Posted 12/09/2009 - 6:34pm by Julia M
3D, a technology that dates back several decades, is finally going mainstream. As of now, there are more than 3,500 theaters in the US equipped for 3D, with more coming online every week. In Europe and Asia, 3D in theaters is growing just as fast, if not faster than it is in the U.S. And it won’t be too long before we seriously discuss 3D for home HDTV theater systems.
In the meantime, the 3D that you get in theaters now is not the 3D you remember seeing years ago. You still need special glasses to see it, but the technology – and the viewing experience – has advanced well beyond the old days. Rather than the original “anaglyph” black-and-white system using red-blue glasses, the new systems take advantage of digital projection to rapidly alternate between full-color left & right images, which are viewed through polarizing glasses that completely isolate the images for each eye. The result is an amazingly clear picture that is completely realistic.
Another sign of the maturity of 3D is the content of the films. It’s moved well beyond just gimmicky action films. In the last couple of years, music has become an increasingly important focus. A number of big-budget 3D concert movies such as “U2 3D” and “Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: The Best of Both Worlds” have come out over the last few years. But music is about to become a more regular focus.
PMG client, In Concert 3D, in association with AEG Network Live, Action 3D and Cinedigm Entertainment, is about to launch the first in a series of 3D concerts. Their first concert movie, “Larger Than Life…3D,” featuring the Dave Matthews Band, with special guests Ben Harper and Relentless7 and Gogol Bordello, opens on December 11th.
With this new series of concerts, the 3D aspect is just one of several innovations. The video is shot in HD and the stereo surround sound is outstanding. And while 3D adds a new dimension (literally) to what viewers can experience on screen, the video shoot brings them closer than ever to the action. Multiple cameras provide views of the performers from numerous angles on the stage. Plus, it offers fans even far away from major venues to view performances from their favorite acts, for far less than the cost of a concert ticket.
This first feature, headlined by Matthews, will be available in more than 500 theaters nationwide and will run through December 17th. Upcoming shows will feature highlights from the major music festivals this year, including Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits.
To read the full "Tech Trends" for the week of 12/07/09, click here.
