Slashing Away... in 3D!

I spent the last couple of days watching horror movies. September and October is when I get in the mood for some scares. Some are recent, some from the 1980s and I even watched a documentary about slasher films of the late 1970s to the mid 1980s. The doc is appropriately titled The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Films and the filmmakers behind them talked briefly about the stages it went through and how they were always profitable. Then like all good things how it came to an end. They spoke briefly about how the Saw series became big money makers, the documentary was released in 2006. 

After this I took a look at the horror movies that have been released since the documentary was released. Nothing really jumped out at me as a big horror movie that everyone saw and talked about. Lets face it, the Saw series isn't a sure thing like it used to be. Yes the movies are still profitable but when a new one is announced people role their eyes instead of being excited. There are still fans to the series but they're dwindling. Looking at this past weekend many analyst expected Jennifer's Body to be at least a strong #2 with just under $20 million. The film ended up in 5th place with under $7 million. Fortunately for 20th Century Fox the film cost around $16 million to produce. Last weeks Sorority Row only opened around $5 million. I knew this film wouldn't be a big money maker but I expected a little more money. I point these two films out because one is an original film and the other is a remake, with the latter being more of a popular trend with studios. Both types of horror movies weren't expected to make loads of money but still were hoping on a little profit. 

It now seems the only think that can save the horror genre is 3D. This year My Bloody Valentine and The Final Destination were released in 3D giving more thrills to the audience. The odd part is that it worked. My Bloody Valentine was produced for around $15 million and made around $50 million. The Final Destination is still doing well in the box office thanks to the 3D attraction. Not only did they make a profit on the film but it is also the highest grossing movie of the series. This isn't the first time 3D is being used on horror movies. It started in the 1950s and keeps coming back every so often, Amityville 3-D and Jaws 3-D . Now it seems that 3D is here to stay. Horror movies aren't the only ones using it but they are the ones benefitting the most from it. CG animated movies have been doing it for the past 4 years or so. 

For the rest of the year there are three more movies being released in 3D and many more scheduled for next year. I even read that Saw 7, coming out October 2010, is going to be in 3D. The Weinstein Company is releasing the Piranha remake in 3D and also Halloween 3, of the new series, will be in 3D. Until these movies start doing poorly 3D is here to stay and isn't just an attraction at amusement parks. The main question, why are horror remakes and sequels receiving the 3D treatment? Looking ahead Joe Dante's new movie, The Hole, is being done in 3D. I know Joe Dante has credibility as a director but if they're trying to launch a new horror movie series, then they should go the extra mile. They should make it in 3D. 

I said before that remakes aren't stopping anytime soon. Looking at the list of horror remakes in development about 1/2 to 3/4 of them are being considered for 3D. It's just the matter of the studio executives picking which one will get the treatment or not. Only time will tell. I do hope movies like Pandorum, Paranormal Activity or The Box can kick start a new trend in horror.