User:Queenones87/History of film technology

Main article: 3D film § History

Copied from History of film technology

The popularity of stereoscopic photography in the 1850s boosted interest in the creation of a medium that would be able to give a more complete illusion of reality through the addition of motion (and colour). Although stereoscopy was part of almost every attempt to record and/or display photography in motion until the mid 1880s, the influential early practical results were not stereoscopic.

Several cinematic 3D systems were developed and sometimes even reached theatres throughout the first 50 years after the breakthrough of cinema, but none had much impact until anaglyphic films became popular for a while in the 1950s. 3D cinema technology originally began with a method of utilizing two cameras filming the same thing. The content was then placed over each other, and while wearing light filtering glasses, the images would appear to project itself offscreen. Interest in theatrical 3D movies dwindled during the following decades, but they started to get exploited as (part of) special attractions, such as 4D simulator rides and Imax theatres.

In the early 2000s, digital cinema began to takeover and polarized 3D movies became popular. Movies were no longer created on film. They were no longer shipped to theaters film canisters, spliced together and threaded through the projector, creating the movies we watched on screen. They were digitized, delivered on hard drives or via satellite. During this time, 3D films peaked in popularity. Avatar was one of the first major 3D motion pictures that changed 3D features as we know it. Avatar focused on 3D CG, using motion capture to make these CG characters look real. This film used real characters alongside of its CG characters, developing this incredible world, creating a visually stunning 3D spectacle. 3D films are often thought of as immersive experiences, allowing the audience to feel like they can reach out and grab what's displayed in front of them. With the rise of this new technology, most films were releasing into cinemas in both standard 2D and 3D options. Cinemas all over began turning over to completely digital, so that 3D content could be offered in multiple theaters. In order for the experience to feel immersive, audience members need to feel like they existed in this world they are overcome by. Being present in this fantasy world is not only created by 3D technology, but also how well people relate to the story. 3D films certainly aren’t for everyone. Some people suffer from motion sickness and headaches while watching 3D features. It’s not uncommon for those who suffer from migraines to trigger a headache while experiencing a 3D movie.

Creating immersive experiences doesn’t always come easy. 3D films aren’t all as captivating as Avatar or Gravity, and it has become increasingly difficult to create such visually stunning films that take audiences on a journey throughout. The 3D effects became less of an immersive experience and left audiences questioning whether or not the film was 3D enough. Though Hollywood marketed this as must see attractions, the content became less planned out and more forced, with movies converting to 3D after they were filmed.

While it isn’t always easy for live action 3D films to succeed, 3D animation is always able to take different leaps with this technology. Animation can look really good and, at the same time, show the audiences new visual technologies. They can take different risks, utilizing their artistic skills and computer generated worlds to create 3D spectacles for both children and adults.

3D films aren’t always made for 3D leaving some to be converted after the fact. When that happens, the image displayed on screen can be dull and not nearly as bright as a film should be. A normal reduction in light should be expected, as a 3D lens covers the lens of the projector, but also moviegoers must wear 3D glasses. Knowing that the loss of light will occur, it’s important for filmmakers to know whether or not they want the film to be offered in 3D, so that they can make the necessary changes, to avoid converting it later.

3D features require the use of polarized 3D glasses so that viewers can see the images on screen in 3D. Many look at the glasses as more of a hassle. It’s not the easiest for those with prescription glasses to wear them and also proves to be difficult for young children to keep them on. Simply touching the lens of the glasses can mess them up to the point that you can no longer see the 3D images. Automultiscopic display technology is a new film technology looking to enhance the moviegoing experience. Glasses would no longer be required, but instead allowing multiple images from various angles to be displayed on screen. With this new technology, it would be imperative that people sit a certain distance away from the screen, which could present many challenges. Either way, new developments in 3D film technology could have us sitting in the theatre, experiencing 3D, without the need for 3D glasses.

While 3D features aren’t nearly as popular as they once were, they still are immersive experiences leaving the guests in awe of the feature in front of them. RealD 3D movies bring a realism to films making it seem as though you are in fact in the movie. Filmmakers and cinemas alike are far from giving up on this technology, only looking to figure out new ways to create experiences leaving audience members in awe. Although audience interest declined after a few years, many cinemas continue to offer 3D screenings. Recently technology has changed, giving moviegoers the opportunity to watch screenX films, where audience members are surrounded by the image. 4DX is also a popular new technology, attempting to provide incredibly immersive experiences, allowing audience members to smell scents, feel rain and wind, experience vibrations and see a cars headlights flash across their face as though they are driving. Motion pictures continue to adapt to the ever changing technologies.

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Expanded on information about 3D film technology. Included notes on CG and animation as well as new technology which won't require the use of 3D glasses.