Stereoscopic (3D) Cinerama?

DavidFu · May 1, 2009

Hi I'm new to the forums, didn't see a 65mm forum or a 3D forum, so I figured this was the closest for camera format.

I am currently doing technical research for a 8 minute promotional pic shooting in Beijing. The idea is to shoot for exhibition on a Cinerama type display, with three projectors. Furthermore, it needs to be stereoscopic, which would require dual cameras in the traditional setup of 3 cameras covering different angles. I bring up Cinerama because of the single film Cinerama camera that was later developed. I haven't been able to find a modern equivalent to this, other than IMAX, but I am not aware that their screens are available anywhere other than a brick and mortar IMAX theatre.

My instincts thus far have narrowed it down to shooting with a Pacific FX rig or a P+S 3D rig, with either RedOne in 4k and (then extracting 3 separate images for each projector) or 65mm. I would prefer to go digital so I can monitor the 3D on set, but as of yet there is no 65mm digital option that would offer the maximum clarity. I would appreciate input in any of these areas:

1. 3D Rig: What is the best rig to work with? I know of Pace Cameras, but as far as I am aware, they come with cameras, but I would prefer to rent locally if possible. I know that My Blood Valentine was shot on the Pacific FX 3D rig with good results and PS Technik recently debuted their 3D rig at NAB. What have been people's experience with these rigs and companies? Are there other options?

2. Cameras: I mentioned Pace and I am currently considering Red One or a Cinerama type rig. Aside from "negative" size I have to consider focal formats. Cinerama used anamorphic which was more pleasing in terms of capturing width. If I shoot Red, I can only go for super wide lenses, which would distort badly on the sides. Is there a happy medium?

3. Cheating: I've found In-Three and their work on Superman Returns where they retroactively created stereo images from a single camera in post. This could be a viable solution as it would greatly reduce the burden during production. But would this process be more costly than shooting two cameras, and is the effect comparable (I can surmise it is definitely not 100%)?

Sorry for the long post, this project is a pretty complicated one. I appreciate all your feedback.