News + Trends
Films you absolutely must see in 3D
by Luca Fontana
Is this the end of 3D home cinema?
6.9.2017
Translation: machine translated
The major TV manufacturers are turning their backs on the technology: demand is too low and the feature isn't attracting enough buyers. An article to bid farewell to 3D, written by someone who will really miss it.
I agree, it was melodramatic. But you get my point. I'm even sure some of you feel exactly the same way! Let's take a little trip down memory lane and explore the early days of modern 3D cinema, and why it never really caught on with audiences. We'll finish with the alternatives left for 3D enthusiasts!
Avatar - the take-off of 3D
Other 3D films followed. After Avatar, in just 2 years, the number of 3D productions released each year on cinema screens tripled (!). Many of these productions were only later converted to 3D - because of Avatar - just to be able to take advantage of the public craze for 3D. For cinema chains, 3D has been a real boon: people have once again travelled to the cinema to watch films and no longer simply downloaded them onto their computers via an illegal download platform.
Full HD' took hold in the home cinema market and the first 3D-compatible TV sets were released just in time. Because with ever-larger, high-resolution screens, it's simply more fun to watch films in 3D, just like at the cinema. Right?
Why 3D is less popular
I guess it was supposed to end like this. The technology hasn't gone down well with everyone. Since 2011- in that year around 59 3D films were released- the number of 3D productions has fallen sharply. There are several reasons for this. Here are the criticisms we hear most often:
3D is just a gimmick to make more money
It's clear that Hollywood producers must have felt like they'd stumbled onto a real goldmine after the success of Avatar. Because we all know it, the special 3D supplement we have to pay at the checkout. And that doesn't even include the temporary 3D glasses, which you have to buy separately!
The 3D image is just plain bad
As many films were hastily converted to 3D after the success of Avatar, there were big differences in quality between the different films. A prominent example of misused 3D is "Wrath of the Titans". The quality of 3D Blu-rays was also highly variable. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows", for example, did not work at all in 3D. Because of all these hastily converted films, the reputation of 3D technology still suffers today.
Uncomfortable and inconvenient
For 3D to work, you need 3D glasses. Although wearing 3D glasses at the cinema is almost part of the event, it's completely different at home. Glasses are perceived more as an annoying accessory, which we prefer to do without.
Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea or headaches
It doesn't matter - I love 3D
It's still a good investment...
Luca's top 10 in 3D!
My personal 3D range
So you want to buy a new TV, but don't want to get rid of your 3D collection at the same time? You're in luck, 3D still has a future. To help you choose the right "gear", I'm going to show you my personal equipment that will enable you to enjoy excellent cinema evenings at home.
And what's the alternative?
The bigger your TV, the better the 3D effect. That's why 3D has been far more successful in cinemas than in private living rooms. Does this mean that the three-dimensional dream will soon be a thing of the past in the home? I can reassure you, there is still hope. And it goes by the name of projector.
I'm setting up my own home cinema and I need...
For a successful installation, apart from the sound, you need three components: the projector, the projection screen and, if necessary, a mounting solution. The latter allows you to fix the projector to the ceiling.
Projection screen: are you one of those 3D lovers for whom big means 100 inches and more? Excellent. At 110 inches (in words: one hundred and ten!), Saker's Elite Screen is made for you. The white casing is discreet and, when not in use, the screen can simply be rolled up. To save space.
Note: In the near future, I'd like to test a 3D projector for you and write an article about it. When? I don't know exactly. But soon. In any case, I'll let you know the report of my test!
Mounting solution: well, what more can I say? This Sunne model with the white ceiling mount is chic, affordable and does what it's supposed to do. It's also handy and, depending on one's DIY skills, takes no more than 10-15 minutes to assemble.
What do you think of 3D?
Now it's up to you.
Who joins me in saying goodbye to 3D? Who finds it as unfortunate as I do that TV manufacturers apparently don't believe in the technology? Or are you not with me at all and convinced that this feature is just a gimmick used to make more money? Whatever you think, I want to know. Drop me a line in the comments section!
You might also be interested in these articles:
Luca Fontana
Senior Editor
Luca.Fontana@digitecgalaxus.chI write about technology as if it were cinema, and about films as if they were real life. Between bits and blockbusters, I’m after stories that move people, not just generate clicks. And yes – sometimes I listen to film scores louder than I probably should.
News + Trends
From the latest iPhone to the return of 80s fashion. The editorial team will help you make sense of it all.
Show all
