Defending the higher frame rate technology used in 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey', Jackson says, 'That's a different experience than if you see a fast-cutting montage.'
- Apr 28, 2012
AceShowbiz - Director Peter Jackson has sparked frenzy among movie reviewers soon after he introduced a 48 frame per second footage of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" on the first of day of the 2012 CinemaCon in Las Vegas. While many critics granted negative comments on the footage, Jackson defended the new technology used in it by promising that it will bring new experience to moviegoers.
Responding to the criticisms, Jackson said in a statement, "Nobody is going to stop. This technology is going to keep evolving." He added, "At first it's unusual because you've never seen a movie like this before. It's literally a new experience, but you know, that doesn't last the entire experience of the film; not by any stretch, after 10 minutes or so."
"That's a different experience than if you see a fast-cutting montage at a technical presentation," the Oscar winning moviemaker went on claiming. "There can only ever be a real reaction, a truthful reaction when people actually have a chance to see complete narrative on a particular film."
Jackson noted that audience just need a few moments to adjust with the visualization in the higher frame rate. "A couple of the more negative commenters from CinemaCon said that in the Gollum and Bilbo scene [which took place later in the presentation], they didn't mind it and got used to that," he said.
"That was the same 48 frames the rest of the reel was," Jackson explained. "I just wonder if it they were getting into the dialogue, the characters and the story. That's what happens in the movie. You settle into it."
Warner Bros. Pictures President of Domestic Distribution, Dan Fellman, chimed in, "It might not initially be accepted by all, but eventually [Jackson] feels it will be and eventually it can only improve." He gushed, "I think by the time he presents this film finished, the majority of moviegoers will accept it and be pleased."
On Tuesday, April 24, Jackson presented the sneak-peek video of "The Hobbit" during a panel at CinemaCon, where he drew mixed reactions from the attendees. Some of them remained pessimistic about the new technology used in the movie, though the others admitted to be impressed by the preview.
At that time, the "Lord of the Rings" helmer said that he hoped "The Hobbit" could inspire theater owners to upgrade their projection equipments. He stated, "I'm really hoping with the support of the exhibitors, we can start the process of changing the entire industry to higher frame rates, which quite honestly provide a much more attractive experience, especially in 3D."
"The Hobbit" is scheduled to open wide in the U.S. on December 14. There have been some some speculations that the film's 48fps trailer will be unveiled as early as July.
