So much for 3D being the savior of Hollywood.

The major trend of summer 2011 has been the decreasing impact of the third dimension. Most every major release available in 3D this summer actually made more money from 2D presentations. Movie tickets aren’t so cheap anymore, and the added price of 3D isn’t exactly a premium most can afford in this economic climate.

Most movies just don’t benefit from the added attraction, either. Nothing about “Thor,” “Captain America” or the latest “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Harry Potter” entries required the premium dimension. The technology works best in brightly lit sequences, like the final hour of this summer’s “Transformers,” or animated fare like “Kung Fu Panda 2.”

What was once a rare treat for moviegoers has become too common of an option. Just last weekend in Coeur d’Alene, audiences had the choice to see “Fright Night,” “Conan the Barbarian,” “Spy Kids,” “Final Destination 5,” “Glee: The Concert Movie” and “Harry Potter” in 3D. That’s a pretty oversaturated market, and who really wanted to see a remake of “Conan” in any dimension? (more…)