P3D SI swimsuit 3D images

[Ray Hannisian <ray@xxxxxxx>]

With all respect:

I have avoided comments on the 3D swimsuit video and magazine, feeling
that my criticism might be interpreted as "sour grapes".  (I was
initially contacted about shooting the video portion, but I had other
obligations at the time.)  

Since I don't believe that anaglyph EVER works well on TV, I must say
that my fears were confirmed by the results.  Aside from the ghosting
present in the video, I do not at all agree with Craig's placement of
the stereo window or convergence points.  Some of these choices may
have been intended to reduce anaglyph ghosting, but they just didn't
work for me, compositionally.  There were also instances of vertical
misalignment, which didn't help viewing comfort.

Craig uses an i/o headset for his viewfinder.  My experience with
this, is that is disguises the edges of the window, making it harder
to position images precisely, both vertically and horizontally.  Most
people will not be watching their TV in a totally darkened room, so
any misalignments will come back to haunt the videographer.

As for the magazine, I'd love to see the original slides in a "Red
Button" viewer or projection.  In print, the anaglyph presentation
lost enough detail to create a strong "card-board cut-out" effect. I
also found the anaglyph color distortion uncomfortable.  (I'm not a
big fan of anaglyph, except for line drawings and black and white
photos.  Sorry.)

Having said all of this, I applaud the efforts of those who were
involved.  I know that many of the artistic decisions were taken out
of the hands of those who should have made them.  I also completely
understand the marketing pressures that made anaglyph the only
practical option for these projects.  (Too bad that VRex never
followed through on their polarized inks, that Stereojet is so
expensive, and that affordable, flicker-free shutter-glasses are not
yet readily available!)

I just don't feel that this video and publishing event, (like ABC's
"3D week" of TV programming, a few years ago), has done anything
positive to raise the general public's opinion of the 3D medium that
we all love and practice.

Sincerely,


Ray Hannisian
 
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