The new 3D phenomenon will soon be part of Channel 4 in the UK. The broadcaster has commissioned UK-made content that can be viewed in 3D on standard TV sets.
Channel 4 has decided to host a week of stripped peaktime 3D programming for its autumn season. Among the footage will be the 2 x 60- minute Renegade Pictures series on the Queen’s Coronation plus a Derren Brown spectacular. A 3D colour newsreel of the Coronation shot in 1953 will be screened as well as a 3D film shot be Arena TV at the Garter Ceremony at Windsor Castle in June.
Renegade has worked with the British Film Institute and with 3D specialists Can Communicate on the series.
Derren Brown’s 3D Magic Spectacular, from Objective Productions, will include specially shot tricks from magicians, plus archive 3D footage. Objective is also compiling The Greatest Ever 3D Moments, including Jaws 3D and a 1993 Doctor Who Children in Need special.
C4 will use technology based on ColourCode 3D glasses and has organised that the supermarket chain Sainsbury give away the glasses required for the 3D viewing experience, the week before TX.
“Watching period 3D documentary footage is about as close to time travel as one can get. You watch as the crowds wave at the Coronation and you see the young queen walking right past you,” says C4 science commissioner David Glover.
It appears that Britain is very tuned in to 3D with BSkyB planning to launch a 3DTV channel next year that will require a 3D-ready set and employ the new polarised 3D technology increasingly used in Hollywood movies.
