Final answer:
The growth of 3D animation in feature films is driven by technological advancements and audience demand for immersive experiences. It has been growing over the past years and is expected to continue due to its ability to transcend physical limitations and enhance storytelling. Film history shows a trend toward embracing new technologies to maintain audience interest.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is evident that the use of 3D animation has significantly grown in feature films over the past few years, thanks in large part to advancements in CGI and technological progress in the film industry. Films such as James Cameron's 'Avatar' have set groundbreaking standards in 3D animation, providing audiences with an immersive and realistic experience. The first fully computer-generated feature film, 'Toy Story', paved the way for the CGI movies of today, which have become more sophisticated over time.
The trend towards using 3D animation is likely to continue because it allows filmmakers to overcome physical limitations and realize creative visions that would be otherwise impossible or too costly to achieve with traditional methods. The continuous development of graphics technology and software, coupled with the audience's increasing demand for visually stunning and immersive cinematic experiences, are the driving forces behind this trend. Furthermore, as this technology becomes more accessible and the costs associated with 3D animation decrease, more filmmakers are able to incorporate these techniques into their movies.
The major studios' strategy of creating content that is original yet familiar to audiences also drives the inclination towards special effects, including 3D, to make movies more enticing. Hollywood's historical tendency of embracing new technology like CinemaScope and Cinerama, and the lasting appeal of movies based on not just technological gimmicks but storylines, suggests that 3D animation will maintain its presence in cinema, evolving alongside the technological landscape and market demands.