Understanding the Ins and Outs of 3-D Stereoscopic Cinema

Abstract

Over past decades, film and video technology has evolved from the first monochrome to recent super high-resolution 4K digital systems. The human vision is stereoscopic, <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">1</sup> so it is obvious that the next step in visual communication should be 3-D stereo. Today, the technology is mature enough for advancement, but a broad range of factors should be considered in order to achieve success in stereoscopic filmmaking and viewing. Many factors have not been considered in the past, along with other problems that have caused major setbacks in 3-D. <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> This paper identifies and describes some of the technical aspects of stereo filmmaking and stereo projection, offering solutions to the most common problems. It also identifies most of the problems in 3-D projection and their effect on the viewer, hardware, and types of 3-D stereo projection, including film and digital solutions, and explains the advantages of different methods of 3-D viewing. In addition, some of the most important factors for stereo filmmaking, independent of its nature (film or analog) are discussed and explained. Beginning with some psychological aspects of the stereoscopic human perception, this paper discusses knowledge vital for professionals interested in the rebirth of the new and probably final establishment of 3-D cinema.