So I purchased the new Star Trek Movie Blu Ray and finally got to watch it last night. During the movie I started noticing a lot of shiny glares on the screen. At first I thought something was going on with my TV or blu ray player. There were lots of scenes when the crew in on the enterprise where these glares were actually starting to annoy me. It must be the blu ray disc right? I didn't notice this in the movie theater? No, it's a brand new disc, there has got to be more to this. So after some searching I found out that these glares (called lens flares in the movie business) I was seeing were intentionally put in there by director J.J. Abrams. When asked about it Abrams said "I know what you’re saying with the lens flares. It was one of those things… I wanted a visual system that felt unique. I know there are certain shots where even I watch and think, “Oh that’s ridiculous, that was too many.” But I love the idea that the future was so bright it couldn't’t be contained in the frame."
So I guess the good news is that I'm not going crazy, but for the next Star Trek movie..... please less lens flares! To read the article about Abrams use of lens flares click here.
