3D or not 3D? That is the Question

June 2, 2011 — by Per Christensson

When Avatar came out at the end of 2009, it launched a wave of new 3D movies. Since then, there have been dozens of action and adventure movies filmed and released in 3D. Not only can you watch 3D movies at the theater, but many HDTVs also allow you to watch home movies in 3D as well.

While I consider myself to be in tune with the latest technological trends, I don't know anyone who has ever watched a home movie in 3D. In fact, I don't even know someone who knows someone that has watched a 3D movie at home. Yet, I see TV ads nearly every day that hype up 3D home movies like it's the next big thing. If it hasn't caught on by now, I don't know if it ever will.

Maybe it's the fact in order to watch a 3D movie at home, you have to wear special 3D glasses. Maybe it's the fact that most of these 3D glasses require batteries, which only adds to the hassle. I don't even know why the glasses require batteries. It seems strange, considering several decades ago, you could watch movies in 3D using those simple paper glasses that came in cereal boxes.

IMHO, I have not been too impressed with 3D movies, even in the theater. I felt the 3D visuals in Avatar were only so-so, and seemed blurry at times. Maybe it was because I was sitting towards the side of the theater and I guess that affects the three-dimensional realism. Whatever the case, I'm pretty happy watching movies in 2D and I certainly don't need a 3D television for my home.

I know I don't speak for everyone and maybe I'm missing something. Maybe 3DTV at home is completely awesome and I just haven't tried it yet. If you've had experience watching 3D movies or TV shows at home, let me know! Then I can say I at least know one person who has.

UPDATE (June 8, 2011): Thanks to Kevin P for sharing his 3D TV experience with me! Apparently 3D television is pretty cool after all. =)