Experts tout it as “the future of television” where as some believe it’s a fad that will die out soon. You love it or hate it, one thing is sure and that is – you can’t ignore 3D. Retailers are pushing it, for filmmakers it’s a magic wand and, at the moment for the public it has revolutionized the viewing experience.
To break the myth, 3D is not a new technology. 3D images have been around for almost two-hundred years. It was in 1838 when Charles Wheatstone, a scientist and inventor, patented the first stereoscope in 1838. However, a later design by Oliver Wendell Holmes, became more popular. It was in 1890s when the first patent for 3D movie technology was filed by William Friese-Greene, an inventor and early film pioneer, and the first 3D film was shown in 1915.
In 1922, the first red-green anaglyphic film called The Power of Love was presented at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. The later years saw many experiments with polarized light and 3D photography but it was in 1952 when “Bwana Devil” was released. Though the movie fetched negative reviews but it grossed nearly $100,000 in its first week. The next 3 years were bumper ones for 3D movies. However, Hollywood’s tryst with 3D came to an end in 1955.
The popularity of 3D in Hollywood rose again in 1980s with Friday the 13th, Part III, in 3D. Grossing $19 million its first week. There was a stream of movies released during this period but none of them could make a mark. It was in 2009 when blockbuster movie ‘Avatar’ was released and 3D became a buzzword in the movie industry.
The success of Avatar triggered an increased 3D TV interest among the masses. Every big brand has unveiled a 3D TV set in the market. Display Research, a market research firm, said on Jan.12 2011 that the 3D TV market will grow by about five-fold this year to 18 million sets. By 2014, it’s expected that the market will surge to over 90 million. It implies that the consumers are ready for 3D TV and are willing to shell out extra bucks on blu ray and 3D goggles.
With the rising popularity of 3D TVs followed the craze for 3D accessories. For blu ray players, there are many makers present in the market, each offering different features and are selling at different prices. Thus, it is important to go through Blu ray reviews on the web before you make a purchase. For eye accessories, brands like Gucci, Calvein and Klein have launched 3D eyewears. Gucci recently launched pilot-shaped plastic aviator 3D glasses that the viewers can put on in the movie theaters only.
