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Stereoscopic Cinema and the Origins of 3-D Film, 1838-1952

Stereoscopic Cinema and the Origins of 3-D Film, 1838-1952

by Ray Zone

Published by: The University Press of Kentucky

Imprint: The University Press of Kentucky

Sales Date: 12/07/2007

232 Pages, 6.00 x 9.00 in, 50 halftones

Hardcover
9780813124612
Published: December 2007

$35.00 SR

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From stereoview cards to large-format IMAX films, 3-D technology's heightened realism and powerful visual allure have held audiences captive for over a century and a half. The technology, known as stereoscopy, creates an illusion of depth by presenting two slightly different images to the eye in print or on-screen. The advent of stereoscopic film technology excited both filmmakers and audiences, as a means of replicating all of the sounds, colors, movement, and dimensionality of life and nature for the first time. The origins of 3-D film are often linked with a proliferation of stereoscopic films in the 1950s. By the time films like Man in the Dark and House of Wax was attracting large crowds, however, the technology behind this form of filmmaking was already over a century old. Stereoscopic Cinema and the Origins of 3-D Film, 1838–1952, examines this "novelty period" of stereoscopic film, charting its progression from Charles Wheatstone's 1938 discovery of 3-D to the 1952 release of Arch Oboler's innovative film, Bwana Devil. Stereoscopic specialist Ray Zone argues that the development of stereoscopic film can best be understood through a historical analysis of the technology rather than of its inventors. Zone examines the products used to create stereoscopic images, noting such milestones as David Brewster's and Oliver Wendell Holmes's work with stereoscopes, the use of polarizing image selection, and the success of twin-strip 3-D films, among others. In addition, Zone looks at the films produced up to 1952, discussing public reception of early 3-D short films as well as longer features such as Power of Love in single-strip anaglyphic projection in 1922 and Semyon Ivanov's 1941 autostereoscope Robinson Crusoe. He integrates his examination of the evolution of 3-D film with other cinematic developments, demonstrating the connection between stereoscopic motion pictures and modern film production. Stereoscopic Cinema and the Origins of 3-D Film, 1838–1952, is an exhaustive study of not only the evolution of 3-D technology and the subsequent filmmaking achievements but also the public response to and cultural impact of 3-D movies. Zone takes the reader on a voyage of discovery into the rich history of a field that predates photography and that continues to influence television and computer animation today.

"Author Ray Zone comprehensively includes the myths, intrigue, disagreements, numerous attempts that didn't work, and intermittent successes that transpired in the origins of stereoscopic imaging, the dawn of photography itself, and the exciting introductions of three-dimensional cinematography throughout the world. Unlike any book I know of, this work covers the area of stereoscopic cinema origins never undertaken by any writer since the beginning of cinematography. Easy to read, and exciting to follow, whether you're a film enthusiast or a history buff of any subject, this book is a worthy read." —Susan Pinsky, Reel 3D Enterprises, Inc

"Just how many books will be required to cover these [cinematic] eras with the same attention to historic and technical detail isn't known, but readers of Stereoscopic Cinema will find their interest in all aspects and eras of the subject stimulated and ready for more." —Stereo World

"This book is one that should appeal to anyone with an interest in stereoscopic photography and the history of the projected image." —Kentwood Wells, Magic Lantern Gazette

"If it was acceptable to begin a book review with WOW! that's what I would say about Ray Zone's Stereoscopic Cinema and the Origins of 3-D film: 1838-1952. The book is a thorough, precise, comprehensive and deeply revealing analysis of its subject." —Betsy A. McLane, Editor's Guild Magazine

"Zone methodically examines the step-by-step development of stereoscopic film technologies, their marketing efforts, and the public exhibition of their oftentimes single-digit number of productions." —Silent Era

"Zone does an admirable job of tracking the origins of 3-D and describing how elements of early experiments led to stereoscopic cinema, which had its heyday in the 1950s.""An interesting trip back to the origins of three-dimensional film. Recommended."—J.M. King, CHOICE

"Ray Zone, a 3D artist and expert in stereoscopy, takes the reader on a voyage of stereo discovery into the rich history of inventors and technologies that led to the revolution evidenced in such popular 3D films as Man in the Dark and House of Wax." —Stereoscopy

"Zone marshals a wide range of facts and trivia. Stereoscopic Cinema and the 3-D Film, 1838-1952 is probably best viewed as a gift to hardcore 3-D buffs." —Steve Kaczmarek,Ohioana Quarterly

"One comes away from Stereoscopic Cinema with a greater appreciation for the rich, laregely neglected history of 3-D film." —Nick Rombes, Technology and Culture

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