Method for producing and exhibiting three-dimensional motion pictures from a single strip of motion picture film

摘要

A method is disclosed for producing and exhibiting high-quality three-dimensional (3-D) motion pictures. Stereoscopic images are placed side by side on a strip of motion picture film, such images having been anamorphically compressed to fit into the 70 mm or other film format used for presentation. These images are then reciprocally expanded to produce the aspect ratio of the original images as photographed. A single strip of motion picture film is used and images intended to be seen through the left or right eye of the viewer of such films are slightly different, to create the 3-D effect. To minimize the amount of light projected onto the screen, projection is accomplished by use of a projector capable of accomplishing pulldown between frames in five milliseconds of less and equipped with a single 0-bladed shutter at high frame rates, specifically 48 frames per second or higher. The method described here allows for screen sizes considerably larger than those currently in use for theatrical 3-D presentation. Viewers of films produced by this method can observe the images projected through polarized glasses or by other means known in the art. The 3-D effect can be withdrawn as desired by presenting identical images for the right and left eyes, thus delivering two-dimensional (2-D) presentation. Existing 3-D movies can be converted for exhibition according to the method described, with significant improvement in picture quality and smoother appearance of motion. In addition, films can be made to deliver 3-D effect for certain scenes or sequences within a motion picture presentation, with 2-D presentation for other scenes or sequences within the same motion picture.