3D Specs

I love 3D movies.

I love the gimmicky ones like House of Wax and the subtle ones like Coraline. I’ve seen them from every era: the 50s, 80s, the Imax years, and today. I believe James Cameron when he says that he’ll change filmmaking forever with his 3D film, Avatar.

HOWEVER, if there’s a new renaissance for 3D, there’s some kinks I’d like to work out.

I already wear glasses. Although I wore contact lenses many years ago, I’m not interested in going back to them any time soon. I admit that the Real D company (which provides the tech for current 3D digital projection) has made some comfortable glasses, but it’s still putting on a second pair over my regulars. Are the Real D glasses better than the Imax ones? Definitely, but I still get that nose & ear pain halfway into a feature.

What’s the solution? I considered going to an eye doctor and getting prescription Real D specs. Can you imagine what that would cost? After surfing the net for “prescription Real D glasses,” I found a guy who wanted the opposite of what I want — regular lenses in Real D frames. Huh? I also found a site that sells Real D compatible clip-ons. Hmm. That might be worth twenty-eight bucks. (Fifteen would be better.)

Which brings me to my next point: cost. I suppose I can understand 3D movies like Monsters vs. Aliens having higher ticket prices. I’m paying an extra three dollars for glasses, right? Maybe if I were to SAVE my glasses to use again, I could keep that money, right? No, not an option. I brought my Coraline glasses to Monsters vs. Aliens, but the ticket seller said “no discount.” I paid the extra money and she gave me a second pair of glasses I didn’t need.

Every animation studio has 3D movies in the pipe. It’s a smart move, giving the theatrical audience something they can’t get at home, either legit or pirated. (This is similar to how 3D and other advances like Cinemascope competed with TV in the fifties.) I’m also aware that ticket prices in general continue to rise, but I’m disappointed by the significant price hike for 3D. Isn’t it enough that I’m spending my cash at the theater? Do I have to pay 30% to 50% more than I would for 2D?

By the time Avatar comes out, I’ll probably be wearing clip-ons, but I’ll also own half a dozen unopened Real D glasses. And I’ll be lighter in the wallet, too. Fun times ahead!