FIRST IT WAS BETAMAX VERSUS VHS. THEN DVD CAME ALONG AND DETHRONED THE VIDEO TAPE. Next there was that epic battle between BLU-RAY and HD DVD, in which BLU-RAY sent the HD format home with its tail between its legs. When it comes to video technology, the battle for supremacy is never ending. The new kid on the block this year – the comeback kid, actually – is 3D.

Once considered an antiquated format, 3D is back and better than ever. Digital technology and the resurgence of 3D films and gadgets sparked a three-dimensional revolution.

Those tinted cardboard glasses that felt awkward and looked even worse have now been replaced with sleek polarized aviator specs, and there is talk of one day abandoning the use of glasses completely.

Last year, Cineplex announced they would be installing 175 digital 3D systems across Canada. Even Hollywood has jumped on the bandwagon, producing full threedimensional films like Pixar’s animated feature Up and the highly anticipated James Cameron sci-fi flick Avatar. And it doesn’t stop there; by next year you could be enjoying 3D technology from the comfort of your couch thanks to Panasonic’s plans for 3D equipped television sets.

THIS AIN’T YOUR GRAND DADDY’S 3D In the past, images were superimposed over each other using a red and blue filter to give the illusion of depth. Now with digital 3D, images are simply projected onto a specially designed screen, which keeps the correct polarization when receiving light from the projectors. The new polarized glasses don’t filter colour, but instead work in conjunction with the special screen by letting light waves pass through a certain direction. In other words, this ain’t your grand daddy’s 3D.

SECOND TIME’S A CHARM So why is 3D back if it didn’t fare so well the first time around? Simple: Studios and distributors need to find a way to get people back into movie theatres and they’re betting this re-invented format will bring in the viewers.

What’s next?
3D ISN’T JUST LIMITED TO THE BIG SCREEN. HERE’S A RUNDOWN OF SOME HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED 3D GADGETS THAT YOU SHOULD BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR:
1 Acer 3D laptop Expect Acer’s 3D laptop to cause a commotion when it hits the scene this fall. It will sport a 15.6 inch screen and include a pair of 3D stereoscopic glasses for your viewing pleasure. Best of all, the installed software will let you convert a regular 2D image into 3D. Images of the laptop have yet to be revealed, but we’re sure it’ll be one sleek looking piece of hardware.

2 FinePix Real 3D W1 Say cheese in 3D! Fujifi lm will be releasing the FinePix Real 3D W1 digital camera for those looking to capture those special moments in three-dimensional glory. And no glasses are required! The 10 megapixel camera features a 3x optical zoom and unique lenses for crystal clear resolution.

3 V-Screen PSP gamers - get ready to add a new dimension to your games. RealView Innovations Ltd. Has created a peripheral called the V-Screen, which promises to deliver portable 3D experience to your PSP.

4 Panasonic 3D Full HD Production System Filmmakers rejoice! Panasonic is currently developing its upcoming 3D Full HD Production System. It will include a twin-lens P2 professional camera and a 3D-compatible High Definition Plasma display.

Currently most 3D recording systems require the manual connection of two cameras, but Panasonic’s camera combines two systems into one. This will be the industry’s first dedicated 3D HD camcorder and it’s sure to be a hit.

Whether or not the 3D renaissance will be a triumph remains to be seen. Critics still believe it’s a gimmick that should remain in theme parks, while others see a world of possibilities for the format.

James Cameron has been quoted as saying: “I believe 3D is how we will experience movies, gaming, and computing in the near future. 3D is not something you watch, it’s a reality you feel you could step into,” With Hollywood’s blessing, 3D seems to have the buzz and influence needed to make it a major contender in the game.

10GREATEST 3D MOVIES RANKED BY SCENE-STEALERS.COM 10 Robot Monster (1953) 9 Captain EO (1986) 8 Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) 7 U2 3D (2009) 6 Dial M for Murder (1954) 5 Flesh for Frankenstein (1973) 4 House of Wax (1953) 3 Beowulf (2007) 2 T2 3D: Battle Across Time (1996) 1 Coraline (2009)

UPCOMING 3D MOVIE RELEASES Toy Story / Toy Story 2 – October 2 A Christmas Carol – November 6 Planet 51 – November 20 Avatar – December 18 Shrek Forever After – May 2010