JJ Abrams falls out of love with IMAX -- new Star Wars movie to be shot on film

[Rumors Rocks]

Star Wars and Star Trek director JJ Abrams has finished the script for the next adventure in a galaxy far, far away, but has ruled out shooting in IMAX and digital.

Filming the original Star Wars movies with Harrison Ford.
(Credit: Video screenshot by Amanda Kooser/CNET)

"Star Wars" and "Star Trek" director JJ Abrams says "Star Wars Episode VII" is proceeding "full steam ahead," and although somewhere along the line, he's fallen out of love with IMAX he has confirmed the new film will be shot on film.
Speaking to press at the Television Critics Association, Abrams revealed that he's finished the script for Episode VII, which is in "deep pre-production." The director confirmed cinematographer Dan Mindel's plans to shoot Episode VII on film rather than on digital cameras, but he ruled out shooting the new film in IMAX format.

Abrams complains that "The problem with IMAX is it's a very loud camera, it's a very unreliable camera, there's only so much film that can be in the camera. You can't really do intimate scenes with it. It's slow. They break down often."
Harsh words -- especially after Abrams described IMAX as "my favorite format; I'm a huge fan" in 2011 while preparing to shoot parts of "Star Trek Into Darkness" in the oversized format. As recently as September, IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond hinted he was in talks with Abrams to film Episode VII in IMAX format.

Film may still be the thing long ago in a galaxy far, far away, but the future of movie theaters is definitely digital. The LA Times reports that Martin Scorsese's "The Wolf of Wall Street" is the first major studio movie to be given wide release in digital format. Paramount Studios is reported to have briefed theaters to keep schtum about the decision, after "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues" quietly became the studio's final film to be sent out on 35mm film.
"Star Wars Episode VII" is slated to hit movie theatres on 18 December 2015. In the meantime Abrams has teamed up with Gravity director Alfonso Cuarón for NBC sci-fi show "Believe," featuring Jake McLaughlin, Delroy Lindo and Kyle MacLachlan.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1026_3-57...-imax-new-star-wars-movie-to-be-shot-on-film/

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

~Ewww, this is just terrible. I *love* 3D IMAX and was so disappointed that Frozen was not offered in IMAX. This is supposed to be *Star Wars* -- it's in outer space with asteroids, stars, planets and stuff! Graphics, CGI or whatever it's called make up 90% of these blockbuster films. We don't exactly watch these films for the plot. Anyway, I hope he changes his mind.

 

[Whatsthegoodword]

We don't exactly watch these films for the plot.

IMO, Disney is taking a risk issuing a new Star Wars movie. A bad plot could seriously harm Disney Company.

Conversely, a great plot could bring them the highest grossing film in history.

 

[Twin Dad]

~Ewww, this is just terrible. I *love* 3D IMAX and was so disappointed that Frozen was not offered in IMAX. This is supposed to be *Star Wars* -- it's in outer space with asteroids, stars, planets and stuff! Graphics, CGI or whatever it's called make up 90% of these blockbuster films. We don't exactly watch these films for the plot. Anyway, I hope he changes his mind.

This has been hinted at in other statements Abrams has made. He wants a more realistic feel with less CGI than in the second trilogy. I'm not a big fan of 3D so it doesn't bother me. If these films really deliver on the story, writing, acting and effects no one is going to care if they saw it in an IMAX or regular theater.

IMO, Disney is taking a risk issuing a new Star Wars movie. A bad plot could seriously harm Disney Company.

Conversely, a great plot could bring them the highest grossing film in history.

They were offered a golden key into a demographic they were not reaching: boys age 6 to 16. They had to take it. Disney definitely has the power to enrage the entire internet. They have, however, taken care not to have that happen. They got an established director and veteran Star Wars writer. They have John Williams doing the script. They've trimmed the parts of Lucasfilm that were not working. They've brought Star Wars in house. Yeah they've set off some of the hard core fans but you knew that was going to happen. So far, I'm happy with how things have gone but I reserve final judgement until Episode IX is out.

 

[xie]

I'm a lot less worried about which camera Abrams uses, and a lot more worried about what he'll do to the film. The last Star Trek film was... not good.

 

[rspencer38]

I'm an avid Star Trek fan and thought the last one was actually pretty decent! Certainly wasn't the best but it certainly didn't seem terrible. I think the actors are just getting used to the roles and they are starting to mature. Little less "Funny" would be great and I feel that is the way it is going.

Don't really care for Star Wars but it will be interesting to see how he pulls it off.

 

[BrianL]

Film is a preference by his longtime cinematographer. I am certain the film will still have cutting-edge visual effects and likely in 3D too (just not IMAX). Star Trek was also shot on film and it at least LOOKED amazing (I liked that film personally).

It seems that the new guard really wants to channel the OT style and all, but I hope they don't throw the prequels entirely under the bus. I actually enjoyed them overall, and Star Wars is a rich universe that extends beyond the OT.

 

[ChrisFL]

They got an established director and veteran Star Wars writer. They have John Williams doing the script.

I hope you mean he's doing the score....I mean its cool if he can write scripts too!

 

[PuppyJonathan]

It's not that he got over IMAX, he said the IMAX camera is too loud and hard to use, and his idea for Star Wars wouldn't be able to let him use the IMAX camera for intimate scenes

 

[wiigirl]

IMO, Disney is taking a risk issuing a new Star Wars movie. A bad plot could seriously harm Disney Company.

Conversely, a great plot could bring them the highest grossing film in history.

I don't know...either way, that movie will make money.

 

[Twin Dad]

I hope you mean he's doing the score....I mean its cool if he can write scripts too!

That's what I ment. I'll blame my phone's auto correct.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

IMO, Disney is taking a risk issuing a new Star Wars movie. A bad plot could seriously harm Disney Company.

Conversely, a great plot could bring them the highest grossing film in history.

~I totally agree with this. But, I'm not into Star Wars that much, so I am looking forward to feeling like I'm in the film. If it's too much drama and dialogue, I'm not going to like it. I hope there are amazing graphics, effects and lots of action.

This has been hinted at in other statements Abrams has made. He wants a more realistic feel with less CGI than in the second trilogy. I'm not a big fan of 3D so it doesn't bother me. If these films really deliver on the story, writing, acting and effects no one is going to care if they saw it in an IMAX or regular theater.

They were offered a golden key into a demographic they were not reaching: boys age 6 to 16. They had to take it. Disney definitely has the power to enrage the entire internet. They have, however, taken care not to have that happen. They got an established director and veteran Star Wars writer. They have John Williams doing the script. They've trimmed the parts of Lucasfilm that were not working. They've brought Star Wars in house. Yeah they've set off some of the hard core fans but you knew that was going to happen. So far, I'm happy with how things have gone but I reserve final judgement until Episode IX is out.

~Well, I hope you're right. Frozen did very well without IMAX -- but I was still disappointed. I just love the huge screens! And, the IMAX theaters have more space with better seating. It seems like people who pay a premium for IMAX behave a little better in the theater because they really want to see the film. At least, that's my experience.

~With that said, I really liked the last Star Trek! It was so good, I wish we had seen it at the movies! And, this is from someone who does not watch Star Trek. I hope JJ Abrams can do the same for Star Wars. The average viewer should be able to grasp the story line and get into the film without knowing the history.

 

[Twin Dad]

~Well, I hope you're right. Frozen did very well without IMAX -- but I was still disappointed. I just love the huge screens! And, the IMAX theaters have more space with better seating. It seems like people who pay a premium for IMAX behave a little better in the theater because they really want to see the film. At least, that's my experience.

~With that said, I really liked the last Star Trek! It was so good, I wish we had seen it at the movies! And, this is from someone who does not watch Star Trek. I hope JJ Abrams can do the same for Star Wars. The average viewer should be able to grasp the story line and get into the film without knowing the history.

There's a theater near here that has seats that rumble and vibrate with the movie. I'll be going there for the opening show.

Star Trek has always been a more deliberate tale than Star Wars. Trek does more drama and character development with not a lot of action. Fine for a TV series. Not so great for the big screen. Wars has a lot more action but not nearly as much drama and character development. With the Trek reboot Abrams increased the action without sacrificing the drama and character development. It was almost like watching a Star Wars movie with nacells. If he can keep that balance for this project the sky is the limit.

 

[Alice Royal]

Graphics, CGI or whatever it's called make up 90% of these blockbuster films. We don't exactly watch these films for the plot.

Uhm...excuse you. Yes, we do.

The reason so many people HATED the original trilogy is because of the overuse of CGI. (Can you say Jar-Jar?)

We love the original trilogy NOT because it *looks* amazing, but because of the quality of characters and story.

Abrams is making an incredibly good decision in going back to the original roots of the saga. The story behind it all is so good that we shouldn't NEED a huge IMAX immersive experience to enjoy it.

 

[Twin Dad]

Uhm...excuse you. Yes, we do.

The reason so many people HATED the original trilogy is because of the overuse of CGI. (Can you say Jar-Jar?)

We love the original trilogy NOT because it *looks* amazing, but because of the quality of characters and story.

Abrams is making an incredibly good decision in going back to the original roots of the saga. The story behind it all is so good that we shouldn't NEED a huge IMAX immersive experience to enjoy it.

Take it easy Alice. The good doctor has admitted she's not big fan. Doc, if you look closely at the films you'll see tons references to mythology, Eastern religions, and classic films. There's also lots of subtle character development through out the original trilogy. Just look at how Luke's attire changes from all white in A New Hope to all black in Return of the Jedi. That's symbolic of Luke being innocent then possibly falling to the dark side. Then after the final confrontation Luke's jacket opens and you see it is white underneath.

 

[Peanut Giggleface]

~Ewww, this is just terrible. I *love* 3D IMAX and was so disappointed that Frozen was not offered in IMAX. This is supposed to be *Star Wars* -- it's in outer space with asteroids, stars, planets and stuff! Graphics, CGI or whatever it's called make up 90% of these blockbuster films. We don't exactly watch these films for the plot. Anyway, I hope he changes his mind.

I completely agree!!!

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

There's a theater near here that has seats that rumble and vibrate with the movie. I'll be going there for the opening show.

Star Trek has always been a more deliberate tale than Star Wars. Trek does more drama and character development with not a lot of action. Fine for a TV series. Not so great for the big screen. Wars has a lot more action but not nearly as much drama and character development. With the Trek reboot Abrams increased the action without sacrificing the drama and character development. It was almost like watching a Star Wars movie with nacells. If he can keep that balance for this project the sky is the limit.

~Before I go any further, I had just had to google "nacells" -- keep this in layman's please..... I'm just joking, I love learning new things. Anyway, I totally agree with you. I really don't like Star Trek but I loved Star Trek: Into Darkness. I am very excited to see what JJ Abrams does with Star Wars!

Take it easy Alice. The good doctor has admitted she's not big fan. Doc, if you look closely at the films you'll see tons references to mythology, Eastern religions, and classic films. There's also lots of subtle character development through out the original trilogy. Just look at how Luke's attire changes from all white in A New Hope to all black in Return of the Jedi. That's symbolic of Luke being innocent then possibly falling to the dark side. Then after the final confrontation Luke's jacket opens and you see it is white underneath.

~Ugh... thank you so much, Twin Dad! I was not speaking to "we" as in the collective "We are the World" -- we. I was just talking about my family's personal preferences. OMG.... you would have thought that I got the last in house pair of turquoise Caovilla jeweled sandal's or something! It's really not that serious.

~Twin Dad, you have definitely been instrumental in helping me to envision a new legacy of Star Wars at Disney. In terms of excitement about Star Wars -- I'm getting there. This movie is so beyond crucial and it's a lot of pressure but Abrams has a solid track record and a fabulous established platform to spring from.

~And, Disney is going to see that Abrams has everything he could possibly need at his disposal for this film. So, I'm not really worried -- the die hard Star Wars fans may be somewhat harder to please.

~In regards to the script -- I'm not looking for The English Patient in Space or anything. I'm just trying to jump in with realistic expectations. I want to be caught off guard and delightfully surprised -- like I was with Star Trek Into Darkness. I'm sure Star Wars has never won an Oscar for anything outside of music, wardrobe and special effects! But, I will agree that a good plot is equally important.

I completely agree!!!

~Thank you so much! I'm glad it's not just me!

 

[Twin Dad]

~Before I go any further, I had just had to google "nacells" -- keep this in layman's please..... I'm just joking, I love learning new things. Anyway, I totally agree with you. I really don't like Star Trek but I loved Star Trek: Into Darkness. I am very excited to see what JJ Abrams does with Star Wars!

~Ugh... thank you so much, Twin Dad! I was not speaking to "we" as in the collective "We are the World" -- we. I was just talking about my family's personal preferences. OMG.... you would have thought that I got the last in house pair of turquoise Caovilla jeweled sandal's or something! It's really not that serious.

~Twin Dad, you have definitely been instrumental in helping me to envision a new legacy of Star Wars at Disney. In terms of excitement about Star Wars -- I'm getting there. This movie is so beyond crucial and it's a lot of pressure but Abrams has a solid track record and a fabulous established platform to spring from.

~And, Disney is going to see that Abrams has everything he could possibly need at his disposal for this film. So, I'm not really worried -- the die hard Star Wars fans may be somewhat harder to please.

~In regards to the script -- I'm not looking for The English Patient in Space or anything. I'm just trying to jump in with realistic expectations. I want to be caught off guard and delightfully surprised -- like I was with Star Trek Into Darkness. I'm sure Star Wars has never won an Oscar for anything outside of music, wardrobe and special effects! But, I will agree that a good plot is equally important.

~Thank you so much! I'm glad it's not just me!

No problem Doc. I've had fun talking to you about this. You've asked great questions and have an open mind
I think those that love the summer blockbuster will enjoy this no matter what. The hard core Star Wars fan is going to be tougher to convince. Many have read the most of the scores of books written after Return on the Jedi takes place. Many regard those books as "canon" on par with the films. There is already grumbling that Abrams is going to disrespect the Expanded Universe and abandon the timeline the books have created. I, personally, have no trouble with dumping a bunch of the EU. I personally think the writing has gone downhill in the last 10-12 years and I don't like where the stories have gone. The EU, however, does provide a ready source of back story for the next trilogy. I've said in other threads that Abrams and company should cherry pick the EU. If Han and Leia are going to have kids, use Jacen and Jaina (heck Anakin if you want all three kids). If you don't want Jacen going dark just skip that part. If they want to use Chewbacca, ignore Vector Prime. Rumor has it Mara Jade is showing up in Rebels as a bridge into the next trilogy (I'm not holding my breath for this rumor to be true). For that to work, you have to ignore she died two series ago. To me this is the best way to inform casual fans of the back story between episodes VI and VII while keeping the hard core fans from having a temper tantrum before the movie even comes out.

I probably just gave you plenty of references for you to look up on Wikipedia. I'll leave it there for tonight.

 

[Rumors Rocks]

Take it easy Alice. The good doctor has admitted she's not big fan. Doc, if you look closely at the films you'll see tons references to mythology, Eastern religions, and classic films. There's also lots of subtle character development through out the original trilogy. Just look at how Luke's attire changes from all white in A New Hope to all black in Return of the Jedi. That's symbolic of Luke being innocent then possibly falling to the dark side. Then after the final confrontation Luke's jacket opens and you see it is white underneath.

 

[Viva Las Disney]

I'm cautiously optimistic. 75% of the time I love JJ Abrams work but 25% of the time I don't.

Lost is still one of my favorite series but it went from spectacular to amazing to disappointing. Alcatraz was great and had huge potential but was cancelled after one season. Star Trek was awesome but Into Darkness didn't live up to it and was a let down. I loved MI: Ghost protocol but hated Cloverfield.

For me JJ Abrams is hit or miss. I'm really hoping with Star Wars he hits it out of the park.