Bigger screens, higher-definition images, and three-dimensional effects, IMAX and 3D films are giving audiences a brand-new way of experiencing the movies. With Chinese movie-goers looking for a higher standard of entertainment, 3D and IMAX films are becoming all the rage in the country.
According to film industry insiders, China’s total box office earnings have surpassed 10 billion yuan per year, equal to roughly 1.6 billion US dollars. It’s estimated to jump to 10 billion dollars in three to five years, surpassing the US as the largest movie market in the world.
China was also the top overseas box-office for James Cameron’s massive 3D hit, "Avatar". That perhaps explains why the director set up a 3D film studio in Tianjin, in a joint venture with two Chinese film companies. His company is one of four American CGI companies that have ventured into China over the past four months. These studios will help create many Hollywood 3D films in the coming years.
Poster of movie "Life of Pi", by Oscar-winning Chinese-American director Ang Lee
Avatar’s huge success has also given rise to scores of other 3D films hoping to follow in its footsteps. There are more than a dozen 3D films shown in China every year. Recent hits include Titanic 3D, Spiderman and Bait 3D. Last year, Chinese director Tsui Hark’s "Flying Swords of Dragon Gates" was the first China-made 3D film, and among the biggest hits of the year.
This year, another Chinese 3D film, "Painted Skin II" screened in theaters at prime-time for almost two months. Oscar-winning Chinese-American director Ang Lee has also dipped his toes into 3D-filmmaking. His latest project, "Life of Pi", was shot in 3D and will be screened in China at the end of the month.
However, some worry the influx of imported Hollywood 3D films will push China’s domestic films aside. Culture Express asked James Cameron about this issue during an interview at the Beijing International Film Festival in April.
James Cameron, director, said, “While 3D films create an illusion in depth perception, there is nothing illusionary about the huge images and booming sound system in IMAX movies. The first IMAX theater in China opened in Beijing in 2006. But now the country has more than 200 IMAX theaters that are either already open or scheduled to be in the near future.”
3D and IMAX technologies provide the ultimate movie watching experience. And Chinese movie-goers are embracing them with enthusiasm.