Will Digital Cinematography Eventually Eclipse Film Cameras as the Preferred Medium for Theatrically Released Movies?

With the advancements in digital cinematography, the question arises: will digital cameras eventually overshadow traditional film cameras for theatrical movie releases? This topic is explored in detail through films like 'Side By Side', revealing a complex shift that began several years ago.

Introduction to the Topic

There is an intriguing documentary titled 'Side By Side', which discusses the transition from film to digital cameras. This documentary was released in 2012, yet the majority of major Hollywood productions have since transitioned to digital. Notable exceptions include certain directors who continue to use film for aesthetic and artistic reasons.

Technological Advancements and Preferences

Today's digital cinema cameras produce images that often surpass those of traditional 35mm and 65mm film formats. These cameras are not mere repurposed digital television cameras but are specifically designed for cinema with features such as variable frame rates, shutter angles, and ISO.

However, the transition to digital is not without its challenges. For instance, post-production can take longer due to the increased amount of footage, and the cost of cast and crew remains similar. This means that the long-term savings of shooting digitally are not always realized.

Residual Use of Film

Despite the widespread shift towards digital, a few filmmakers still prefer to use film, often with the backing of major film studios. These filmmakers and studios have signed agreements to continue making a certain number of films on film. For instance, directors like Christopher Nolan have the clout to make films on 70mm film.

It is important to note that the transition to digital post-production is already complete, and no theatrical films are made entirely through a pure photochemical pipeline. The advent of Digital Cinema Packages (DCP) for exhibition has largely replaced traditional prints, and color negative acquisition has declined significantly.

The Transition in the Film Industry

It is becoming increasingly rare to see 35mm films, with executives like Quentin Tarantino making an unusual choice to shoot a 65mm feature for a limited setting. While shooting on film can still be a viable option if backed by the right resources, it is essentially over as a camera and projection medium for the future.

Cardinal players in the digital revolution include RED, ARRI, Panavision, and Sony, with ARRI dominating mainstream cinema production. Large formats equivalent to 8-perf 35mm, VistaVision, or 65mm are gaining acceptance in streaming content and can be seen in more recent theatrical releases.

Conclusion

While digital cinematography has certainly eclipsed film for television, the transition to digital for theatrical releases is still ongoing. Film-trained crews and filmmakers bring a unique energy to their work, but digital cinematography offers an equivalently high-quality alternative for most projects. The long-term trend suggests that film is becoming more of a niche option rather than the norm for theatrical releases.