Re: ABC3D TV

[P3D charlie hotchkiss <revchas@xxxxxxxx>]

I was pretty sure ABC's 3D programming would find nearly  universal
objurgation here,  and the early 3DTV-related messages back up my
suspicion, but I enjoyed it.

We knew, I think, from earlier posts, that the effect would be used
primarily in short pre and post-programming snippets (the extended picnic
table scene in Tool Time was the exception).  We all knew, or certainly
should have known, that the technique would be used only for " through
the window" effects.  For good or ill, that is what most people expect
and TV is certainly designed to appeal to the largest number.
Yesterday I gave a 3D presentation at a school, there were some slides
that were well-appreciated by the kids, some portraits that got oohs and
ahhs for their lifelike qualities, but out of about 40 slides, the kids
reacted most strongly to the 3 that had through the window effects.  They
laughed, just like I did during TOOL TIME.  

I expect much the same reaction when I present nearly the same program to
an historical society this evening. If lions hadn't jumped of the screen
in BAWANA DEVIL I would never have become a 3D fanatic.  It took a while
before I appreciate the subtle pleasures of a lifelike stereo photo.  But
there is a tendency to sniff at this amusing and certainly valid effect,
as if a true 3D photographer would never stoop to a paddle ball shot.
 (By the way,  many thanks to DDDALIA and Jon Golden for their help in
getting the Rabbit Hash 3D Club's travelling  show off the ground)

We should be mentioning the fact that the system worked for a change.  I
don't have a direct feed or cable, just rabbit ears, and I don't have a
very good reception, but it worked fine, far better than any other
anaglyphic 3D TV I've seen.  I taped it and the replay was good too.

I imagine, out of the millions of people who watched or will watch these
TV shows there are some kids who are as fascinated as I was years ago
when I got singed in the house of wax,  dodged arrows and tobacco juice
at Feather River, swam in the Black Lagoon, sweated out the rainy season
with Sadie Thompson and brushed up my Shakespeare during KISS ME KATE.  
Maybe TOOL TIME will give them a life long interest in stereo photography
like the movies did for me.  Of course Tim Allen isn't going to awaken
anybody's interest in Shakespeare, like KISS ME KATE did for me.
It would be great to combine my two passions, can we convince Kenneth
Branaugh to re-make HENRY V in 3D?  "Once more unto the breach . . ."
indeed!

I'll stop now,
Charlie Hotchkiss



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