3-D

Discuss North American DVDs and Blu-rays or other DVD and Blu-ray-related topics.

3-D

Poll ended at Wed Oct 17, 2012 3:38 pm

I have it and use it.
18
13%
I have it and don't use it.
11
8%
I don't have it but am interested in it.
30
22%
I don't have it and am not interested in it.
80
58%
 
Total votes: 139

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RobertB
Joined: Fri Jan 08, 2010 8:00 pm
Location: Sweden

Re: Poll: 3-D

#26 Post by RobertB » Wed Oct 17, 2012 7:22 pm

feihong wrote:I know, but that's the way it's always played for me. The actual 3-d with the glasses gives me such a headache that I'd rather watch the blurry, doubled image than put the glasses back on. Personal quirk, I guess? I remember watching Starchaser that way for what seemed like forever.
For only $8 you can have a 3D film in amazing 2D! I'm just worried the film will become even darker.

The latest 3D film i've seen in the cinema was Prometheus. I went with four friends, and nobody wanted it in 3D, so we went to a 2D screening. My new TV and my blu-ray player can do 3D, but I haven't bought any glasses. I agree with Roger Ryan. 10 minutes is fun, but more than that I find distracting. Just imagine Ordet in 3D...

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jindianajonz
Jindiana Jonz Abrams
Joined: Wed Oct 12, 2011 8:11 pm

Re: Technical Issues and Questions

#27 Post by jindianajonz » Thu Jan 10, 2013 3:49 pm

Ok, I realize I run the risking of losing what little credibility I may have and getting boo'ed off the forum just by asking, but...

What 3D glasses to you guys recommend? I just bought a 60" ST50 based of recommendations here and elsewhere, and figure at some point I will at least give 3D a shot (I hear Hugo is great, and would like to watch Pina in 3D since they are offering it). I don't plan on using them extensively, so cost is definitely a consideration, but I heard that some of the cheaper glasses (like the $20 Samsung ones) aren't terribly comfortable. Does anyone have any input on this?

I also have a friend who said that he just periodically steals them from theatres and they work just fine with his TV. Any thoughts on this, from both a moral and a technical standpoint? If stealing glasses costs the theatre owners money, I would avoid it, but if it comes out of the pocket of the studios that are charging $16 a ticket for a film that was digitally converted to 3D... well, my morals may be a little more relaxed in that situation...

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Emak-Bakia
Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2011 11:48 am

Re: 3-D

#28 Post by Emak-Bakia » Fri Jan 11, 2013 10:29 am

I don't have anything to say about your technical questions since I don’t have a 3D TV, but I see nothing morally wrong with taking the glasses at the theater. Assuming you’re talking about the standard polarized glasses, then I don’t even think you can call that stealing. When you buy the ticket and get the glasses, it’s always been my understanding that the glasses are yours to keep. Of course, theaters prefer that viewers return the glasses for re-use, but this is not required at any theater to which I’ve been.

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MichaelB
Joined: Fri Aug 11, 2006 6:20 pm
Location: Worthing
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Re: 3-D

#29 Post by MichaelB » Fri Jan 11, 2013 11:22 am

Emak-Bakia wrote:I don't have anything to say about your technical questions since I don’t have a 3D TV, but I see nothing morally wrong with taking the glasses at the theater. Assuming you’re talking about the standard polarized glasses, then I don’t even think you can call that stealing. When you buy the ticket and get the glasses, it’s always been my understanding that the glasses are yours to keep. Of course, theaters prefer that viewers return the glasses for re-use, but this is not required at any theater to which I’ve been.
It does rather depend on the cinema, though. My local has rather nice plastic glasses that are clearly worth more than the surcharge - you even get a choice of sizes, including ones that fit over existing specs. And you can't walk off with them, because there's a supermarket-style security gate at the exit.

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Roger Ryan
Joined: Wed Apr 28, 2010 12:04 pm
Location: A Midland town spread and darkened into a city

Re: 3-D

#30 Post by Roger Ryan » Fri Jan 11, 2013 2:28 pm

Keep in mind that about half of the 3-D televisions on the market require "shutter lens" glasses as opposed to the polarized glasses used in cinemas. "Shutter lens" glasses are more expensive, but provide better resolution and brightness.

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MichaelB
Joined: Fri Aug 11, 2006 6:20 pm
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Re: 3-D

#31 Post by MichaelB » Fri Jan 11, 2013 2:33 pm

Roger Ryan wrote:Keep in mind that about half of the 3-D televisions on the market require "shutter lens" glasses as opposed to the polarized glasses used in cinemas. "Shutter lens" glasses are more expensive, but provide better resolution and brightness.
...because there's no light-absorbing polarising filter: you're effectively looking through clear specs.

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captveg
Joined: Wed Sep 02, 2009 7:28 pm

Re: 3-D

#32 Post by captveg » Wed Jan 16, 2013 7:12 pm

I got a new 3D projector a few weeks back and have the following titles:

The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
Coraline (2009)
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
Dial M for Murder (1954)
Hugo (2011)
Prometheus (2012)

I also have Life of Pi (2012) on pre-order

So far, I'm very happy with it. I've watched Dial M and I plan to check out Creature within the next week or so.

I've also used it for 3D gaming for titles like Assassin's Creed III, and that's been fairly impressive.

In any case, I think I use it enough for my purposes to justify the initial cost.

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captveg
Joined: Wed Sep 02, 2009 7:28 pm

Re: Technical Issues and Questions

#33 Post by captveg » Wed Jan 16, 2013 7:21 pm

jindianajonz wrote:What 3D glasses to you guys recommend? I just bought a 60" ST50 based of recommendations here and elsewhere, and figure at some point I will at least give 3D a shot (I hear Hugo is great, and would like to watch Pina in 3D since they are offering it). I don't plan on using them extensively, so cost is definitely a consideration, but I heard that some of the cheaper glasses (like the $20 Samsung ones) aren't terribly comfortable. Does anyone have any input on this?
If you're looking for quality & comfort and have DLP-Link 3D, go with the True Depth 3D rechargeable glasses. They run about $60 each.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss? ... 3D+Glasses" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Adam X
Joined: Thu Apr 16, 2009 5:04 am

Re: Technical Issues and Questions

#34 Post by Adam X » Thu Jan 17, 2013 12:15 pm

jindianajonz wrote:What 3D glasses to you guys recommend? I just bought a 60" ST50 based of recommendations here and elsewhere, and figure at some point I will at least give 3D a shot (I hear Hugo is great, and would like to watch Pina in 3D since they are offering it). I don't plan on using them extensively, so cost is definitely a consideration, but I heard that some of the cheaper glasses (like the $20 Samsung ones) aren't terribly comfortable. Does anyone have any input on this?

I also have a friend who said that he just periodically steals them from theatres and they work just fine with his TV. Any thoughts on this, from both a moral and a technical standpoint?
The ST50 requires active shutter lenses, so I don't think using glasses from a 3D cinema will do you much good, regardless of how you come by them.

In Australia (at least), the TV comes with a free pair, so I don't really have any particular suggestions, though as far as I know, the ST50 uses a 3D system standard now used by several companies, so so long as you check the manual to make sure what specific type of 3D glasses you need for the TV, that should at least give you a starting point.
In the Australian manual it says to look for the "Full HD 3D" glasses logo, along with the RF mark, meaning they use Bluetooth to make the connection to the TV.

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jindianajonz
Jindiana Jonz Abrams
Joined: Wed Oct 12, 2011 8:11 pm

Re: Technical Issues and Questions

#35 Post by jindianajonz » Thu Jan 17, 2013 12:48 pm

Adam Grikepelis wrote:The ST50 requires active shutter lenses, so I don't think using glasses from a 3D cinema will do you much good, regardless of how you come by them.

In Australia (at least), the TV comes with a free pair, so I don't really have any particular suggestions, though as far as I know, the ST50 uses a 3D system standard now used by several companies, so so long as you check the manual to make sure what specific type of 3D glasses you need for the TV, that should at least give you a starting point.
In the Australian manual it says to look for the "Full HD 3D" glasses logo, along with the RF mark, meaning they use Bluetooth to make the connection to the TV.
Yeah, the American model doesn't include any. I just gave in and bought a couple of the slightly more expensive panasonic glasses and they were great- I've only seen Cave of Forgotten Dreams so far (incredible movie; the first I've seen that pretty much mandates the use of 3D) and they worked very well. I also ordered a couple of the cheap Samsung ones for guests, but they haven't arrived yet.

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Drucker
Your Future our Drucker
Joined: Wed May 18, 2011 9:37 am

Re: The Non-Political News and Current Events Discussion Thr

#36 Post by Drucker » Fri Jun 14, 2013 12:54 pm

Probably somewhere better/more topical to put this, but ESPN shutting down ESPN 3-D, seemingly leaving the future of 3-D TV viewing in doubt (surprise surprise).

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Matt
Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2004 12:58 pm

Re: The Non-Political News and Current Events Discussion Thr

#37 Post by Matt » Fri Jun 14, 2013 1:06 pm

What?!?! 3-D is a short-lived fad? Whoever could have predicted that (who doesn't remember the early 1950s or the early 1980s)? I guess it was good for TV manufacturers while it lasted.

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EddieLarkin
Joined: Sat Sep 08, 2012 10:25 am

Re: 3-D

#38 Post by EddieLarkin » Fri Jun 14, 2013 2:01 pm

I approach 3-D in the same way I do aspect ratios, soundtracks and colour timing; I want to experience whatever the director intended me to experience. 3-D in general is just a gimmick to me, but then so is ultra wide aspect ratios and surround sound. Just because it is far more cost restrictive at home doesn't mean I feel OK dismissing it altogether. Watching something like DIAL M or HUGO flat makes me feel the same way as if I was watching them cropped to 4:3. I feel like I'm missing something and not experiencing the directors true vision.

Hitchcock and Sirk are just two golden era directors who shot in 3-D, and I am dying to see the likes of HONDO, INFERNO, TAZA SON OF COCHISE, KISS ME KATE, MISS SADIE THOMPSON, THE GLASS WEB, I, THE JURY (heck I'll even take IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE and HOUSE OF WAX) the way they were meant to be seen.

I know there isn't much in the way of excitement when it comes to modern 3-D, but I'm surprised the cineaste community in general seem to be against it in all forms. Would none of you be tempted by a 3-D TV if Criterion put out, say, THE GLASS WEB or INFERNO on Blu-ray 3D?

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Drucker
Your Future our Drucker
Joined: Wed May 18, 2011 9:37 am

Re: 3-D

#39 Post by Drucker » Fri Jun 14, 2013 2:11 pm

I understand wanting to watch it in the intended manner, but you don't have to upgrade your equipment or buy a new Television, Glasses or Blu Ray player to wach Bigger Than Life in 2.55 or the special edition of How The West Was Won.

It's just simply, to me, not worth the cost of getting a 3-D set-up, especially if it could be obsolete in a few years anyway.
Last edited by Drucker on Fri Jun 14, 2013 3:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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MichaelB
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Re: 3-D

#40 Post by MichaelB » Fri Jun 14, 2013 2:58 pm

EddieLarkin wrote:I approach 3-D in the same way I do aspect ratios, soundtracks and colour timing; I want to experience whatever the director intended me to experience. 3-D in general is just a gimmick to me, but then so is ultra wide aspect ratios and surround sound. Just because it is far more cost restrictive at home doesn't mean I feel OK dismissing it altogether. Watching something like DIAL M or HUGO flat makes me feel the same way as if I was watching them cropped to 4:3. I feel like I'm missing something and not experiencing the directors true vision.
Hitchcock famously despised 3-D and hated being contractually compelled to shoot in it, so I wouldn't be too inclined to press claims that the 3-D version is "what the director intended" and his "true vision"! He certainly didn't seem overly miffed about the film mainly being screened flat in his lifetime.

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Matt
Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2004 12:58 pm

Re: 3-D

#41 Post by Matt » Fri Jun 14, 2013 3:02 pm

I would imagine many of the other directors of the films mentioned sympathized with Hitchcock. 3-D in the 1950s was typically a studio imposition, not a directorial choice.

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MichaelB
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Re: 3-D

#42 Post by MichaelB » Fri Jun 14, 2013 3:07 pm

Obviously, Hugo is a different matter, but the number of 3-D films where viewing them in the process is arguably essential is still minuscule when set against the total.

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EddieLarkin
Joined: Sat Sep 08, 2012 10:25 am

Re: 3-D

#43 Post by EddieLarkin » Fri Jun 14, 2013 3:28 pm

MichaelB wrote:Hitchcock famously despised 3-D and hated being contractually compelled to shoot in it, so I wouldn't be too inclined to press claims that the 3-D version is "what the director intended" and his "true vision"! He certainly didn't seem overly miffed about the film mainly being screened flat in his lifetime.
In regards to DIAL M, I believe this is simply not true. I don't know how Hitchcock felt (though Bob Furmanek believes your assertion is a myth: http://www.3dfilmarchive.com/dial-m-blu-ray-review" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;), but the film as always speaks for itself. The 3-D version is a completely different beast to the 2-D, and the film is very obviously composed to make best use of the 3-D gimmick. DIAL M looks far closer to something like HUGO, when if the director was completely unenthused about the technology you'd expect it to play more half-arsed. Even if Hitchcock really did despise having to work that way, he still made the very best of it.
Matt wrote:I would imagine many of the other directors of the films mentioned sympathized with Hitchcock. 3-D in the 1950s was typically a studio imposition, not a directorial choice.
But so was widescreen, especially 'Scope. Yet few here would ever accept cropped versions of say, CAPTAIN LIGHTFOOT or EAST OF EDEN. Yes alright, it's not truly comparable, but I get bent out of shape over far smaller issues than incorrect aspect ratio.

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Koukol
Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2013 8:31 pm

Re: Technical Issues and Questions

#44 Post by Koukol » Fri Jun 14, 2013 3:33 pm

jindianajonz wrote:Ok, I realize I run the risking of losing what little credibility I may have and getting boo'ed off the forum just by asking, but...

What 3D glasses to you guys recommend? I just bought a 60" ST50 based of recommendations here and elsewhere, and figure at some point I will at least give 3D a shot (I hear Hugo is great, and would like to watch Pina in 3D since they are offering it). I don't plan on using them extensively, so cost is definitely a consideration, but I heard that some of the cheaper glasses (like the $20 Samsung ones) aren't terribly comfortable. Does anyone have any input on this?

I also have a friend who said that he just periodically steals them from theatres and they work just fine with his TV. Any thoughts on this, from both a moral and a technical standpoint? If stealing glasses costs the theatre owners money, I would avoid it, but if it comes out of the pocket of the studios that are charging $16 a ticket for a film that was digitally converted to 3D... well, my morals may be a little more relaxed in that situation...
I would stick with the Panasonic glasses Panasonic suggests.

I have a pair and the cheaper Samsung glasses which aren't rechargable so I have to replace the battery.
Some people have said the Samsung produce ghosting on certain films.

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Koukol
Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2013 8:31 pm

Re: 3-D

#45 Post by Koukol » Fri Jun 14, 2013 3:34 pm

I'm SO thrilled that the original HOUSE OF WAX is coming out on BD in 3D.

THIS is the way to see the film.

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Gregory
Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2004 4:07 pm

Re: 3-D

#46 Post by Gregory » Fri Jun 14, 2013 3:36 pm

To address another of the examples Eddie gave, Sirk described 3D for Taza as just an experiment. It was scrapped and only shown in 2D after exhibitors didn't like what they saw of it in 3D. I'm a huge Sirk fan, but if someone put out a 3D blu-ray of Taza I don't think I'd even bother to watch it (and I don't think my system would have the capability anyway).

It's always seemed to me that 3D gets put out to the public as the "big, new thing" at times when the industry feels that its usual model is threatened and they have to get more people into theaters: In the '50s it was due to the huge popularity of TV, in the '80s it was the advent of movies on videotape, and no need to describe current industry conditions here. Some directors used it in interesting ways, surely, but I don't think of it as one of the technical fundamentals of filmmaking, let alone the "revolution" it's often made out to be by those who are selling it. Composing for widescreen—now that was a revolution in filmmaking. I think there are a number of problems with the 3D/aspect ratio analogy, but I certainly respect others' priorities and enthusiasm for 3D even though I don't share it.

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EddieLarkin
Joined: Sat Sep 08, 2012 10:25 am

Re: 3-D

#47 Post by EddieLarkin » Fri Jun 14, 2013 3:51 pm

If Sirk's experiment on TAZA is anything like Hitch's hate fueled DIAL M then I'd rather see it before making assumptions! But seriously, I know there are plenty of rubbish 50s 3-D films, but when it comes to the good ones I know I'd feel off watching them in 2-D. And not ALL of the big name directors were against it:
Bob Furmanek wrote:Director Roy Ward Baker was preparing his auto-biography “The Director’s Cut: A Memoir of 60 Years in Film” for publication in March 2000. He was quite proud of his subtle and dramatic use of stereoscopic cinematography on the 1953 classic INFERNO and lamented the fact that no original 3-D Technicolor prints had survived. (The Dinard British Film Festival saluted Mr. Baker in 1993 and was reduced to showing a flat black and white 16mm print.) When his editor Tony Sloman told him that I had found original dye transfer Technicolor 35mm left/right prints, he had the publisher stop the presses so he could modify the text! He called personally to express his gratitude and appreciation for my preservation efforts. We spoke for 20 minutes about his work on the film and he asked many questions about my work on the Archive. It was quite an honor.

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Gregory
Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2004 4:07 pm

Re: 3-D

#48 Post by Gregory » Fri Jun 14, 2013 4:04 pm

Roy Ward Baker, now that's a director whose work I'd be excited to see in 3D. (And no one should read any sarcasm there.) From my understanding of Sirk, I don't think it's an assumption to say that was not really interested in doing anything with 3D. The way he spoke about Taza I think reflected that lack of interest in it. Perhaps Metty felt differently about it—who knows? Doesn't seem to me like their style, really.

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EddieLarkin
Joined: Sat Sep 08, 2012 10:25 am

Re: 3-D

#49 Post by EddieLarkin » Wed Jun 26, 2013 9:30 am

Thanks for that run down Dave. I may be buying the VW95 myself if I manage to find a bigger place soon (Dave M.'s review of the lower model sold me). How does Dial M look? On my plasma it has ghosting like no other film, and borders on unwatchable. Did you notice if it was particularly bad on the projector or worse than other films?

Jonathan S
Joined: Sat Jun 07, 2008 3:31 am
Location: Somerset, England

Re: 3-D

#50 Post by Jonathan S » Fri Jul 05, 2013 9:19 am

BBC suspends 3-D programming indefinitely due to "lack of public appetite"...

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