The time has finally come for a full version of Blowdown 3D to be launched out into the world.
We are shipping the fine cut of our first 3D documentary to broadcasters this week.
And this time they’ll have the chance to actually see it in 3D.
It’s an obvious step – if you’re paying for 3D content chances are you’ll want to check it out at some point before you sign off on the show.
But with this emerging technology, even obvious steps are rarely easy.
So how did we get a cut out for the broadcasters to experience a full color 3DHD explosive demolition from the comfort of their plush office chairs?
First of all, our editor Brian Mann had to make sure all the shots in the cut were 3D legal and correct any colour discrepancies between the two eyes.
To create a comfortable 3D viewing experience, we also monitored the LR convergence throughout the edit.
This made for more work – dealing with issues that either didn’t exist before (converging shots) or that would have been tackled further along in the editing process (for example colour correction after picture lock).
But anyone who’s in the 3D business knows more work is the name of the game.
To send this 3D version of the show to our broadcasters, we opted for two different delivery formats: a side-by side 3DHD version of the show on Blu-ray disc and a digital anaglyph SD version.
To create the Blue-ray disc we exported the CineForm 3D file from Final Cut Pro, burned it onto the Blu-ray disc via Adobe Encore that, unlike FCP exporting functions, allowed us to create more professional customized menus and shipped via courier.
Now all you need to view this form is any Blu-ray player (doesn’t have to be 3D) and a 3D-enabled monitor.
The anaglyph version was exported as a .mov file straight from FCP and then uploaded onto our server. It’s a seriously inferior experience, but will still give those who are unfortunate enough to not have a 3DTV handy a way to see it in some version of 3D.
Though you might want to get on that, dear readers. I’d hate to see you live in the flatlands of 2D when the 3D world is just within your reach.
As for the broadcasters … maybe someone should warn them— cause they’re in for quite a ride.
–Ian Herring, President
