Movies that were originally released in 2D, such as Titanic and Jurassic Park, have recently been re-released in 3D.

There are various reasons why movie studios release or re-release these films, but Lucas Ostrowski, instructor for the department of theater and film, believes that the number one reason behind this trend is money.

At the Cinemark Woodland Mall Cinema 5 in Bowling Green, a 2D ticket to see Ironman 3 (post-matinee) is five dollars, where as a ticket to see the same film in 3D is $7.75. Having this expensive option, along with having 2D profits would bring in more money for the film studios, Otrowski said.

Money is not the only reason behind 3D films, he said.

“Fans are able to re-experience the films in theaters in a different [and] unique way they’ve never had,” Ostrowski said.

The aspect can change the visual film experience for the moviegoer. People who weren’t able to see the film in theaters when it originally came out, such as children who are now adults, are now able to see it for the first time close in its original cinematic environment.

“Jurassic Park and Titanic are getting 3D releases because they made piles of money the first time around, and their narratives involve a lot of visual spectacle,” Dan Shoemaker, an instructor in the Popular Culture Department, said, “The latter factor renders the films good choices for the 3D treatment; the former renders them good financial risks.”

While these films may make more money for the studios, the high ticket prices can deter people from paying.

Junior Mitchel Weber, chooses to watch 2D films instead of in 3D.

“I can’t justify spending extra money to see something in 3D,” Weber said. “Wearing the 3D glasses could be annoying for some people, especially for people who have to wear them over their regular glasses.”

Besides money, technical issues can cause moviegoers to stay away from 3D films, Shoemaker said.

“If the aspects of the film are incorporated in a contrived or clumsy way, the effects seldom add to the power of the film’s narrative and just seem like a cheap and cheesy gimmick,” Shoemaker said. “Conversely, spectacular 3D effects can upstage and overpower a weak story. 3D effects can help the visual aesthetics of a film, but they can’t help bad acting, weak characterization, or a stupid plot. 3D effects might help make a good film better, but they don’t really help a bad film become a good film.”

Ostrowski said the newer films won’t take the place of 2D films and it costs more money to produce a 3d movie.

“3D is still a gimmick and not necessary,” Shoemaker said. “We are more likely to see these films phased out instead of the reverse.”

Whether an audience enjoys 3D or 2D, Ironman 3, The Great Gatsby, Star Trek Into Darkness and other films can be seen in both versions throughout the summer.