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3-D Mania: Encounter in the Third Dimension (U)

  • Run time: 40 mins
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release date: 1st January 1999

Plot Synopsis

3D Mania - Encounter in the Third Dimension is a groundbreaking venture into the realm of 3-D filmmaking. Using CGI technology to its maximum potential, sight gags abound in this thrilling presentation that integrates computer generated imagery and live action to explore the history of 3-D photography and film. Audiences will encounter early incarnations of the third dimension - from a recreation of one of the earliest 3-D movies ever made to classic clips from Hollywood's 3-D heyday during the 1950s - as well as the latest cutting-edge techniques, including Terminator 2 in 3-D.

3D Mania immerses the audience in the 3-D film experience. Moviegoers begin their encounter in the digitally created Institute of 3-D Technology. The Institute's bright but disorganized professor offers the audience a crash course in 3-D technology.

Not content with dry science, the Professor presents Elvira, "Mistress of the Dark," to show off his latest innovation - a new 3-D process called "Real-O-Vision." When his demonstration goes awry, the Professor enlists the services of his wisecracking assistant, a flying robot named Max, to entertain and educate the audience about the wonders of 3-D.

Max takes the audience on a magical journey through time, from cave drawings and hieroglyphics to the discovery of perspective. Moviegoers learn that it was not until the invention of the stereoscopic viewer in 1838 that true 3-D was born. During the turn of the century when 3-D viewing devices and cameras were commonplace, stereographic photography experienced its Golden Age. "L'Arrivee du Train," one of the first motion pictures ever made, was shot in 3-D by the Lumiere Brothers in France in 1903. The film appeared to be a little too realistic for French audiences; many filmgoers fled the theatre screaming as a locomotive seemingly burst through the screen in a cloud of smoke and into the theatre!

In the 1950s, Hollywood discovered that 3-D meant Dollars, Dollars, Dollars! Even obscure "B" movies filmed in 3-D made significant profits. A barrage of 3-D movies ensued, at a rate of about 30 per year. But within two years Widescreen Cinemascope had gripped the movie industry and 3-D was suddenly history.

Determined to prove that 3-D is now bigger and better than ever, the Professor lets the audience take a sneak peek at his collection of some of the best 3-D creations of the last 20 years. He shows off exciting scenes from theme park films, including James Cameron's "Terminator 2" in 3-D. With newfound confidence the Professor again cranks up his Real-O-Vision machine. To everyone's surprise, it works - Elvira comes to life in amazing 3-D and conjures up a feast for the eyes. He's a genius!

With over 100,000 hours of digital rendering required to create the computer graphics imagery (CGI) in the film, 3D Mania represents an incredible achievement in digital filmmaking. Forget TV, forget home theatre, forget the local cinema screen... 3D Mania is a true giant screen 3D experience!