The home 3D movie revival spearheaded by Apple Vision Pro gains momentum with the IMAX streaming app now offering stereoscopic videos for rental, promising an immersive visual experience.
Currently, the selection comprises just three documentaries – Superpower Dogs, Pandas, and A Beautiful Planet – available for individual rental at $5 each (approximately £4 / AU$7.70). This development signals a potential resurgence of 3D movies beyond the confines of traditional cinema.
These titles join a collection of over 200 other 3D offerings accessible through the Disney Plus and Apple TV apps on the Vision Pro, alongside spatial videos captured via the headset or iPhone 15 Pro.
This trend underscores the possibility of VR headsets succeeding where 3D TVs faltered over a decade ago, potentially mainstreaming the 3D home theater experience.
Could VR headsets accomplish what 3D TVs couldn’t? Following the 3D film craze ignited by the blockbuster success of Avatar in 2009, it appeared that 3D television would be the next major trend. Initial signs pointed in that direction.
The debut of at-home 3D TVs at CES 2010 seemed promising, with over a quarter of global TV sales being 3D-capable by 2012. However, instead of a continued upward trajectory, the trend plateaued before sharply declining in 2015.
In contrast, the emergence of 4K screens – including 4K QLED, OLED, and QD-OLED displays – gained traction, driven partly by the wider availability of 4K content compared to 3D. Rather than sporadic 3D film releases, consumers could enjoy a broader range of content in crisp 4K resolution, without the inconvenience and discomfort of 3D glasses.
This shift was facilitated by the advent of 4K digital content through burgeoning streaming services, simplifying access to high-quality visuals.
While delving deeper into the topic in our article on how 4K TVs could have revitalized 3D instead of supplanting it, understanding the missteps of 3D TVs sheds light on the potential success of VR headsets.
Firstly, there’s a wealth of accessible 3D content. Platforms like Apple TV offer options to purchase or rent 3D films for VR headsets, while Disney Plus on the Apple Vision Pro provides a library of 3D content as part of its subscription.
Moreover, advancements in visual technology allow 3D films to be experienced at home in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision and frame rates up to 48fps. This enhanced visual fidelity minimizes the trade-off between 3D and 2D viewing experiences.
With a broader array of content and improved video quality, particularly in frame rates, users can gradually acclimate to 3D and VR content, mitigating initial discomfort or motion sickness.
Furthermore, while VR headsets come with a hefty price tag – notably the $3,500 (around £2,770 / AU$5,400) Vision Pro – they offer more than just a display. They function as multifaceted devices, serving as computers, gaming consoles, exercise tools, and more, providing better value for money compared to expensive 3D TVs.
However, history reminds us that trends can be fleeting. Like the initial wave of 3D TV popularity, there’s a possibility that interest in 3D films via VR could wane.
Nevertheless, with Apple and its partners continuing to expand 3D offerings on the Vision Pro platform, coupled with LG and Meta’s collaboration to potentially introduce more TV (ideally 3D) content to Quest, we may be witnessing the dawn of a new era for at-home 3D entertainment.
Only time will tell if this resurgence will sustain momentum effectively this time around.
