P3D Re: The Best 3D IMAX ever

[Tom Deering <tmd@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Al Razutis said:
>The review of Siegfried and Roy's IMAX 3D 'The Magic Box' by Tom Deering was
>one of the best reviews I have read on this list.  Reason? It featured a
>passionate and articulate blend of discussing content and form.  With
>examples that went far beyond the phrase (which appears from time to time on
>this list) 'the 3D was good'.
>
>It also provoked the question (perhaps Mr. Deering can comment): who were
>the early magicians or illusionists that utilized stereoscopic 3D (still or
>moving) in their presentations?

I can't think of any.  Since I have an avid interest in both hobbies, 
I'd like to think I would know the answer, but I don't.

Many magicians were attracted to photography and cinema, as well as 
other new technology.  (For example, Houdini was an amateur pilot, 
and one of the first men to fly in Australia.)  Photography may have 
been particularly interesting because of it's connection to "spirit 
photography", a popular fraud based on an ignorance of double 
exposures.

Historically, magicians have worked many kinds of contemporary 
technology into their acts.  There were entire effects based on the 
properties of gas lamps and electricity.  I can think of some that 
used 2D projection.  But none that used 3D that I am aware of.

Perhaps the great eras of stereo photography have not coincided with 
the major waves of interest in magic.  The advent of still 
photography and silent movies, however, seem to have hit during times 
when magic was on a big roll.  This is the thinnest conjecture on my 
part.

I should point out that some magic tricks and a number of stage 
illusions are based on tricks of perspective and perception.  Which 
is also true of stereo photography.  It's surprising that a more 
concrete link between stereo and magic has not developed.

Tom Deering