Re: All films 3D?

[P3D Larry Berlin <lberlin@xxxxxxxxx>]

>Date: Tue, 17 Jun 1997
>From: P3D ron labbe  writes:
>.............
>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".

******  Yes, more work and more worthy of being watched! Controlling many of
those elements is done best by precision in the camera design.

>...... In addition, cuts from long
>shots to close-ups will be quite jarring in 3D, where they would be
>unnoticed in 2D. 

******  Where such a transition is jarring, do it differently. What is
jarring is to expect the eye's convergence to suddenly change for the new
shot. There are several approaches which can ease the transition. 3D is a
more complete medium and offers techniques that aren't known or understood
in 2D. Careful planning with knowledge of the 3D environment is important
but often short of supply in Hollywood.

>Special effects are incredibly difficult to pull off in
>3D. 

*******  Yes, but there are so many more effects available. And a good
effect worked out in 3D is even more impressive than similar in 2D.

>Stereo is also restrictive- some shots, which would be fine in 2D,
>contain too much parallax to view comfortably and simply cannot be used.

*****  That's why a camera system with a variable stereo base would be
important. Smooth transition from hypo to hyper should be a standard in 3D
camera design and operation. Planning for any of the scenes should make use
of this variable.

>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!)

******  Can be a factor, but most tiredness derives from two sources. Lack
of practice at viewing stereo, and the degree of or presence of either
slight alignment errors, or stretches out of the center of the normal
viewing range. Once 3D is so common we expect most things to be 3D, there
will be more effort to smooth out the whole experience and reduce tiring
effects. I'm a long ways from seeing too much 3D!

>
>3D is great, but 2D films have many advantages- like 2D stills. Each has
>their place. 

*****  True. But the world is full of 2D already and has a shortage of 3D.

>(Should all films be in color???) 

******  Why of course!  ;-)

Larry Berlin

Email: lberlin@xxxxxxxxx
http://www.sonic.net/~lberlin/
http://3dzine.simplenet.com/


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