"Hey, these aren't 3D glasses!" – a scene from "Bolt"

25 Nov – Walt Disney in the U.S. is reported to be committed to make 17 movies in the next three years, 11 of them animated 3D films and six with live-action 3D, forcing more exhibitors in Malaysia to contemplate installation and cater to demand for the new format.

Disney's latest animation "Bolt", a competent but somewhat forgettable effort starring the voice talents of John Travolta and stable artiste Miley Cyrus, is made available in 3-D digital format for five confirmed locations so far - GSC Mid Valley, GSC Pavilion, GSC 1 Utama, TGV KLCC and TGV Sunway Pyramid. With the school holidays still looking long, the picture is poised to take over from the "Madagascar" sequel as top draw kids entertainment this season, despite being a non-sequel which introduces a set of new characters ranging from mediocre to accomplished.

While GSC General Manager Irving Chee says he intends to extend this 3D facility beyond their cinemas in the Klang Valley by moving north to Penang, other cinema chains are pondering over the new format as well. A source from MBO Cinemas told Cinema Online that 3D movies do seem to command good business but with the risk of overkill if the novelty value wears out, while another source from the recently rebranded Big Cinemas (formerly Star Screen Cinemas and Lotus Five Star) said that it is a very serious investment that is worth looking into for the long-term.

More Buzz coming our way, this time in Digital 3-D!

According to a press release from Golden Screen Cinemas, the move to attract cinemagoers to catch movies on the big screen will pave the way for more 3D movies available next year in digital format such as Disney's "Jonas Brothers" (Apr), Dreamworks Animation's "Monsters Vs Aliens" (May), "Ice Age 3" (Jul), live–action 3-D movie "G-Force" (July) and "Avatar" (Dec). In the midst of the so-dubbed 3D phenomenon, Disney also plans to re-release "Toy Story" (Nov 2009),"Toy Story 2" (Feb 2010) and "Toy Story 3" (Jun 2010) in 3-D digital format as well.

A similar press release from Buena Vista Columbia TriStar films also mentions other titles not in that line-up – Pixar's "Up" (Aug 2009) and also a seasonal release of "A Christmas Carol" (Dec 2009).

GSC's first 3D title, Brendan Fraser's "Journey To The Center Of The Earth", played for an amazing 10 weeks or so at GSC Mid Valley when it opened back in early July this year.


"Bolt" in 3D will release in selected cinemas on 27 November 2008. "Bolt" in regular 2-D format will sneak into cinemas nationwide on 28 November 2008 and go on wide release on 4 December 2008.