D conversion of its own.

Here’s how he broke it down…

"Everyone touts Avatar as the new standard for 3D. It's beautifully done to be sure, but it wasn't entirely shot in full 3D. The filmmakers wisely chose to shoot about 30 to 35 percent of the picture in 2D and convert. I challenge anyone, myself included, to watch the picture and spot the 2D conversions."

Cost was also a factor. If they opted to shoot CAPTAIN AMERICA in 3D, the money needed for that would have to be taken out of other things in the budget. So there’d be “fewer sets, fewer extras, fewer vehicles” and that'd be really awful. A modestly-scoped Cap is the last thing anybody wants. 

Keep in mind that Johnston’s been making movies for more than 20 years. He knows what he’s doing. His crew's going to do an additional pass on every setup to get the proper data they need for the 3D conversion. So relax. Judging by his comments, this definitely won't be a slapdash job done at the last minute. 

Tom Pinchuk’s the writer of HYBRID BASTARDS! & UNIMAGINABLE. Order them on Amazon here & here.

I sure hope so. If it ends up like the 3D travesty that was "Clash of the Titans", I'll be very disappointed.

The only think good about 3d cap is when he throws the shield.....

I wonder if they're going to raise the lighting by a couple stops, knowing they'll be converting. I picture a cap movie having that industry standard WWI dark wash look. If they're converting to "3D" it'll make everything darker, no matter how much they plan ahead. Hope 3D audience will be able to make out the subtler details. I'll be over at the 2D screening, so let me know how it turns out, folks.

This couldn't matter less as I have no intention of ever seeing the film in 3D. I'm perfectly happy with my old 2D entertainment format., & so is my wallet.

Let's be honest, we can moan all we want but the truth is we'll all see it anyway

Since I don't have a 3D set up at home, I'd rather it be shot for 2D.

I could care less, I won't be seeing it in 3D to begin with (implying it's optional)...I always avoid it when I can. Cannot WAIT for the film!

" I could care less, I won't be seeing it in 3D to begin with (implying it's optional)...I always avoid it when I can. Cannot WAIT for the film! "

I have no intention of paying double regular price to see the movie I'm fine watching 2d

I'm gonna watch all the Marvel movies in 2-D first and then 3-D.

"  Keep in mind that Johnston’s been making movies for more than 20 years. He knows what he’s doing."

johnston is right this will work
and im worried the avengers movie's quality wont be as good since they are shooting with big expensive cameras. 

I'd be MORE excited for this film if only Chris Evans WASN'T playing Captain America!

I didn't know Avatar was converted, makes sense, I mean I didn't even enjoy the 3D that much. The thing with Clash of the Titans is that it was done very quickly because it was turned into 3D months before it was due in theaters.

I think the better question is, why put in 3D at all? It looks like shit! Avatar is the only time 3D didn't look like shit, but look at the insane budget! 3D sucks balls. Seriously, what's the deal with the 3D obsession? Christopher Nolan has the right idea, don't use it at all! Spend your budget on things that actually make the movie GOOD. Seriously, look at his track record. Memento, The Prestige, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, Inception? Christopher Nolan clearly knows what it takes to make an excellent movie.