RealD 3D - what is it? Comparison with IMAX 3D

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

SuperD, Dolby3D, IMAX. In such an abundance of terms, it is easy to get confused. RealD 3D - what is it? Once we watched cartoons drawn on paper or molded from plasticine. And they were happy about it. But the modern viewer needs something more serious. Therefore, the greatest film companies are constantly developing new technologies to achieve the most impressive picture on the screen.

General information about 3D cinema

Probably every schoolchild knows what 3D is. But the answer to the question, what is RealD 3D, is somewhat more difficult to answer. We call 3D a three-dimensional or stereoscopic image. The image can also be two-dimensional. Remember Egyptian drawings in profile? They are two-dimensional, that is, flat. Let's look at the example of our own eyes.

Human vision is stereoscopic. When we watch the news on TV, we see a two-dimensional image. When we look around us, we see a three-dimensional, three-dimensional image. How it works? Our eyes see a slightly different picture. Try to close your left eye, you won't see with your right eye whatseen a second ago with the left. And, accordingly, vice versa.

One image goes to the left eye, the other to the right. Then our brain connects it all into one three-dimensional image. 3D technologies are based on this principle: to make the picture as natural as if we are seeing it live. Some complement the effect of the presence of wind, drops in the face or smells. Suffice it to recall watching movies in the so-called 7D cinemas.

RealD 3D - what is it?

The creator of the technology is RealD Cinema, founded in 2003. Sony has exclusive rights to this technology. This is what we mean today by 3D cinema. The essence of the technology is that when we put on 3D glasses in the cinema, we get the effect of our own binocular vision. Lenses and special projectors transmit the image to us separately to the left and right eyes. Therefore, it seems that all the objects in the movie are flying in our face.

But what is RealD 3D? The peculiarity of the technology lies in the so-called circular polarization, which provides a good visual effect from all viewing angles and allows us to change the position of the body, tilt our head while watching a movie. The image for the left eye is projected in a clockwise direction. For the right - on the contrary. Because of this, the technology was called circular. In this case, the image will not disappear around the periphery. Relevant, for example, for children when they watch cartoons.

IMAX 3D data sheet

IMAX 3D technology, developed in 1970 by the Canadian company Multiscreen, works on the same principles, but there are significant differences. First, instead of circular polarization, there is a method of linear polarization. On the one hand, this limits the view. On the other hand, with this technology, the image is clearer and brighter.

The second difference is the scale of the screen. This is a unique, curved screen, which is wider than the hall itself. That is, the audience is as if inside the image. This compensates for the limited visibility of linear polarization. Another plus of the IMAX format is that it is accompanied by audio equipment of a certain class and quality, so the sound here creates an extraordinary effect. Two projectors are required to broadcast movies in this format.

RealD 3D or IMAX 3D: which is better?

Before watching a movie, many people think about what RealD 3D is for a tricky abbreviation. Isn't it better to choose an IMAX cinema? It is rather difficult to answer this question, since both technologies have their advantages. In addition, they are constantly being improved and developed. In some cases, the choice will depend on the nature of the movie you are about to watch. More epic films full of effects and 3D graphics will be interesting to watch on a huge IMAX screen.

On the other hand, "horror" may not be the best idea to watch in IMAX. RealD 3D, in turn, is more convenient for viewing with children. In any case, there is no definite conclusion, a lot depends not only on the chosen format, but on the quality of the equipment in a particular cinema. In cases where the glasses are not properly maintained and not changed in time, the 360° RealD 3D experience can be even more limited than the linear but high quality IMAX.

What are people saying?

RealD 3D - what is it? Reviews of a cinema that uses this technology will help answer this question. However, people's opinions here are radically different. Someone strongly criticizes the quality of RealD 3D cinemas, preferring IMAX wide screens. According to others, the whole problem is in poor-quality glasses. After watching movies in IMAX 3D, people often complain of severe dizziness and strain on the ears (due to the characteristic powerful sound). Many mothers do not want to bring their children here.

Speaking of the detrimental effect on vision, someone is ready to completely refuse to watch films in this format. Judging by objective reviews, you should just compare the sensations in both formats in order to make a choice for yourself. In the near future, of course, film companies will please us with improvements and new interesting technologies.