10/3/2005 - TWO 3D SERIES FOR INDIA
Production is underway in Chennai (formerly Madras), India on TWO 3D television series. Both may have perhaps up to 52 episodes each.

They are PARAMAPADAM (directed by the renowned Naaga) and MAYAVI (directed by action specialist Ilavarasan).

Produced by GV Films, they are the first 3D television programs for India and the first ongoing 3D TV series ever in REAL 3D. And most remarkably, TWO series are being shot simultaneously.

D3 has provided the MKIII 3D camera system and personnel and training for these exciting productions which will be broadcast in multiple languages throughout India.

Over three years in the planning, producer Ramesh Krishnamoorthy has teamed with top artists and craftsmen in bringing exciting, new entertainment to India. Both series will feature thrilling special effects that will break new ground for 3D on TV. But more importantly, they feature wonderful family entertainment.

More on this in the coming months.

6/17/2005 - NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD 3D
Production continues and photos can be found HERE as we have time to load them up.

6/15/2005 - 3D HISTORY
Production commenced today in Los Angeles on a feature film that will be the first in several respects. The key aspect will be the maiden flight of our latest 3D camera system - the HD3CamTM.

D3 is again ahead of the pack with the smallest, lightest, professionally-designed HD 3D system. For the first time ever: HD on Steadicam, without cables, with variable interaxial (sometimes erroneously referred to as "interocular"), and REAL 3D monitoring.

The production is NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD 3D, and is produced and directed by Jeff Broadstreet. D3 has found Jeff to be great to work with, in that he has his specific ideas, but is open to the technical challenges of shooting a low budget in 3D, and encourages input.

Director of Photography Andrew Parke has from the start grabbed on and won't let go. He's taken a very aggressive tact to addressing 3D in relation to conventional filming. And to add to the weight, the ultimate venue is film for theatrical projection. As best we know, this is the first feature to be produced in this format and 3D for output to film.

The HD3Cam was designed and built by Daniel Symmes (Director of Photography since 1972), who is the leading expert on film and video stereoscopy. "Mr 3D" is also the head of DIMENSION 3. Also involved was Steadicam great, Jerry Hill, whose contributions made miracles fly. More will be reported here in the coming two weeks or so (as time allows).

Andrew Parke, Director of Photography, lines up the first shot on NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD 3D.
The HD3Cam is ultra-light, compact, and allows professional
3D production anywhere with unprecidented quality and mobility.


Even with a minimal crew, camera setup is extremely fast.


Daniel Symmes, inventor of the HD3Cam, feels the
HD3Cam is the crowning achivement of his 30 + years
of 3D production experience.

3/25/2005 - SYNERGY
D3 has entered into an agreement to provide to StereoVision Entertainment (OTCBB:SVSN) 3D technologies for the production of original 3D motion pictures.

D3 founder Daniel Symmes has been contracted as the Director of 3-D Technology, and is working with StereoVision's Chairman and C.C.O. Douglas Schwartz (co-creator of TV's BAYWATCH series and features) in developing a series of new 3D feature programming.

Meetings with the top media organizations are establishing the basis for numerous co-productions, utilizing a new SQ ("field sequential/LCD") process, as well as D3's patented Natural Vision® system for mass distribution.

Major news on this exciting venture will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.

7/27/04 - FAKE
Beware of FAKE 3D. A fellow by the name of Bob, located in Australia, has for quite some time built up a business of at least selling (maybe making) FAKE 3D DVD film titles. Most of the fakes are the SQ ("field sequential/LCD") variety, though he also sells anaglyphs that were recorded on VHS from our (3D VIDEO) broadcasts of the early 80's (which look just plain bad).

At first he didn't admit they were fakes. He claims to be getting them from Japan and most recently France. Apparently he buys then sells dupes.

By fake, we mean the program was converted to produce a "3D-like effect" from a FLAT version of the program. Even if the program was originally produced in 3D (such as DANGEROUS MISSION), what he is offereing is fake 3D converted from a FLAT version of the program.

There are 3D titles in the mix - most coming from the JVC VHD Japanese discs of the late 80's (and of marginal quality). Others are from the decidedly-low quality Michael Starks titles.

In our correspondence with this fellow, he represents the 3D effect of the fakes (many of which he calls "LIVING 3D") to be wonderful. One would have to be half blind (as in not being able to see stereo) to buy that. But many people have, and surprisingly few have complained. We bought some of his product for observation, and it is a total rip-off. His Web site: http://users.esc.net.au/~xenon/3D/runme.html.

He hides his name and address (as the studios would likely shut him down fast otherwise), and sadly is able to hide in plain sight because Ebay ALLOWS this criminal activity.

Another example of a fast buck charlatan giving 3D two black eyes.

2/24/04 - GRIM
The theatrical release of SPY KIDS 3-D was disappointing enough (slightly better in video playdates than film). Now the DVD release further degrades the reputation of 3D. There is simply no excuse. What could have been an exciting, involving 3D adventure is instead something that begs to have you switch to the 2-D version (thankfully in the same package).

Superior home 3D can be seen even in Rhino's COMIN' AT YA. Not a better film mind you, but comparitively much better 3D for the most part.

Quality, professional, "commercially acceptable" 3D for DVD has been, still is, and will continue to be available right here at DIMENSION 3.

Hopefully this will be the last of such amateur efforts.

1/4/04 - MARS
You might say you saw it first here - MARS in 3D. Just the first of THOUSANDS of images NASA/JPL will be releasing in the coming YEARS.

Photos NASA/JPL (D3 Anaglyphs)
(Red lens over your RIGHT eye)

12/18/03 - 3D HISTORY IN INDONESIA (UPDATE)
Click HERE to see what we've been up to half way around the world.

7/29/03 - LOST 3D FILMS
Click HERE to see images not seen by ANYONE since 1953, IF even then!!

7/15/03 - A SINGULAR HISTORIC EVENT
This September, in Hollywood, California, film history will recognize a one time, totally unique event. Starting Friday, September 12, the WORLD 3-D FILM EXPO at the famous Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Blvd. will commence with HOUSE OF WAX, followed over the next 9 days by 32 other 3-D features from the Golden Age of 3-D (early 1950's), and a ton of shorts and cartoons. Perhaps 90% of these films haven't been seen in 3-D since their initial release 50 years ago. And these gems will be projected AS intended, with dual projection, polarization. No blue/red anaglyph.

These are NOT the crummy 3-D's of the 1980's. These are in many cases the finest 3D films ever produced. But even the lesser favored titles such as ROBOT MONSTER and CAT WOMEN OF THE MOON are simply fun to watch in full 3Dimensions.

We've been working closely with event producer Jeff Joseph of Sabucat Productions to make this Exposition the very best possible. Note that in most cases, the prints being shown are the very last known to exist, and in some cases, the negatives no longer exist - meaning this is likely the last time some titles will be seen in 3-D on the big theater screen.

Don't hesitate if there's any way for you to see this historic, and Amazing 3-D Exposition.

For more details: WORLD 3-D FILM EXPO

RIP OFF
A video company called Slingshot Entertainment is selling a DVD titled RADAR MEN FROM THE MOON (RETIK, THE MOON MENACE, 1952, Republic Pictures). It's a very low grade serial edited into a feature. They are representing it as being in 3D. WRONG. It was NOT produced in 3D. The "mastermind" behind this rip is Razor 3D which on their Web site you can find FLASH GORDON CONQUERS THE UNIVERSE (1940) represented as being in "real 3D." Not only is it NOT in 3D (real or otherwise), but they are infringing on our trade name, REAL 3D. All they have done is use a Chequemate (C-3D) "2-D to pseudo depth" conversion to give an image a "depth effect." In NO WAY is it 3D. BEWARE of such deception. If you buy fakes, take them back!

WANTED
We are looking for some historical information. Can you help?

REWARD FOR...

WE HAVE LOST ONE OF THE GREATS
We mourn the passing of a friend, associate, famed director and filmmaker Andre de Toth.

Sasvrai Farkasfalvi Tothfalusi Toth Endre Antal Mihaly was "about" 89 when he died of an aneurysm at his Burbank home on October 28, 2002.

Perhaps best known for directing the finest 3D film HOUSE OF WAX in 1953, Andre was one of the last greats of Hollywood's golden years. We had the honor and pleasure to have known him since 1972 when we were involved in the theatrical reissue of WAX.

In all these years, he was found to be a remarkable man of undiminished strength, character, and drive. Even as health problems slowed him in recent years, he continued to be active, including writing and co-writing two wonderful books about his long career.

With a patch over one eye, and a gruff exterior much like a Hungarian John Ford, he was a sensitive, caring, dynamic man that we will all miss.

Our condolences to his wonderful wife and partner for so many years, Ann Green.

His memory will live on as long as there are motion pictures.

Thank you, Andre, for many, many hours of entertainment, and a friendship that shall be cherished.

SOME ANDRE IMAGES

10/5/02 - THE MKIII HAS ARRIVED! (revised 10/16)
After years of development and considerable investment, our new 3D camera system had its maiden flight in September.

TAKE A PEEK

9/8/02 - NEW AT D3
Dimension 3 (D3) announces several groundbreaking innovations in 3D production.

D3Cam™ – The D3Cam is the first, dual head 3D camera system designed specifically for professional, broadcast, 3D television production. Weighing just 13 lb, the camera system is easily “flown” on professional Steadicam systems, as well as mountable on many "remote" mounts such as jib arm systems for 3D shots previously thought impractical or impossible.

Output of the camera (NTSC or PAL) is analog component (Betacam) for recording on conventional recorders (Digital Betacam, D5, etc.).

D3Minicam™ – Based on the small DV tape format, this is a simple dual camera system that can be held in one hand. While not quite up to “studio” standards, the unit was designed strictly to obtain shots that cannot be obtained with any other means (such as “net cams” used for basketball and tennis). An underwater housing is being designed to allow for simple underwater shots.

D3 MKIII™ – D3 developed its first dual camera system (MKI) in 1981 for shooting an episode of MORK AND MINDY in 3D. The rig was able to accept Panaflex cameras, though it later was modified for lighter video cameras, and is still in use to this day.

The MKII rig (we have 4) was designed for BIG cameras up to and including IMAX. It’s a big rig, ideal for effects shots. But it's heavy and bulky, like the other dual camera units on the market. And as one can imagine, not practical for many normal production situations.

D3 now announces the premiere of the MKIII, the lightest, professional dual camera system ever developed. Compared to other dual camera systems, the MKIII weighs HALF of the lightest unit on the market – no more “heavy duty" support required. Even with cameras mounted, two people can easily move the unit for mounting on conventional heads, dollies, small cranes, etc. While not ideal, we’ve even mounted it on a small Bogan tripod.

This is a truly revolutionary approach.

The unit is capable of using most any currently marketed smaller cameras, such as Sony Digital Betacam/HD camcorders and the Thompson Viper for video, and the remarkable Arriflex Arricam for 35mm.

The first use of the MKIII will be for a U.S. Army 3D video being produced by High Definition Audio (http://www.highdefaudio.com). We will post production images here in a few weeks.

NATURAL VISION ® – We’ve recently made major improvements in our patented Natural Vision encoding system for the finest broadcast 3D ever seen. This is REAL 3D (3DR) as available only from D3.

Techniques unavailable only weeks ago are now possible allowing incredible creative freedom.

To distinguish the new systems, we are referring to this as Natural Vision 3™.

Programming using the new technologies will be seen soon from two major TV broadcast events planned for the first of 2004.

8/19/01 - CHANGE OF ADDRESS
We have a new address - commencing in about one week, you can now reach us easier at:

www.d3.com

3dcompany.com will also work, but D3.COM will be our primary Web presence.

This is just one of many new changes/announcements coming soon from THE 3D company.

8/21/99 - JAWS 3-D
We recently finished encoding JAWS 3-D (1983, 98 min) for a one-time 3D broadcast in Poland. Again, our new NATURAL VISION® III encoder produced amazing results.

Universal is now considering the fact that they have a libray of seven features, one cartoon, and two shorts. Maybe, JUST maybe we'll finally see these on DVD.

Click on the following link to see some scenes from JAWS 3-D.

SCENES FROM "JAWS 3-D"

8/20/99 - COMIN' AT YA!
It's about time. The less-than-stellar COMIN' AT YA (1981, 91 min) will be available on DVD come mid September from Rhino Home Video. It's the first feature to be encoded with D3's NATURAL VISION® III encoding system. And what a difference. The film was shot quite poorly from a stereoscopic view. Back in '82 we did 3 different attempts to get something acceptable - and failed.

The Rhino version is quite good, making the film better than seen originally in the theaters (with the exception that it isn't polarized).

Come back soon, and we'll have a scene from JAWS 3-D which we just completed for a TV broadcast in Poland. It looks even better. Now, if only HOUSE OF WAX . . .

10/31/98 - KISSed Off
Chalk up another first for DIMENSION 3 - The world's first rock concert in 3D!

Well, sort of.

We were approached last March by Doc McGee, manager of the rock group KISS, to prove a 3D rock concert was possible.

On April 8, we met with Doc and some of his people and outlined how it might be possible, including the idea of having 3 large screens on stage. We would help them produce video footage, but the real fun would be LIVE 3D from the stage. They loved the idea. But WE noticed no one was ready to put up R&D money.

Late May, and a deal was set up to defray the demo costs. At 9:30 PM, on June 8, at the Irvine Meadows Ampitheater in Orange County, California, we set up a 25'x30' 3D screen on the stage and showed Doc, Gene Simmons (leader of the group) and many others both live 3D and a short CG piece created for the demo by Kelly Nelson's Coyote Moon Pictures, along with a short we had produced.

Doc and Gene were especially impressed. We achieved Doc's dream - having wanted to do a 3D tour for a number of years.

Doc shook our hands and said "Let's get on this first thing tomorrow."

That was the last we heard of them.

Turns out they needed to see it could be done, and how. Then they hooked up with a audio/video rental house that was willing to "invest" in the show by not taking pay for a period of time (sometimes called a "back end deal"). In essence, the AV supplier was co-producing the show.

And so, on October 31, 1998, KISS kicked off their new tour with a show at Doger Stadium, complete with video taped footage and live 3D, on multiple screens, etc.

If you check out the KISS news groups on the internet, you'll read some interesting opinions of the whole thing.

Yeah, we know - get it in writing!

11/98 - Smoke an' Mirrors
It was only a matter of time. Taking the CHEQUEMATE C-3D idea (see below) into a video theater, and advertise "3D from 2D."

A small theatre in Orlando, Florida, has done it - and is even on the Web. To quote their claim:

MOVIESIN3D.COM is your access point to a revolutionary new process
that will be bringing you WAY more than The Creature From The Black
Lagoon.

How about dazzling James Bond action in a 3-D version of GoldenEye ?
Or maybe you think The Rocky Horror Picture Show would be even
more fun or Lost In Space ??

The point is INSTANT 3-D.

This dynamic processing technique developed by Floating Images, Inc.
can TRANSFORM any movie available on laser disc or digital video disc
from flat two dimensional images (some of which are already pretty
exciting to watch) into eye-popping, smash-you-back-in-your-seat 3-D.
Got it ? ANY FILM.

As you might have guessed, computers have something to do with it.
Unlike the OLD days when films had to be SHOT in 3-D to be viewed in
3-D, the "Instant 3-D" process feeds digital info from a laser disc of DVD
into a computer. A massive, highly secretive and probably illegal electronic
being in the computer then analyses frame by frame mystically
transforming the images into 3-D. Well, it may not be exactly like that... it's
some kind of algorithm that calculates how the image would look in 3-D.
Dual images are created that are feed to separate video projectors which
then simultaneously project the images on the screen.

Don't forget, you DO need special glasses.

As always, there is NO substitute for REAL 3D.

12/97 - Where's the beef?
We've waited a while to see what the press would say about the "3D from 2-D" gadget CHEQUEMATE C-3D (get it?).

It has an estimated street price just north of $500 ($599 list), and claims to convert any program to 3D. In their ads: ". . .watch as images explode from the screen . . .you'll be tempted to step right into it."

Right.

Basically the system is an alternate image device using LCD glasses (wired). It would appear to take a standard video signal, split it into two signals, with one or both signals probably being delayed. One or both signals are slightly shifted horizontally, producing an "in the TV" look. It's simply a flat image pushed back into the TV - unless there's a frame delay which will sometimes create time parallax. Either way, the effect is far from expectations.

According to Michael Antonoff in his VIDEO MAGAZINE review (January 1998): "Live sports are especially ripe for C-3D processing, I was told . . . Forget it." Watching a shark drama hoping for promised 3D thrills "I wanted to see that shark leaping off the screen . . . Sorry. The resulting effect is pseudo-aquarium tank at best. As for nipping my nose off - no way!"

The system supposedly works with alternate field real 3D videos should you have any, but at that price, there are better ways to go.

Another example of someone packaging smoke 'n mirrors.

(Oh, and the company borrows 3D program tapes and doesn't return them!!!!!!)

There is NO substitute for REAL 3D.

8/13/97 - What'll They Think of Next?
Below is an ad from FEDCO stores, touting "remarkable" new glasses (patented, yet). Almost anaglyph (red right!), and almost like certain Pulfrich glasses.

Contributed by Alan D. Williams.

7/24/97 - 3RD ROCK Home Video
NBC is currently promoting a home video of the 3RD ROCK season finale, complete with four pairs of 3D glasses. These are new glasses featuring a different design, for the collectors out there. Note the art from their Web Site. Still can't seem to get it right.

5/18/97 - 3RD DOESN'T ROCK
Dimension 3 is rather disappointed by 3RD ROCK FROM THE SUN. We were contracted by NBC to provide the 3D technology, but for reasons obscure, the Carsey/Werner company hired a director that didn't have a clue, and it shows. We gave them the tools to produce great 3D, but "where's the beef?" Reportedly $1.5 million was spent on the "effects," yet virtually no visible effort was exerted toward 3D. The only worse example of 3D hype was the MARRIED WITH CHILDREN gag (5/94). This should have been at least GOOD. Instead, it is an embarrassment to 3D.

Don't get us wrong - the "dream" sequences were imaginative, and well produced. But it was obvious that 3D was NOT considered an integral aspect of the show, in spite of the publicity. Except for a precious few moments, there simply was no 3D.

At this point, the best Pulfrich broadcast remains the 12, half hour sitcoms produced for Indonesian TV in '95.

When will they learn?

4/17/97 - HOUSE OF WAX
There is a "new" print of HOUSE OF WAX that was struck through the efforts of Martin Scorsese (among others). It was shown at Paramount Studios this date by the American Cinematique. The guest of honor was the film's director, Andre de Toth.

That's the good news. The bad news is that the print has some problems that flaw this 3D classic. It appears perhaps there was some optical work done maybe as restoration, but it was not done well, producing serious vertical image mis-alignment. The first half or so featured a dark right print, and the classic night scene with the "phantom" chasing Phyllis Kirk was almost black. VERY disappointing. It may be that the last time this film had both images well matched was the single (side-by-side) prints made back in 1973 by Technicolor. Never thought this would be said. Very sad.

The crowd was otherwise happy and reacted very well to the few 3D gags. After the screening, de Toth was asked questions, and in his typical "John Ford" manner, got some good laughs.

The event was also a toot for de Toth's second book, DE TOTH ON DE TOTH - PUTTING THE DRAMA IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA (Faber & Faber). Highly readable, as was his first, FRAGMENTS (also F&F).

4/12/97 - ANOTHER 3D FIRST
ABC TV released a CD for the press media (ABC IS POP, May '97) which features the world's first true 3D (NATURAL VISION, naturally), MOVING, live-action video. That's right. It's a scene from THE DREW CAREY SHOW, and if one has a decent computer with enough RAM (etc), it doesn't look too bad. Unfortunately, D3 wasn't consulted for the CD, so the quality is not what it could have been. But, it is a first.

3/21/97 - ABC 3D SHOWS
It's been a very busy month. So far, 3D shooting is complete on FAMILY MATTERS, COACH, THE DREW CAREY SHOW, SABRINA, STEP BY STEP, HOME IMPROVEMENT and ELLEN.

Next week we shoot SPIN CITY in New York, followed by AMERICA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS. This is for a total of nine ABC programs.

So far the cast, directors, producers and crews have been helpful, cooperative, and fun to work with. The schedule will relax in a week or so and we'll be able to report more then.

As for NBC's 3RD ROCK, the glasses will be available in 6 packs of Coke's BARQ'S root beer, and, we've been told, free of charge just for the asking. Also, Little Caesar's pizza stores will offer glasses with certain purchases.

2/21/97 - ABC 3D
We can now tell you a little more about ABC's "3D WEEK" in May.

As of this date, it appears there may be as many as ten (10!!!!) of ABC's top programs featuring one to several minutes of 3D.

The first program, FAMILY MATTERS, was shot 2/20, and the second, COACH, 2/21. Some of the other titles are SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH, THE DREW CAREY SHOW, and SPIN CITY.

The 20,000,000+ 3D glasses will be distributed nationally by Wendy's Hamburgers. Combined with the 15,000,000+ glasses being produced for NBC's 3RD ROCK FROM THE SUN, 35,000,000+ glasses is a world record from one manufacturer.

Many 3D firsts are being written into history here. Stay tuned for more details over the next month of production.

1/15/97 - Circlescan 4-D!
A "new" filming technique called Circlescan was announced in this date's Daily Variety.

Virtually no useful information was emparted with the exceptions that viewing glasses were involved and that it was an attachment to the camera lens.

More if we hear anything, though, as with the ill-fated ASPEX system (c. 1989), this may also be more publicity than practical substance.

12/20/96 - 1997 WILL BE A BIG 3D YEAR
We can now reveal that NBC's hit series "3RD ROCK FROM THE SUN" will be in 3D next year.

Dimension 3 has been contracted to provide our Spatial Vision 3D process (Pulfrich), for scenes in the final episode of the season. To be aired 18 May during the Sweeps, this could well become the highest rated episode in the show's history.

Glasses (15,000,000) will be distributed by Coca-Cola via it's BARQ'S Root Beer product. It is understood that a national pizza chain will also be invloved in the massive promotion.

While the specifics of the program are under wraps, be assured the scenes will involve special effects, and some newly refined Pulfrich techniques. Also, the show has been expanded to a full hour, allowing for even more 3D sequences.

Stay tuned for more details.

12/20/96 - IF THAT ISN'T ENOUGH
ABC has contracted D3 to provide 3D for several programs, also to air in May for the Sweeps (starting 6 May)! Choosing our Natural Vision 3D process (anaglyph), ABC is doing the world's first network "3D WEEK," which promises to be historic in all respects.

The key point here is that both the ABC and NBC 3D promotions will be seen by more people than ANY other 3D presentation in history. What does one do for an encore?

You know what they say - "when it rains . . . .things grow!"

10/10/96 - MORE 3D WITHOUT GLASSES
Leave it to VARIETY (most publications, for that matter) to assign a story on 3D to someone who hasn't a clue.

They all come from the same Journalism 101 class, clearly indicated by an ever-present reference to "those goofy red and green glasses," or wording to that effect. That, combined with historical inaccuracies . . . Sheeesh!

Well, this 10 October article (page 8) is just vague enough to not reveal anything useful. I've met one of the people behind the promotion of the "system" (from Infinity Multimedia Int'l) who, as a producer, has dabbled with the IDEA of 3D over the years.

My best guess is it is a lenticular or "barrier" concept, though there is little to go on except for someone's comment that the viewing angle is "limited."

The system is also supposedly very large, and even the developers don't anticipate consumer applications in the foreseeable future. The primary focus is arcade games, though here again, it is noted that the current pricing may limit applications.

8/30/96 - 3D WITHOUT GLASSES
The LOS ANGELES TIMES carried a front page bit on 30 August describing a new system developed by Stanford University. Apparently the original article was in the current issue of SCIENCE. The team of researchers was lead by Elizabeth Downing.

The system is what can be described as a "volumetric" concept. While its technical description is beyond the scope of this article, it is based on the use of a "thick" screen composed of numerous layers. Each layer is a plane and is coated with special phosphors. Multiple infrared laser beams "draw" images on the various layers.

As the display is volumetric, it can be viewed from almost any angle. The prototype is about the size of a sugar cube(!), and has a long way to go to become large enough for commercial applications.

There doesn't appear to be any application for home TV or motion pictures, but there are possibilities for medical and military applications.