If this story tells us anything, it’s that the U.S. isn’t the only country making the unnecessary decision to convert hit 2D films into 3D…
Evidence: Bong Jo-Hoon’s splendid monster movie THE HOST is getting a 3D make-over; in fact, has had the process thrust upon it already. THE HOST 3D just premiered at the BIFF (Busan International Film Festival) in South Korea; it is the country’s first 3D conversion.
For his part, Bong seems in favor of the conversion. “It was interesting to watch something that I directed in a different format. I had wanted to reinterpret the Han River, a familiar space for Koreans, in an exotic way, and the 3D effects do highlight the sense of space that I had wanted to capture. The visuals also brought back memories of what I felt myself while shooting by the river.”
Kim Moon-ki, CEO of Studio Raon, the company overseeing the conversion, had this to say: “I focused on transferring the 2D experience to 3D, to stay faithful to director Bong’s intentions and not let the effects distract the viewer. I approached it from a visual rather than technical perspective.”
It remains to be seen if THE HOST 3D will be available anywhere else… I know that, personally, I’m happy with the film just the way it is, so I can’t get too pumped – although I wouldn’t turn down a chance to see the flick in the theater again.
Meanwhile, in the same Hollywood Reporter article that brought us this info, it is mentioned that THE HOST 2 is set for a 2013 release, although no specific date is mentioned. That film is also in 3D.