entertainment: So 1970s

Anybody that saw J. J. Abrams re-imagine of Star Trek would have left the cinema with permanent eye damage due to the most ridiculous levels of Camera Flare (now you get the post title). Even Abrams admitted it was 'ridiculous' that they were deliberately shining torches at the camera to create flare.
Star Trek may have been a pioneer in the field of flare, but it certainly wasn't the dead-end it should have been, and flare has quickly replaced grey/blue filters in ruining films. Most recently an episode of the BBC's awful 'Outcasts' got in on the action which is what sparked this rant.

But at least you've found a use for that 3D TV you wasted money on, the polarised glasses are perfect eye protection.

Camera flare seems to be completely counter to everything film/television has been working towards lately. HD was introduced to give you the 'clearest' pictures, and now 3D is meant to be 'immersive', but all Camera Flare does is ruin the picture and make it obvious that you are looking through a lens. The blue line in Raiders of the Lost Ark has haunted both Lucas and fans for years, but now I can only imagine a director would be impressed at how authentic it looks.

I think you can all agree that this iconic scene is so much better with a liberal camera flare.