Re: All films 3D?

[P3D Michael Kersenbrock <michaelk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> We know how hard it is to create a good stereoscopic still image,
> especially for projection: correct window placement, exact alignment,
> sufficient- but not overextended- parallax... Imagine trying to control all
> these parameters in many thousands of "stills". In addition, cuts from long
> shots to close-ups will be quite jarring in 3D, where they would be
> unnoticed in 2D. Special effects are incredibly difficult to pull off in
> 3D. Stereo is also restrictive- some shots, which would be fine in 2D,
> contain too much parallax to view comfortably and simply cannot be used.
> And, due to the disruption of our normal convergence/focus correlation,
> projected 3D is simply tiring to view for an extended amount of time. (Even
> for a jaded 3D guy like me! I've been to plenty of stereo conventions!)


Just a comment that *we* have a lot of these problems partly because we're
using 50's technologies to solve them.  If concerns that can spend 200 Million
for a single movie are doing the work, I suspect more modern aids can be
developed, especially if they decide to use them regularly rather than for 
one-time movies at IMAX theatres.

What I have in mind are real-time computer-control of camera-lens spacing, etc.

When the camera moves in for a closeup, the two cameras move toward each other
as well.  Automatically.   Focus is automatic based upon actual near-far distances
to yield best compromise based on other constraints by director & cameraman.  Etc.

Humans will still have to control the system for where it makes mistakes, but
for where algorithms are known, let a processor do it.  Rather than being
*completely* manual.

Still very difficult, but maybe not quite as bad as a House of Wax production
in terms of 3D difficulties.  The *possible* toolset can be much better if
they ever choose to make it happen.  The money probably exists if they choose
to spend it.  Need to get Industrial Light & Magic interested.  :-)

Mike  K.



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