Across the Sea Of Time 3D, VM

[Evilrobot@xxxxxxx]

Hello.  

Went to see "Across The Sea of Time" at the 3D IMAX here in NY last night.  I
was very impressed by the jaw-dropping 3D, and the brightest 3D film image
I've ever seen... but left a bit cold in the story department.  Although I
was excited to see stereo shots of immigrant life for people coming through
Ellis Island in the early 1900'a, I was somewhat disappointed  by the fact
that so much of the movie was still photos (however gigantic), and that so
much of it was just contemporary street-level views of New York.  I guess
this is mostly for tourists...  (If I want to see Village Cigars in 3D, I'll
walk down the street!)   

The glasses were electronic LCD screens, and as someone mentioned before, I
don't understand why this technology was used instead of polarization.
  Could it have to do with the  persistent problem of viewers wanting to tilt
their heads?

Most importantly, I got the sense that there's no reason why 3D can't be a
viable medium for storytelling.  I don't think anyone's really done it
justice yet, from what I've seen.  It's like any special effect. The story
has to  compel you into caring about what the effects do.  In film school, I
always thought about trying to make a 3d movie on the cheap.  After seeing
this one, I'm thinking about it again.  What kind of resources are available?
 What kind of equipment?  

There was a small exhibit on early 3D photography, with several (are they
called stereopticons?) viewers and cards, as well as several beautiful
cameras.  I'm new to this, so I didn't recognize them or get the names.
  They were selling "antique-style"  stereo viewers with reprints of the
cards used in the movie for some ridiculous price, as well as a set of VM
reels.  I assume these VM reels contain the original antique stereo views in
addition to scenes from the movie... I should check... maybe they'd be of
interest to list members?   I do remember that they were tourist-priced at 7
bucks for a 3-reel set.  

-Eric



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