3D Explained

NOW IN 3D! (AGAIN!)

The world of 3D entertainment can be confusing and expensive, so I've broken it down into the 6 common types of 3D and gave them all names (except for IMAX 3D. That already has a name :-) Ready to learn? Here we go…

TRUE 3D

Motion pictures that were ACTUALLY FILMED in 3D

This means footage was all captured natively in stereoscopic 3D using the Cameron/Pace Fusion Camera System or a similar rig. This is the only “true” filmed representation of 3D technology.

examples:

AVATAR

RESIDENT EVIL (4): AFTERLIFE

PIRATES OF THE CARRIBBEAN (4): ON STRANGER TIDES

THOR

PARTIAL 3D

Movies where some of the footage was shot natively in 3D, and other scenes were shot in traditional 2D.

You might not notice the difference. When Disney made TRON: LEGACY, all the action on “The Grid” was shot in 3D, but scenes in the real world were not. (That makes sense on a creative level. This is still an example of “true” 3D, even if it doesn’t last for the entire film.)

example:

TRON: LEGACY

CG 3D

Movies where most or all of the footage was shot in 2D, but certain scenes with digital effects were rendered in 3D for enhancement.

The 2D footage may or may not be “converted” to something akin to 3D, with varying quality.

examples:

TIM BURTON’S ALICE IN WONDERLAND

CLASH OF THE TITANS (2010)

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER.

GREEN HORNET

ANIMATED 3D

Computer generated animation where the entire film is rendered in 3D.

This is the most common type of 3D released because the images are the easiest to manipulate as they are completely in the digital realm. These films either:

1 - Have a story where the 3D experience is integral to the plot, (like in CORALINE).

2 - Are visually composed for 3D,

(as in DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL).

3 - Have visual elements that take advantage of 3D but a story that doesn’t really justify it:

MONSTERS VS. ALIENS

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

TOY STORY 3

DESPICABLE ME

SHREK FOREVER AFTER

MEGAMIND

TANGLED

IMAX 3D

Any of the above types of 3D on a huge IMAX screen.

Most of the time, a film is shown in this format just to increase its size. Other films have scenes intentionally filmed in or composed for IMAX’s gigantic aspect ratio (height and width) for a dramatic visual presentation.

examples:

AVATAR

TRON: LEGACY

3D CONVERSION

I call this “2 1/2 D” because it’s really a film that was shot in 2D that gets “converted” to 3D using a lengthy postproduction process.

The result? Well, it depends. Done poorly, it can make people look like cardboard cutouts of varying distances from each other, or really mess with your depth perception and make you sick. Done well, it can… actually, I haven’t seen anything that’s been done well this way yet (not CLASH OF THE TITANS (2010) or NARNIA: THE DAWN TREADER).

examples:

Disney is re-releasing THE LION KING in 2011 on blu-ray disc in 3D. Except that it’s a 2D animated movie, meaning it wasn’t originally created in 3D. So that’s a gimmick.

The STAR WARS saga is being re-released in theaters in 3D starting in 2012. These 6 films were also not originally created in 3D. But they benefit from a big-screen presentation, and with so many digital effects it could be a worthwhile experience. Maybe.

CONCLUSION

If you want a unique night-at-the-movies experience, seek out films that were actually shot in 3D (you can find them online if you dig a little). These are the best example of 3D technology. And yes, you will pay more for the experience.

If you want to save money when bringing the kids to see an animated movie, I would opt for the less expensive 2D option unless you want to add a 3D kick, which can be fun too. But it gets expensive.

And if you’re willing to pay yet again for an old movie you’ve seen before just because they repurposed it in 3D, then Hollywood thanks you for your support. I’m sure they’ll tell us to “watch it again for the first time.” So it’s your call.

I hope this helps.

Enjoy!