Megaplex Theatres at the Gateway in Salt Lake City and in Odgen launched their first film with the latest Dolby 3-D technology last weekend.
The new technology gives the audience the 3-D experience without the headache that old 3-D technologies often caused. This digital system uses the way a person's eye interprets color like the old 3-D technology and then simplifies the process for the brain. In the past 3-D technologies had problems with with image polarization, which caused viewers to complain about headaches. That problem has now been fixed.
Megaplex Theatres in Salt Lake City and Ogden premiered the new technology with the film "Journey to the Center of the Earth." The film uses 3-D effects to enhance the picture and make the audience feel like they are part of it. Things such as yo-yos, bug antennae and little birds pop out of the screen and give the effect they are close to touching the audience.
"I brought my kids to the theater not realizing that this movie was 3-D," said Jamilynn Hale, a resident of Sandy who came to watch the film on Saturday. "I was worried about getting dizzy, or a headache, but I really just enjoyed it, and I didn't feel sick at all."
The new Dolby 3-D system makes it easy for movie theaters to incorporate it into their theaters. The color wheel used in the 3-D movies is retractable, and the movies can be shown on a white screen, just like any other movie. Old technologies required that 3-D movies be shown on a silver screen.
"Not only does our high-quality system create an incredible movie-going experience for customers, but it is also easy for exhibitors to integrate in their theatres," said Peter Seagger, vice president of international cinema sales at Dolby Laboratories.
The new system also uses environmentally friendly, re-usable 3-D glasses that are washed between every use.
The past reputation of 3-D films leans toward having a lower quality film and one lacking in plot depth.
"The future of 3-D cinema depends on the ability of filmmakers and exhibitors to deliver truly immersive, high-quality cinema experiences to audiences," said Ben Stasson, director of "Fly Me to the Moon," another 3-D film premiering this summer. "Dolby 3-D Digital Cinema enables us to do that."
Because of the digital 3-D technology, new waves of 3-D movies are starting to pop up. While it is not easy to apply the technology to home broadcast or DVDs, the idea is developing. Programs like these are beginning to be aired on occasion by NBC and the Discovery Channel. Dolby 3-D Digital is also starting to offer live special events, sporting events and operas distributed through satellite.
"Journey to the Center of the Earth" is now playing at many theaters in the area with the Dolby 3-D Digital technology.
lneeley@byu.net
Copyright Brigham Young University 14 Jul 2008
