HOBBIT UPDATE: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY Extended Edition Details!!

Tim here. For those of you who will be viewing The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey again before seeing The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug in December, you can actually watch an Extended Edition that ties into the second film more this November.

The details come from Empire, who broke the story today as part of a tie-in with their newest issue coming out on June 27, 2013, which has The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug on the cover. Peter Jackson told Empire: "You are going to get some serious Dwarvish disrespect of the elves at Rivendell,"

Check out the video interview he had with Empire attached below. Further, Jackson talks about this being his favorite deleted scene from the first film.

When Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens spoke to Empire they said (emphasis mine):

"You are going to get more of Hobbiton," says producer / co-writer [Philippa] Boyens. "We always wanted to wend our way through Hobbiton, but in the end Bilbo has to run out of the door."

"You are going to get more Goblin Town, and the Great Goblin singing his song," adds Fran Walsh, Jackson's other half and fellow screenwriter. "It is a great song, but it was just another delay in terms of moving the story along."

"We are putting things in the extended cut that are going to play straight into the second film," explains Jackson, "like this character Girion, who is defending [the city of] Dale using black arrows against Smaug. And the black arrows play a part in an ongoing story, for they are the one thing that can pierce the dragon's hide."

"There are also issues with [king of the elves] Thranduil (Lee Pace)," Jackson adds. "We get some of the reason why he and the dwarves had a falling out – to do with these white gems…"

Sounds like some exciting additions. I'm all for more An Unexpected Journey goodness, especially anything that expands the back story for the later films.

The Extended Editions arrive in November, and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug hits IMAX 3D and RealD 3D theaters December 13^th.

TITANIC Hits Blu-ray 3D In September!

Finally we are going to be able to enjoy James Cameron's top two grossing movies (that just so happen to be the top two grossing movies of all time) in 3D and in our homes. We heard about AVATAR and now it's TITANIC's turn.

You can pre-order the Titanic Blu-ray 3D right now.

Here's the press release:
The two billion-dollar box office phenomenon and winner of 11 Academy Awards®, TITANIC, makes its highly anticipated debut on Blu-ray 2D and 3D on September 14, 2012 from Paramount Home Media Distribution and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Available in high definition for the first time ever, James Cameron’s timeless and unforgettable tour de force will be presented in stunning 2D and 3D, providing a cinematic in-home experience of TITANIC like never before. Marking 101 years ago today that the RMS Titanic was launched into the Belfast Lough, film fans worldwide can now pre-order the epic love story on Blu-ray 2D or Blu-ray 3D™ with participating online retailers.

Cameron commented, “Blu-ray extends TITANIC’s immersive 3D theatrical experience into audiences’ homes, where their living room becomes the backdrop for big spectacular environments and intense action, as well as profoundly intimate human moments, allowing generations of fans—new and old—to truly become part of the movie like never before.”

Presented in a four-disc 2D Blu-ray/DVD combo pack with Digital Copy or, for the ultimate experience in fully immersive 3D, in a four-disc Blu-ray 3D and 2D combo pack with Digital Copy, this high-definition presentation of TITANIC is a must have for film fans’ home media collections. Both sets feature more than 2 1/2 hours of new bonus footage never-before-released on disc, including a fascinating in-depth exploration of the film with James Cameron, as well as documentary footage produced by National Geographic with James Cameron that brings the world’s leading RMS Titanic experts together to solve the lingering mysteries of why and how the “unsinkable” ship sank.

The sets also boast previously released special features including 30 deleted scenes, over 60 behind-the-scenes featurettes, a look at the groundbreaking visual effects, over 2,000 photos, three commentaries and much, much more. TITANIC will also be available for the first time ever for digital download.

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in the roles that would make them global stars, TITANIC tells the story of the epic romance between two star-crossed lovers set against the backdrop of the legendary and ill-fated maiden voyage of the “ship of dreams.”

At Long Last The Wait Is Over: AVATAR Blu-ray 3D Freely Available For Purchase In October!

Watch the personal invitation from James Cameron to at long last purchase and enjoy AVATAR in the way it was meant to be seen: In 3D, in your home and on any 3D television set.

For the past couple of years, AVATAR 3D has been tied up in an unique marketing agreement with Panasonic that would only allow the distribution of the blu-ray 3D with a new Panasonic 3D television.

That agreement will expire on October 15th (worldwide) and the 16th (North America) and then you may buy the Avatar Blu-ray 3D in stores.

Of course by now you know that AVATAR is the highest grossing movie of all time, and by a long shot. It has resonated around the world with its cutting edge 3D experience and message of environmental awareness. Now you can own it, even if you don't own a Panasonic 3D television.


The wait is soon over!

Legend3D Converts Dreamworks Animation's SHREK Trilogy To 3D For Home Viewing!

Yesterday we heard from Disney, today we are hearing from Dreamworks Animation! Legend3D has announced today that they have completed the conversion of the first three SHREK movies to 3D for home viewing!

Here is the official announcement (emphasis is mine):
SAN DIEGO (Jan. 4, 2010)—Legend3D, the leading innovator in 2D-to-3D catalog film and motion picture conversion technology, today announced that it completed the 2D-to-3D conversion of the most successful animated film franchise of all time—DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: DWA) Shrek, Shrek 2, and Shrek the Third. These titles have been bundled with the fourth 3D film, Shrek Forever After, and are now widely available via promotional offer with Samsung Electronics. Legend3D’s 3D conversion of the catalog series brings beloved 3D content into the home.

“Converting the most successful animated franchise of all time was a daunting task that has resulted in a validation of Legend3D’s high-quality conversion technology,” said Barry Sandrew, founder, COO and CTO of Legend3D. “Completing the conversion of three feature-length CG animated films, and creating such a high-quality product, was a tremendous achievement.”

Rob Hummel, president of Legend3D, added, “By working closely with the creative team at DreamWorks Animation, our artists were able to deliver a truly compelling 3D experience that enhances these great stories, extending an already rich legacy. We’re thrilled to add the Shrek collection as the hallmark of our portfolio and know that consumers will enjoy the completely immersive experience that 3D lends to the viewing of the Shrek film series at home.”

To create these valuable 3D assets, Legend3D uses a proprietary 2D-to-3D conversion process, combining skilled artistry with technology to seamlessly enhance filmmakers’ storytelling and deepen their connections with audiences. This industry-leading conversion process, pipeline and methodology, allow for existing 2D catalog films to be produced in the highest-quality 3D and is quickly becoming an access point for library holders across the globe.

The boxed set of all four films—available in 3D Blu-ray and titled Shrek: The Whole Story—makes a great cornerstone for any home 3D collection. As part of a previously announced exclusive promotional program with DreamWorks Animation, Samsung Electronics is offering consumers who purchase a 2010 Samsung 3D TV and 3D Blu-ray player or home theater system a 3D starter kit that currently includes Shrek: The Whole Story.

About Legend3D
Legend3D, Inc. is a dynamic digital media and visual effects company, utilizing patented 2D-to-3D image conversion technologies to enhance filmmakers’ storytelling by creating the highest-quality dimensional conversions possible. Legend3D’s conversion artists are helping filmmakers connect with audiences worldwide and are rapidly setting the industry standard for 2D-to-3D conversion. Legend3D has completed 3D conversions for Sony, Hewlett-Packard, M&M Mars, New Balance, the Michael Jackson Tour, MTV, and Disney and recently completed a multi-picture project for DreamWorks Animation SKG. Founded in 2001 by Dr. Barry Sandrew, Legend3D is headquartered in San Diego and operates facilities in San Diego, Los Angeles and Patna, India.

For more information, visit www.Legend3D.com.

More studio 3D conversions when I get them!! Stay tuned.

Disney Offering Up 15 Films On Blu-ray 3D In 2011!!

WOW. Talk about instant 3D content for the home! Disney has announced that 15 movies from their classic movie library will be available in Blu-ray 3D in 2011!! That brings total Disney 3D offerings to almost 20.

Included in this stunning line up are TRON: LEGACY, TANGLED, THE LION KING, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, BOLT, MEET THE ROBINSONS, TIM BURTON'S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, G-FORCE and CHICKEN LITTLE. These titles and others join the existing Blu-ray 3D lineup that already have ALICE IN WONDERLAND, DISNEY'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL and STEP UP 3D on retail shelves.

“As our contemporary library of 3D content continues to grow, and the original artists and filmmakers meticulously ‘dimensionalize’ their work for release on the Blu-ray 3D format, we will be offering movie-lovers the most incredible in-home entertainment experience they will ever have,” noted Lori MacPherson, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. “In addition to offering new releases day-and-date in 3D and further cementing our leadership in the marketplace, we’re thrilled that consumers will have the exclusive Blu-ray 3D experience of two of the most celebrated Disney animated features, THE LION KING and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, in their homes.”

In addition to the film being in 3D, each disc will include thematically linked 3D menus, 3D previews of coming-attractions trailers and an introduction to the eye-popping world of Disney Blu-ray 3D featuring beloved characters Timon and Pumbaa from THE LION KING.

The first of many such library announcements! Too bad BEAUTY AND THE BEAST was not re-released in 3D theaters. I was looking forward to that as I know many were. More 3D library announcements from the studios when I get them!

Source: Disney

3D Gaming Shorts: Sony's PS3 Gets 3D Movies Next Week *AND* Nintendo's 3DS Gets METAL GEAR SOLID

Couple of great 3D gaming related updates for you!

Sony has announced (at the Tokyo Game Show) that the PS3 will be getting the long awaited firmware update that allows the game consoles to play 3D Blu-ray movies.

The firmware update is v3.50 and is available September 21. Of course the Playstation 3 already supports stereoscopic 3D gaming with available titles such as WipeoutHD, MotorStorm 3D Rift, SuperStardust 3 and the upcoming Killzone 3 and MotorStorm Apocalypse.
"3D Blu-ray 3D Disc playback, in addition to stereoscopic 3D gaming and stereoscopic photo support will deliver users a total 3D package for PS3 owners," James Gallagher, blog manager at Sony Europe wrote on the official PlayStation blog.

*AND*

Kojima has announced (also at the Tokyo Game Show) that METAL GEAR SOLID 3: SNAKE EATER will be released on the upcoming handheld Nintendo 3DS system sometime in 2011.

The game will be a port of the existing PS2 title with no new graphics and will use the 3DS' 3D gaming power and the ability to display 3D without the need for glasses (called autostereoscopic). It will still look gorgeous especially in portable, easy to use 3D!

More 3D gaming info when I get it!

Cameron Talks Concerts And Content In Korea!

**UPDATE May 15: There is a six part video of his visit here! Thanks stormko for the headsup.

James Cameron is making quite an impact on his latest visit to South Korea! A couple of things to talk about but lets go over the surprising first:

How about Cameron working with SM Entertainment (A Korean talent agency) to create 3D music videos and concerts together? A bit of a departure if I do say so myself, but it is 3D related and he is probably taking a very light role.

SME handles such talent as Girl's Generation (the link is for a large fansite) and Super Junior. I can certainly see a synergy through a strong female connection (Cameron places women in lead roles in most of his films). It is quite a coop for SME to land him to work with them. Congratulations.

Next up, Cameron dropped by Samsung Electronic's headquarters in Suwon, Gyeonggi with his technology partner Vince Pace (pointing in photo). Cameron talked about how the manufacturers have gone ahead and provided the hardware for 3D home entertainment before the quantity of 3D content was there.

“The consumer electronics companies have set the pace by making 3-D TVs and Blu-ray players available before there is a lot of content, and this has created a content gap,” Cameron said.

“Technology will not be the pacing factor, but the creation of content will be the limiting factor.”

Cameron believes in 2D to 3D conversions for only high value classic titles like TITANIC, STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES. (I don't know if he specifically mentioned INDIANA JONES as being considered for conversion, but it would not surprise me - we know the other two are.)

Cameron also places a bit of a cap on the next big thing for media technology, saying that 3D is something that should be improved upon through higher framerates and resolution before other advances are made in different areas. Holography comes to mind for example.

James Cameron also gave the keynote speech at the Seoul Digital Forum in the Sheraton Grande Walkerhill hotel.

Nice swath cut by Cameron in Korea! His agenda must be packed to the rafters for the next oh, 20 years. Nice to see his wife coming along for the trips. More when I get it! Thanks to Jaime for the heads up on the SME story.

First Look At Sony's New EX3 Consumer 3D Video Camera!!

Jim here. Sony's EX3 prototype consumer 3D video camera has just been outted. This camera looks pretty darn good folks. It even has changeable lenses!

Engadget got the scoop and a glimpse at the supposed specs too:
- Two PMW-EX3 studio cams placed in a single shell
- Proprietary hot-swappable lens cartridges
- Three half-inch CMOS sensors
- Stream 4:2:0 MPEG-2 video at 1080p to SxS memory cards at 35Mbps per eye
- Uncompressed 4:4:4 footage over a new pair of HD-SDI outputs
- An industry-first 1.5-inch interocular distance

Awesome! Wish we had a price on this thing. Can't wait to learn more about this thing of beauty...

Sony's PS3 Update Will Include 3D Gaming, Movies To Follow - S3DHD TVs Coming In June!

Jim here. We know Sony is going full tilt 3D across their product line and now is when it starts to get exciting for the mega electronics and entertainment company!

The 3D firmware update that Sony Playstation 3 owners have been waiting for to enable stereoscopic 3D capabilities has been clarified for us: The update will only enable 3D gaming this time around with the intent to include 3D movies in the coming months.

There is significant urgency for them to include 3D movies ASAP as they are releasing their own CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS in S3D for June (in Europe at least). This coincides with Sony's release of their S3DHD televisions as well (June), namely their HX800.

Consumers will be getting free stuff with their 3D TV purchase: Free 3D Blu-rays (including bundles with CLOUDY and DEEP SEA) and 3D PS3 games. The games that will be included will be demo versions - not the full package, but they will be more than enough to whet your appetites!

Those 3D games will be: WIPEOUT HD, PAIN, SUPER STARDUST HD and MOTORSTORM PACIFIC RIFT. Word is all four demos will be included with purchase. The full versions will be available at the PlayStation Store in mid June.

It's getting hot in here isn't it? S3D is taking off and we are pretty darn close to those rocket booster flames! Can't wait to get my hands on this tech. I experienced it in Las Vegas at Sony's 3D Experience pavilion @ MGM Grand and let me tell you - it rocks. You have to see it in action yourself!

Best Buy - Listen Up: LLLLETS Get Ready To DEMO!

Jim here. Big box electronics retailers heed warning: No more just standing around citing specifications and pointing at flat screens! You are going to need to do more than always say "This is the set I have at home and it is great".

With the advent of S3DHD televisions you are going to have to demo it, or not have access to them! So says Panasonic. When the VT25 lineup of S3DHD plasmas come on stream in May, retail employees will have to be well versed in the technology and be able to effectively demo what the consumer will be buying.

Said Bob Perry, SVP Marketing at Panasonic: "To us, all of our retailers are really important, but if a retailer cannot properly display it we will not allow them to sell it."

From Twice.com: Panasonic sees 3D as a key differentiator for plasma technology, since it has an inherently rapid switching capability that is necessary to deliver the rapidly alternating full 1080p images to each eye of viewers equipped with special active shutter glasses.

"We believe that when they go into retail and see our 3D plasmas, the average consumer will say, "That looks better" he said. "We aren't going to trash LCD, but are going to make sure the consumer knows that if they want the best 3D experience so far, it is going to be available from Panasonic plasma."

3D TV will be a central part of Panasonic's focus in its previously announced upcoming 15-city "mini-CES" showcase that will use three touring "show booths" with a wide range of products, to hit each of the East, West and Central regions of the country, hitting heavily trafficked venues in the nation's top designated market areas.

...the tour is part of an intensive advertising and promotional blitz for 2010, estimated at around $100 million, that will see Panasonic spend twice as much on advertising some product categories, over the previous year, he said.

I am so glad that Panasonic is putting its foot down on this. Customer service at some of these retailers can be abysmal; I had a guy telling me a few days ago at one of these stores that 3DTVs will be around NEXT YEAR sometime. I hope other manufacturers follow suit. Consumers deserve the best information possible on what they are buying. S3D deserves it too.

No Worries! AVATAR S3DHD Blu-ray Out In November!!

Jim here. Rest easy AVATAR fans! James Cameron himself put to bed any notion of the 3D Blu-ray for the movie taking years to get to us. In a recent interview, he said the time frame for 3D on Blu-ray is November of THIS year.

From WSJ: “It’s all right on schedule,” said Cameron. “We’ll do the Blu-ray and the standard def DVD April 22nd, that’s our plan as of right now, and that’ll be pretty much bare bones. And then we’ll do a value-added DVD and a 3-D Blu-ray in I think November sometime.”

Also here is a clip from MTV:

All of this makes total sense. I was dumbfounded when I heard that the 3D release would be delayed. I NEVER thought it would be years as other sites conjectured - I don't know where that came from! This timing is perfect if you ask me: S3DHD televisions will be flowing in and out of CE stores starting next month and ramping up through summer / fall, and AVATAR hits just before the holidays!

Can you feel it? AVATAR in your home in stunning S3DHD by Christmas!! Potentially your home at least :-)

S3D Content For Home Coming Soon In A BIG Way!

Jim here. Just in advance of CES 2010 in Las Vegas we are getting inundated with news items for Stereoscopic 3D (S3D) content for the home! Very thrilling time. Keep in mind many are claiming to be first in developing their projects so I am just going to sit back and wait for the dust to settle before labeling any company as first.

Let's go through these important developments one at a time:

1. Next3D to launch a broadband delivered S3D home service in the first quarter of 2010 called Next3DTV. It will offer the home consumer a variety of stereoscopic 3D content, including theatrical 3D movies, films originally created for 3D IMAX theaters, movie trailers, sports, news, documentaries, live 3D weather maps, and games.

Additionally, Next3DTV (Next3DTV.com) will offer user-created content channels for stereo 3D enthusiasts to post and share stereoscopic videos and still images. Movies, special events, games and other premium content will be offered on a rental basis, while some content will be free.

“With millions of 3D-ready TVs, computers, and monitors rapidly entering the home, we’ve created Next3DTV as a one-stop-shop for the consumer to easily get great 3D entertainment and content,” said Steve Heyer, Chairman of Next3D. “Our encoding and playback technology provides an amazing viewing experience. Next3DTV wraps that experience in ease of access and convenience.”

Next3DTV will be initially available for PC’s, with support for Mac, game consoles and select set top boxes to follow. For PC users, Next3DTV will support 3D Laptops, most NetTop PCs, and modern PC’s with NVIDIA or ATI video cards.

Next3DTV will be demonstrated on the NVIDIA 3D Vision System at the 2010 Consumer Electronic Show, January 7-10. NVIDIA's widely-distributed 3D Vision technology brings immersive 3D gaming, movies, photographs, and Web browsing to personal computers. NVIDA Booth, Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall 4 #35912

2. DirecTV is launching three 3D only channels this year - they just launched a new satellite which will boost their HD content by 50%. Apparently they are getting together with a major consumer electronics company to offer there S3D channels. The story originally broke at HDguru and then expanded at HollywoodInHiDef. This will likely be previewed at CES 2010 on Wed, Jan 6.

3. ESPN is launching their 3D TV network in June this year. The Walt Disney sports entity is formally calling it ESPN 3D and it will air a MINIMUM of 85 live sporting events this year. Its first broadcast will be a June 11 World Cup soccer match between South Africa and Mexico. Their will also be up to 25 total World Cup matches, Summer X Games, college football and basketball which will include the BCS National Championship game on Jan 10, 2011.

Sean Bratches, ESPN's EVP, Sales & Marketing: "This will be a meaningful step to drive adoption of 3D television sets and afford opportunities for our affiliates to create value through new product offerings, and our advertisers, who want fresh sponsorship opportunities."

4. Discovery, IMAX and Sony are teaming up to present their own S3D channel with each holding an equal stake in the enterprise. It will be distributed through Discovery Communications and will have a solid mix of 3D content including natural history, space, exploration, adventure, engineering, science and technology, motion pictures and children's programming from Discovery, Sony Pictures Entertainment, IMAX and other third-party providers. They will be holding a media call today at 3:15pm EST.

"By partnering with Sony and IMAX on 3D, Discovery will lead the way in revolutionizing the next-generation home viewing experience in the U.S. and around the world," said Discovery Communications President & CEO David Zaslav. "Today's announcement is the next step in fulfilling Discovery's mission of providing groundbreaking content for our affiliate partners and enlightening viewers with the most immersive and realistic viewing experience available anywhere."

Wow. And there are still two more days to go before CES! What's next?? Stay tuned for more info direct from the CES floor as our own Michael Stat hits Vegas in search of ultimate 3D! :-)

Next3D And Turner Broadcasting Bringing Stereoscopic 3D HD Content To The Home

Jim here. You ready for the onslaught of exciting announcements this week? I know I am! Let's start with this one!!

Next3D and Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.) have entered a collaborative partnership to deploy 3D technology for the production and delivery of three-dimensional content to the emerging home 3D audience.

Next3D has Stereoscopic 3D Full high definition encoding and player technology for nearly every platform: PCs, Mac, Xbox 360, PS3, Blu-ray disc and television set top boxes. Content encoded with Next3D’s enabling technology delivers full stereoscopic 3D in 1080P high-definition to the home over a broadband, cable or satellite TV connection. Next3D has demonstrated its proven technology to the video game industry, Hollywood studios and broadcasters.

“We are uniquely positioned to provide turnkey or customizable solutions to our partners with proprietary stereo 3D encoding and playback technology that works flawlessly with off-the-shelf components already in the market and in millions of homes,” said Steve Heyer, Chairman of Next3D. “From movies to live sports to videogames, Next3D encoding delivers a stunning and immersive 3D HD experience to the living room.”

Next3D will be showcasing its technology on the NVIDIA 3D Vision System at the 2010 Consumer Electronic Show, January 7-10. NVIDIA's widely-distributed 3D Vision technology brings immersive 3D gaming, movies, photographs, and Web browsing to personal computers. NVIDIA Booth, Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall 4 #35912.

About Turner
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

About Next3D
Next3D, Inc. is a leader in stereoscopic 3D technology with more than 35 years of combined experience in media, content production, and stereoscopic delivery and display. Next3D’s technology delivers stereoscopic content to the home at the highest quality, over broadband, cable and satellite connections.

And welcome Next3D as a sponsor to MarketSaw! Awesome products and an exciting time to be in S3DHD!!

S3D Patents Taking Off!! The 3D Future is NOW

Jim here. Makes sense right? As stereoscopic 3D takes off so should the associated patents. And so they are. Take a look at the chart below (original Thomson Reuters PDF report available here via NY3D.org) highlighting the activity over the past 2 years vs. 2003:

Click To Enlarge...

Note the increase in patents in the television and photography industries - it is not all Hollywood is it? Not to downplay the domino effect Hollywood has had on 3D in any way - there was just more to learn and discover in these other spaces.

There is a huge upside to S3D and MarketSaw is right in the thick of it. When I decided to launch MarketSaw back in 2006 I knew there stood a very good chance that S3D was going to take off around the time of James Cameron's AVATAR - I bet the bank as it were. Not a bad gamble when you consider he does hold the modern box office record with TITANIC. Still, it was a bit of a leap and many questioned it - I was just repeating the phrase "we shall see". And now we are :-) If I had a penny for every "gimmick" comment I have heard... lol!

One obvious patent area not highlighted by this Thomson Reuters report is computing. Apple has been extremely active in this space and recently augmented their past patent filings with this one revolving around tracking "the location of a user and adjust a 3D display according to their position, creating the illusion that an on-screen object is physically present." (Thanks Joanna!). Steve Jobs knows what he is doing - no question. This is just another example of his vision. These patents will draw the user right into the screen intuitively!

Stereoscopic 3D is here to stay folks! I bet the bank on it and the fruits of the labor started over 3 years ago are now coming in. Glad you can share the journey with us!! It will be a pleasure to bring you all the exciting developments taking place in 3D over the coming years. Take January's CES in Las Vegas coming up - it will be packed to the rafters with innovations like S3DHD televisions!! Can't wait. Stay tuned!

And to whoever bought S3DHD.com - congratulations on the wise purchase! ;-) Makes me want to run out and buy S3Dnet.com, 3DHomeVideos.com and MotionPictures3D.com... oh wait a minute...

Are We seeing Movement In The 3DTV Space?

Jim here. TDVision just won the 2009 TV Innovations award for the category of Three Dimensional Television. There are a number of organizations involved in creating the standards for 3D Home Entertainment - I find it fascinating to see developments as they happen and how they will all fit together. The other finalists were BskyB and HDMI. TDVision's innovations include the 2D+Delta system of Full HD 3D and 2D compatible 3D coding.

Now dubbed 2009's top 3D TV technology enabler, TDVision's innovations include the 2D+Delta system of Full HD 3D and 2D compatible 3D coding.
"TDVision's entry was judged to be the most innovative in the 3D Television category by an independent panel of judges. We feel that this is a tremendous achievement for TDVision and I'd like to offer my personal congratulations to TDVision," said Ian Weightman of IMS Research.

"When we started at the beginning of the decade, we knew that there will be the need to deploy stereoscopic content in a digital format, optimized and compatible, that's when the TDVCodec was born. There were no 3D Displays so we made one, there were no 3D cameras available so we crafted one too, we ended up with the full stereoscopic true 3D HD infrastructure for digital, compatible, ubiquitous and multiplatform technology that enables the 3D Ecosystem," said Ethan Schur, Marketing Director for TDVision and acceptor of award at the gala awards ceremony located at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

The TDVCodec 2D+Delta system was invented by TDVision CEO Manuel Gutierrez Novelo in 2001 and patented worldwide in 2003. The 2D+Delta system in an integral IP patent pertaining to current and future standards including MPEG2, MPEG4 and MPEG Multi View Coding.

TDVision Systems has generated massive interest in the past weeks starting with it's presentation of GPU accelerated 2D+Delta coding system at the nVidia GPU conference and continuing across the globe to the 3D International Fair held in Tandem with the Korean Electronics Show.

About TDVision:
TDVision Systems, Inc. is the owner of several 3D-related key patents now listed as part of different standard stereoscopic architectures like ISO, MPEG and AVC. TDVision's technology allows the acquisition, encoding, deployment, decoding and visualization of stereoscopic 3D HD video streams and computer-generated content within the 3D ecosystem. TDVision's solution is
based on firmware and software changes to enable true 3D HD on current infrastructures, ubiquitous, display agnostic, fully compatible and even allows 2D legacy compatibility with existing infrastructures.

DWA Fights The Good Fight: No Anaglyph 3D For MONSTERS VS. ALIENS Discs

Jim here. FINALLY! A company has stepped up and said no to the old anaglyph 3D technology that pushes those red/blue glasses and other color combinations at you.

Dreamworks Animation has officially drawn a line in the sand and said that you won't be able to watch their 3D movies at home without having the proper set up. That set up is currently in the making with standards bodies lining up specs as you read this post.

Here is what animation chief Ann Daly (via Home Media Magazine) had to say: “The movie itself was developed with the notion of doing the RealD-Dolby experience in theaters, and those specs are not ideal for the anaglyph presentation for home viewing, which still relies on glasses with colored rather than polarized lenses. It’s a completely different process, and when we started to look at how it would look in the home, we were not satisfied. We’ve been paying a lot of attention to the development of TVs that can deliver a theater-like 3-D experience, and we think if we hold off until we actually get an in-home experience that works, it would be much better than doing it early. If we did it now it would feel gimmicky rather than good.”

Absolutely!!

Daly went further to say that once the required consumer specs for end to end 3D are in place (discs, 3DTVs, etc) then DWA will release the appropriately formatted movies.

I can't believe it took this long for someone to stand up and say enough is enough! Sure the movies presented in anaglyph 3D work somewhat, but the damage they are doing to 3D home entertainment through bad word of mouth is scandalous. Hats off to DWA for the iniative.

This move however, makes me wonder why Dreamworks Animation paid all that money for an anaglyph presentation of MvsA during the Superbowl. I guess it is never too late to take corrective measures. I hope this signals the beginning of the end for anaglyph movie viewing. Sure red and blue glasses will still have their place for certain things, but they DO NOT belong with movies. Good riddance.

MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3D Available On DVD & Blu-ray Preorder Now

Hey guys - Jim here. We all know how well MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3D performed this year at the box office - taking in $72 million worldwide on a budget of only $15 million.

So how about it? You interested in getting a copy for home? You can now - available for pre-order on Amazon. It will be formally released on May 15. However, and a big however - is that while they provide four 3D glasses with the movie, they are sadly anaglyph.

Once we have a "3D in the home TV standard" then you will see 3D home videos with the cool new modern 3D glasses (and of course $ invested in equipment). You can also watch this movie in 2D though whenever the old technology gets too much for ya.

Fangoria got the scoop on the full disc details:
The film will be in both widescreen 2-D and 3-D (with four pairs of glasses); the DVDs present the movie with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, and the Blu-ray sports DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio. Supplements on the Special Edition DVD and the Blu-ray include: Audio commentary by director Patrick Lussier and co-writer Todd Farmer; Deep Inside MY BLOODY VALENTINE making-of featurette; Sex, Blood and Screams—The Special Make-Up FX of MY BLOODY VALENTINE featurette; Deleted and extended scenes; Gag reel.

There is a cool BTS video clip from the movie here too. Thanks Jason for alerting me to this!

3D Is The Answer For Music Labels Seeking More Revenue

Jim here. Thorsten, a longtime reader from Germany sent me this info (KRAFTWERK story below) - and it could very well represent the future of entertainment concerts around the world.

Let me explain. We all know that the music industry is having trouble with how to capitalize on their revenue potential. Many are suggesting a heavy return for touring bands as a way to bring in money - LIVE concerts. I happen to believe in that remedy. But their is more potential here.

3D for example. I propose that music companies fund these concert tours but also generate further revenue from the following:
- Broadcast concerts in LIVE 3D around the globe for well known bands on opening nights for premium fees. If an in-person concert ticket costs $100, charge $25 for live event tickets in theaters. Sell the same exclusive merchandise that you can buy at the concert at these theaters as well. Allow the purchase of alcohol during these special screenings.
- Record these live events for limited-time (1 week or 2) presentations in 3D at the theaters ($12). Sell left over merchandise. No alcohol.
- Insert these 3D concerts into their available Blu-ray 3DHD library once 3D home videos are enjoying a standard format (should be soon through the efforts of the SMPTE and some select corporations).

Further, they should integrate 3D into the in-person live concerts. Take for example the German electromusic pioneers KRAFTWERK performing in Wolfsburg, Germany on April 26, 2009. The band integrated 3D graphics behind them on four huge video walls and the audience really engaged it. I should note here that it was NOT polarized 3D, but those annoying old cardboard glasses - but the potential is there for something truly spectacular with modern 3D. The polarized glasses can be branded with the bands tour info / logo and taken home as another momento of the event.

Those KRAFTWERK guys kinda look like extras for TRON2... :-)

If the 3D is done right - like U2 3D was - then it is truly is a no-brainer. The theater's audience feels like they are actually there and in some ways it is a superior way to see your favorite bands. I know I was blown away by seeing U2 in 3D from being on stage in front of 100,000 people to becoming one of a sea of humanity in the audience with the heads of the people in front of me in the theater MERGING with the heads of the audience at the concert. SEAMLESS. And spectacular.

For the labels, the time is now. Leverage your artists' performances in 3D and you will reap the rewards...

How To Get 3D Into The Home: 200 Experts Met For Six Months - Report Now Available

Jim here. I have had the privilege of viewing one of the initial copies of "REPORT OF SMPTE TASK FORCE ON 3D TO THE HOME" prepared by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE).

We are finally getting some clarity on how to accomplish this! For so long now we have been waiting for direction because for a truly elegant and pragmatic 3D motion picture industry we need to complete the cycle from theater screen to home theater screen to portable devices.

Here is what they set out to do (excerpt from report): The effort was initiated on Aug 19, 2008. At the initiation of the effort, the task force was chartered with defining “what standards would be needed to establish rapid adoption of stereoscopic A/V content from content mastering to consumption in the home via multiple types of distribution channels (e.g., packaged, broadcast, satellite, cable, internet) with consideration for downward scalability (e.g., portable/mobile).”

First of all let me tell you that they include a comprehensive glossary of terms that is certainly needed to ensure everyone is talking the same concepts as this 3D technology is booming.

Secondly they break out use cases! They examine various real life scenarios that a typical end user may encounter and they address it in their study. For example, a user wants to view 3D media on his glasses-required bedroom 3DTV, but also wants to view that same media later on his no-glasses 3DTV in his living room. Not only that but the sets are different sizes. The report sets priorities on all these use cases and their relevance to the 3D in the home standard.

Finally they expose the requirements needed for the 3D in the home standard INCLUDING resolution and frame rate. I can tell you that they set out image file requirements up to and including 1920x1080 with frame rates up to and including 60p per eye. Backward compatibility is addressed as well with 2D.

Their biggest concept is the notion of a single standard 3D Home Master which coexists with other masters after post-production and for theatrical screening. A lot of detail has gone into defining how this 3D Home Master should look and behave.

Of course they had to touch on display technologies as well - interesting read!

So I encourage you to purchase this resource from the SMPTE if you have any interest in the journey we are taking to get 3D movies and content from the big screen and into our homes. The 75 page report in PDF format sells for $20 at the SMPTE store right here. Hard copies of the report will also be on sale at the SMPTE booth at NAB.

Panasonic Working With James Cameron To Release "Avatar" In 3D Blu-ray For Easter 2010?

Wow. Jim here - I have always been worried that there will be another format war centered on the 3D home entertainment market as the industry comes to grips with the task of uniting everyone. Now comes word that Panasonic has been secretly working with James Cameron and in particular, a little project known as AVATAR. Their goal? To introduce Panasonic's open 3D technology to the public using a fully blown out, 3D HD release of AVATAR on Blu-ray by Easter of 2010!

DVDTown states that this info comes via "industry insiders". Apparently, clips of AVATAR have been shown to select audiences to show off their 3D Home Videos capability. (By the way, www.3DHomeVideos.com points to MarketSaw - heh). I actually got wind of this a couple weeks ago when a reader sent me a note saying that a clip of AVATAR had been shown at the Nuremberg Toy Fair. I have been trying like crazy to get a view of this material, but no go thus far.

If you are reading this and you have seen the advance previews of AVATAR, drop me a email will ya? jim (at) marketsaw (dot) com. That's an order! :-)