3D Glasses

Once expensive, prescription lens 3D Glasses are now fairly reasonable – I have just purchased a basic pair (RealD 3D only), for 50 quid, from Optics3D. RealD is what my local cinema uses, and is also compatible with my passive screen 3D TV.

This probably seems a lot of cash to those on a budget, but not compared to my spend on 3D so far. I am now fairly committed to the format, so I thought I may as well be comfortable. While my cheap RealD 3D clipons are more convenient than glasses worn over my specs, they are still slightly over-balanced.

The interesting thing (for some) is that as well as RealD 3D glasses, they also do RealD 2D specs. These look the same, but have the same orientation of lens polarity in both eyes. This is specifically for people who don’t like, or can’t cope with, 3D films. Using the 2D versions gives the user the same view in both eyes, so they see a 3D film in 2D.

Why would someone want to do this, rather than simply go to a 2D showing? I’ve seen some reports from folk saying that – in some areas – 2D showings of films made in 3D are becoming limited. Also, there is peer pressure – if all your friends want to see a film in 3D and you don’t, this is a way to get what you want, and still see the film with your friends.

Both 3D and 2D versions are available with prescription (50 quid) or without (20 quid). The prescription part is achieved with a lens insert, so changes in prescription doesn’t require a completely replacement.