When I was a kid, I assumed all third installments in a horror series had to capitalize on the ability to turn the “3″ in the title into “3-D.” Now, looking back, I only really remember (and can only find proof of) Jaws 3-D, Friday the 13th 3-D and Amityville 3-D. But that isn’t stopping me from assuming Hollywood will once again abuse the gimmick. And judging by today’s news from Disney that the third installment of Step Up will be in 3D (and is tentatively titled simply, appropriately and marketably Step Up 3-D), the integrity of digital 3D — as the hope for the future of exhibition rather than as another passing fad — is on its way down.

Of course, we’re in a big 3D trend right now, whether it continues as something more than that or not, and it at least makes sense for Hollywood to make decisions like this, and obviously it’s more logical as far as the title is concerned. I know that Toy Story 3 will be appropriately in 3D, too. Others will likely follow, and it’s better than the confusing mis-step that has been occurring lately with non-threequel sequels (and non-sequels).

Upcoming sequels Shrek 4 and Final Destination 4 will also be released in digital 3D, but titularly that’s confusing (especially because of DreamWorks’ direct-to-video release Shrek 4-D, aka Shrek 3-D). Fortunately for the former, it currently has a less-confusing title of Shrek Goes Fourth. As for Final Destination, New Line had once intended for the third installment to be appropriately a 3D film and be titled Final Destination 3-D. So it is fair that the studio had previously had the idea. But what will it be called?

If it is titled Final Destination 4 3D (or Final Destination For 3D, as I enjoy homophonization), moviegoers may be confused. But maybe not. Are people confused by U2 3D? Or how about something without any other numbers. Are people confused by the upcoming movie titled Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D? Does it seem like a third installment? I guess it doesn’t matter since it is a redo (and is far more than the third version). But with so many 3D movies coming out in the next couple years (see today’s THR report on the scheduling problems), I bet there will be at least some minor headaches being suffered.