Of course, there are a few people who disagree with the concept of 3D movies, television and games; surprisingly, famous film critic Roger Ebert is one of them. Recently, Evert received a letter from Walter Murch, an Academy-award winning editor and sound designer. In this letter, Murch discusses some of the issues with 3D television and film. According to Walter, 3D viewing requires the audience to “focus at one distance and converge at another. And 600 million years of evolution have never presented us with this problem before. All living things with eyes have always focused and converged at the same point” (Ebert). Moreover, our brains must work even harder to comprehend the 3D material. This is why several people receive headaches after viewing a 3D film for 20 minutes (Smith). Roger believes its absurd to pay more money for a film experience that causes nausea and headaches; perhaps he is not the only one with this opinion.
Tecca.com writer Samuel Axon has decided to play Devil’s advocate and has provided us with the prose and cons of owning a three-dimensional television.
o First, more companies plan to release 3-D films; in fact, Disney promises to release 15 films in 3-D Blu-Ray DVD format, including The Lion King and Tron: Legacy.
o 3D televisions will employ Active-Shutter, a technology utilized for the 3D experience. These TVs require expensive, wireless, electronic glasses that tamper with the vision of one of your eyes. In addition, the sharpness of the TV image is reduced to compensate for the expensive 3D glasses.
o On the other hand, 3D video games are in development, and they will not require special 3D equipment or glasses.
o In regards to television, 3D TV will be more expensive than both a standard TV and HD TV. Along with the TV, viewers will need to purchase a 3D Blu-Ray DVD player, a new satellite or cable TV box and a new home theater receive. Don’t forget the 3D glasses, which range from $100-200 a pair.
o Currently, Sony is developing 3D video camcorders. This could lead to 3D films on video sharing website such as Youtube.
o Eventually, scientist and technology specialist will develop 3D technology that will work without the 3D glasses. As a matter of fact, this is a current project scientist are pursuing. We may reach a glasses-free 3D viewing experience sooner than we realize (Axon).
Despite Roger’s concerns and Walter’s theories, several scientist and technology companies are preparing for the 3D revolution. Even so, the fate of 3D is in the hands of the viewer. Will the viewer wish to pay for the 3D experience at home? Only time will tell.
Works Cited
Axon, Samuel. “Should you Get a 3D TV?” tecca.com. Tecca. 14 Jan. 2011.
Ebert, Roger. “Why 3D Doesn’t Work and Never Will. Case Closed.”
Roger Ebert’s Journal. Chicago Sun-Times. blog. 24 Jan. 2011.
Roger Ebert’s Journal. Chicago Sun-Times. blog. 24 Jan. 2011.
Hatch, Laura. “How 3D Movies are Saving Box Office Sales.”
Business Insider: The Wire. (10 Mar. 2010): n. pag. Web. 24 Jan. 2011.
Business Insider: The Wire. (10 Mar. 2010): n. pag. Web. 24 Jan. 2011.
Smith, Catharine. “Roger Ebert’s Proof 3D TV ‘Doesn’t Work With Our Brains.”
The Huffington Post (24 Jan. 2011): n. pag. Web. 24 Jan. 2011.
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