Technicolor 3D system for 35mm 3D Projection (image copyright Technicolor)

35mm 3D Films to make a comeback?

Going to the movies and going to see a “film” were the same thing. Film became synonymous with motion pictures, just as Xerox is to photo-copying and “taping” is to recording sound. Then came Digital Projection, Digital Cameras and now the act of “filming” or displaying is open to new terminology.

What is interesting though, is the fact that 3D movies or 3D Films are making a comeback! Two new systems now offer movie Exhibitors a choice of retro-fitting their existing 35mm film based projectors to do a modern day version of 35mm 3D films. In the past popular 3D projection technology was from Arrivision and Chris Condon’s StereoVision.

While Digital 3D Projection systems are making steady in-roads into Cinemas, the question of upgrades, ROI (return on investment) and even availability of Digital Cinema Projectors, are some of the reasons that two companies are looking at a modern day 35mm 3D revival movement, and they want to address it with their systems.

In most developing and developed countries alike, revenue has been slowly slipping at the cinemas, with competition in the form of home cinemas, bigger flat screen TVs and excellent cable broadcast networks. In addition to this, the recession of the past few years has not contributed favorably to the cinemas either. One of the big reasons that everyone is happy about the 3D renaissance is that it is bringing audiences back to the Cinemas. After all in 3D, the bigger the better!

Movie exhibitors and small town Cinemas seem to now have a choice to cash in on the new generation 3D movies – even if they cannot afford the cost of instant up-grade to Digital 3D systems.

Oculus3D System for 35mm Film based 3D (image copyright Oculus3d)

Oculus 3D and Technicolor 3D Systems – Offering 3D Projection from 35mm film:

In addition to Technicolor’s system shown in the first image above the acknowledged leading contributor to Stereoscopic 3D displays and technology, Lenny Lipton, has recently introduced the Oculus3D System.

Both Technicolor and Oculus3D mention more than 10 reasons why 35mm 3D projection is much needed, and how in some cases can out-perform current Digital 3D projection systems. The basic principles of both systems is that they are lens type adaptors that are fitted easily to existing 35mm projectors, and in conjunction with specially formatted 35mm prints, (either side-by-side or above-below format), they allow for 3D projection via a passive 3D based solution. All that the cinema owners then need is a Silver screen and disposable cost-effective 3D polarized glasses.

Faqs, Ownership and Leasing Options, and Advantages:

Oculus 3D: click here, Technicolor 3D: Exhibitor Faq

A more in-depth review of the technology and methodology behind both systems can be found here.

Digital Cinema 3D Projection versus 35mm 3D

Digital 3D Cinema versus 35mm 3D:

To put forward an argument in favor of Digital 3D Projection, we have to look at some of the past reasons that may have not contributed favorably toward the up-take of 3D Cinema in the past. Besides the gimmicky nature of past 3D films, one reason could be the mechanical nature of the projection apparatus. Although the past film based 3D projection still had both left and right images printed as a pair on a single frame, and there would thus be no left right image mis-sync, it could be argued that the mechanical parts were not as good as they can be in Film projectors of today. Thus there always could be film jitter etc, that when viewed over time could contribute to mild headaches and / or eye fatigue.

There is reason to believe that this will not affect more modern 35mm film projectors, but taking into consideration that the film projectors in smaller towns may have been running for a good many years, mechanical wear and tear can be an issue.

Both, Oculus3D and Technicolor also bring to mind one, hard to miss issue of current Digital 3D projection, the “triple flash” (note: I have not done enough investigation to know if triple flash is unique to Digital DLP projectors only).

In a recent panel discussion, held in upcoming 3D markets such as India, another issue learnt was that due to the demand for Digital 3D projectors, there actually may be a small shortfall currently. Wait times have been given to Cinemas in different countries by the few existing popular Digital 3D Projection manufacturers.

There are other “advantages” listed by both providers of 35mm based 3D systems and can be studied in more detail by clicking the links under the FAQ sub-heading above.

Digital 3D Projection versus 35mm 3D - Live 3D!

The Benefits of Digital 3D Projection equipped Cinema:

One of the most outstanding benefits possible only with Digital 3D Projection, is the fact that it can display LIVE 3D. This is not to be taken lightly. Premium 3D Content such as feature length movies are hard to come-by. in addition to that there is no guarantee that every 3D feature presentation will have audiences rushing in to buy tickets. If more studios simply rush out to “3Dize” their made-for-2D offerings, these audience numbers will soon drop.

Some revenue streams for Digital 3D equipped Cinemas:

• Live 3D events such as the on-going FIFA worldcup being telecast in 3D is one recurring revenue possibility for Exhibitors and Cinema owners to take into consideration in terms of ROI.
• Matinée shows with a 3D edu-tainment perspective for School children with examples of 3D content from Discovery 3D channel or similar.
• Rental of Cinema for Corporate presentations – example: Realtime 3D walk-through for Real Estate, Medical Seminars etc.
• Music Concerts and Other Celebrity centric live 3D. – If the audience cannot attend the actual event, Big screen 3D is the only “immersive” alternative.

Readers are encouraged to offer their view-points on the pros and cons of both systems and add more insight with comments.