Media Mix

These days, it seems like there is always a 3D movie option at your theater. While it might seem like a recent technological advancement, 3D movies have been around since the early twentieth century! The earliest 3D film shown to a paying audience was 1922’s The Power of Love. Other classics starred major actors such as John Wayne in Hondo and Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in Money from Home. As the trend grew, Casper the Friendly Ghost and Popeye the Sailor were re-formatted in 3D for children’s enjoyment as well. 

3D involves filming 2 images simultaneously with 2 cameras positioned side by side, facing each other and filming at a 90° angle via mirrors. Human eyes interpret the pair of images as a single 3-dimensional image. Today’s computer technology reproduces pseudo-3D films using CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) and without the need for dual cameras.

The flux and popularity of CGI movies has made 3D films even more popular – and lucrative. Current 3D films offer dynamic productions and generate large box-office revenues.

2003’s Spy Kids 3D: Game Over brought 3D movies back and cash registers continued to ring with 2004’s Polar Express – IMAX’s first full-length, animated 3D feature.

Miley Cyrus even joined in the fun. Her 2008 Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert video, presented in Disney Digital 3D, has grossed more than $65 million so far. Also, the band U2 produced U23D, the first live-action movie to be totally shot in digital 3D.

Look out for more 3D films in the future – they’re sure to land in your local theaters soon.