3D movies have long been around – to varying degrees of success – and they are currently enjoying a revival. First introduced to general movie audiences in 1915, the 3D movie was used by Hollywood as a means to combat what was seen as a looming threat to the film industry – television. Soon, full feature length motion pictures were incorporating this new novelty, and while 3D video gained major traction in the 1950s, this boom was sadly fleeting (due largely to a lack of quality films), and as audiences became disinterested, the 3D movie became passé.
Of course, 3D movies never died. They were used sparingly throughout the following decades, relegated to the occasional child or horror film, and 3D video could also be found in the occasional theme park attraction. However, mainstream films remained largely 3D free.
However, for modern movie-going audiences, “3D movies” have evolved to take on two different meanings. While it had traditionally meant wearing silly glasses and experiencing the illusion of objects popping out from the screen and into the audience, the CG revolution of the 1990s sees the term taking on a whole new definition.
3D Movie Characters and Environments
Today, digital artists can create 3-dimensional worlds and characters utilizing advanced computer software. Autodesk 3ds Max and Maya are the two programs used primarily in Hollywood for 3D movies – and to magnificent effect. The first appearance of computer graphics (CG) in a movie was Disney’s cult classic, Tron (1982). Visual effects guru Dennis Muren would later help CG become mainstream, with a breakthrough series of special effects films in the 90s: The Abyss, Terminator 2, and Jurassic Park – the latter two being massively successful at the box office.
The Return of 3D Movie Glasses
While traditional 3D movies have utilized anaglyph images and glasses, which involve two lenses of contrasting colors (typically red and cyan), more modern digital technology has allowed for a new, more advanced spin on the old 3D picture effect. James Cameron’s Avatar won Oscars for its use of newly-invented stereoscopic cameras (which the director helped co-develop) to create more brilliant 3D video imagery. While the old 3D movie entailed select objects appearing to project from the screen, the scenes of Avatar were effectively more immersive, instead pulling the viewer in.
The ambitious filmmaker will always look for new ways to capture audiences, and 3D movie technology will always be a great tool for creating a greater sense of participation and immersion.
