I am a huge fan of 3D movies. I had a 3D capable TV before I got my projector and while it was neat, at just 42” it was a novelty. When I got the projector, I knew I wanted to watch some dumb summer blockbusters in full 3D in my own backyard. I will write a future post about the ins and outs of the 3D equipment I have, this post is to help you decide if it is something you want to pursue.
You need 4 things to host a Backyard 3D movie night:
1) A 3D Capable Projector
2) A 3D Blu-Ray Player
3) A 3D Movie
4) 3D Glasses
Projector:
3D movies require a 3D capable projector. This isn’t as big an obstacle to overcome as it once was. Many current consumer level projectors are already 3D capable. My projector the Optoma HD141X review came 3D ready and was well under $1000 dollars. So if you are due for an upgrade or are buying your first projector, this is a feature you will want to check for.
Blu-Ray Player:
Like projectors, 3D Blu-Ray players have come down in price significantly. My Vizio 3D Blu-Ray player is no longer supported by the company, so I am unable to get firmware updates necessary to read the newest discs. I got a new S[easyazon_link identifier=”B00TYFCJOM” locale=”US” tag=”backyardmov05-20″]ony 3D Blu Ray player[/easyazon_link] to replace it for not much more than a regular Blu-Ray player. Almost all of the new 4K Blu-Ray players are already 3D capable as well. The other nice thing about the newest 3D Blu-Ray players, is that they are significantly smaller than the older ones, this has saved me valuable storage space when I don’t have the theater setup.
3D Movie:
3D movies are expensive. They cost more in the theater and they generally cost more when they hit Blu-Ray. Some movies are released in 3D in the movies, but will not be released in the format on Blu-Ray until much later…I am looking at you Disney. However, when you spread this cost over all the people at your movie party, it starts to seem a lot more reasonable. You can stream some 3D content, Netflix has some and services like VuDU have a small selection of 3D movies available, but it is limited. The dedicated 3D streaming sites have all gone under.
Glasses:
3D movies require wearing glasses. Some people hate this, they find it uncomfortable and it ruins the movie watching experience. As someone who wore glasses throughout childhood and is a habitual wear of sunglasses, it doesn’t bother me. But the requirement for glasses does limit the number of people you can host to the pairs of glasses that you have. Glasses tend to run from $10-$50 a set, this can add up quick. Please read about the 3D glasses I use here: Best 3D Glasses Review. Projectors use a DLP technology, which requires “active shutter glasses” while many 3D televisions can use passive 3D glasses (these are like the ones you get a the theater). The active shutter glasses will require a power source, some are rechargeable like the ones I use and others use a watch battery.
What does it look like?
3D movies today don’t look to me like the some of the rides I remember from Universal Studios or Disney, where the image/objects appear to come out at you. What they do add is a lot depth, it is more like looking out at the Grand Canyon in person rather than just a photo of it. This quality helps your over the top movies the best, movies like Mad Max: Fury Road, or even your computer animated films like Finding Nemo.
Why spend the money?
I think 3D is pretty freaking cool and while in most cases it isn’t integral to the storytelling, it does feel like a little something extra. 3D movies are the sprinkles on top of your cupcake. The movie “San Andreas” is a lot of fun to watch on your big screen out back, but it becomes an even more immersive experience once you integrate a 3D viewing experience. While outdoor movies are an experience that most people enjoy, showing the movies in 3D make it extra special and really helps to get people excited about the event.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you make up your mind. With advances in technology the barriers to having “movie theater” quality 3D experience in your own backyard have been eliminated. With just a few dollars you can your guests an amazing experience experience.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below and I would be happy to respond.
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