James Gunn has been a busy man the past couple of years, as he's been pouring every ounce of firepower he has into making Guardians Of The Galaxy every bit the awesome film we're made to think it's going to be. So far, the evidence is supporting that assumption. Even Marvel's eyeing Guardians as a potential continuing franchise in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This wasn't an overnight success, though, and this certainly isn't by chance. James Gunn has worked his ass off for this movie, and we're seeing the results yet again in a statement he made today about the film's IMAX and 3D conversion processes.
In a further display of his appreciative nature towards his fans, Mr. Gunn took to his Facebook page to talk about how personally involved he's been in Guardians Of The Galaxy's post production process, and provided quite a lengthy statement as to what's gone into this part of the filmmaking journey. In terms of the actual 3D conversion itself, he had this to say:
Guardians of the Galaxy has been planned as a 3D film from its very inception. Yes, if you see the film in 2D, you'll get a full experience. But the 3D experience promises a little something extra. Unlike many directors, I've been actively involved with converting every shot to 3D, making sure it works perfectly for the story and the film, making sure it's spectacular and immersive without being silly, distracting, or overly showy. 3D conversion was once far inferior to shooting in 3D, but over the past couple years, new technology has allowed us incredible control over the 3D effects, making it equal to -- or in some cases greater than -- shooting in 3D.
James Gunn understands, like most movie fans do, that 3D conversions sucked in the beginning of their usage. But much like Gareth Edwards before him, Gunn has made sure to take what once was a lazy cash grab and turn it into an artistic tool that enhances the film it's being used on. But wait... there's more! Mr. Gunn also had some choice words for his hand in the IMAX conversion of the film:
As an EXTRA benefit for those who see the film in IMAX 3D, we will be changing aspect ratios throughout the film in a way that makes the experience even fuller and more encompassing. I've personally chosen all the places where the changes occur and, again, I love how it's coming along. The changing aspect ratios in this case are actually a part of the storytelling.
This is another rarity, as the only other director besides James Gunn I can think of that toyed with the IMAX ratio for a film not shot in the format is Sam Mendes. As Skyfall managed to stay full frame IMAX the whole time, thanks to remastering of the digital master especially for the format; Gunn's Guardians Of The Galaxy is being tinkered with to look even larger than life. The fact that this is even happening already sounds pretty special, but knowing that the man himself has his hands in the toolbox is something that pretty much guarantees an IMAX viewing for me. As if I wasn't already sold with the talking raccoon!
Guardians Of The Galaxy blasts its way onto 2D, 3D, and IMAX 3D screens on August 1st, but we're open to bribing the studio to slip us an advanced copy.
