Joseph Kosinski is the director of “TRON: Legacy,” the remake of the 1982 classic “TRON.” The film, which stars Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlind, and Olivia Wilde, is being released by Disney on December 17.
The 3D experience of “TRON: Legacy” will bring viewers into the Grid, and along for the ride, more than any other film in cinematic history. Using the next generation of 3D technology developed after “Avatar,” “TRON: Legacy” will allow the audience to experience the digital grid and be part of the action in the highly stylized landscape.
A “Wizard of Oz” approach
Shooting in 3D achieves an immersive experience for the audience that mimics the immersive experience Sam has inside the computer; the audience does not simply witness Sam’s journey inside the Grid, they travel alongside him. The effect is enhanced by opening in 2D for the real-world scenes, then switching to 3D when Sam enters the digital grid.
As Joseph Kosinski explains, “Ours is sort of a ‘Wizard of Oz’ approach. Ninety-eight percent of the 3D is in the digital TRON grid. The 3D really starts once we get into the Grid.”
The benefits of IMAX
“TRON: Legacy” will also be presented in IMAX theaters, so the filmmakers are making preparations to enhance the audience’s enjoyment by providing a unique experience. Specifically, they are finishing several sections of the film in a tall format—not letterbox—and in an IMAX theater, that means black bars at the top and bottom of the frame will disappear and it will become a full-screen sequence.
Director Kosinski elaborates: “In IMAX theaters there are several sequences, amounting to about 35 minutes in the film, that will open up to an expanded aspect ratio. We’ll be switching from 2.35 to 1.78, which will provide more image at the top and bottom of the screen. This will create an even more immersive 3D experience.”
