A wonderland of 3D

I’ve mentioned in past articles that the beauty of film, and the art of filmmaking, is derived from its kinetic and mimetic elements. The involvement of kinesis is obvious because films are moving pictures. Mimesis on the other hand is what engages the audience, as films oftentimes mimic real life events.

While this description is more accurate with art and independent films, it still generally holds true for some Hollywood movies. But the rise of new filmmaking techniques, and likewise appropriate technologies, has made film an even more versatile medium. To keep up with these advancements cinemas have been beefing up, getting ready for the next generation in movie enjoyment. Movie time snacks are becoming more varied. Sound quality is particularly crisper and more accurate nowadays with DTS, THX, and Dolby Digital configurations. And scenes can literally pop out from the cinema screens.

That’s 3-D technology for you. In a 3-D cinema, it’s interesting just to ponder how fast it takes eyes to relay light signals to the brain; how the combination of light and movement actually fools your brain into recognizing depth on a two-dimensional surface. It’s even more fascinating when your brain makes you think you need to dodge that oncoming fireball.

Offering a different 3-D experience, the Shangri-La Plaza has outfitted its Cinema One with the latest digital system that makes use of special XpanD Active 3-D goggles. The A-1 movie theatre is the first in the country to use this kind of technology, another milestone feat for this premier lifestyle destination.

“In catering to discriminating lifestyles, the Shang Cineplex seeks to provide patrons with incomparable entertainment,” says Shang Plaza EVP and General Manager Lala Fojas. “Continuously enhancing the cinematic experience is our top priority. Installing the latest in 3D technology and introducing the use of active 3D glasses—a first in the country, is one of the ways that we can achieve this objective,” she continues.

The XpanD Active 3-D glasses are powered by a special fast-switching liquid crystal cell, called the “pi –cell.” It allows the glasses to provide better brightness and color accuracy, making the 3-D experience that much more vivid.

But don’t take my word for it. Maybe one of these days you’ll be interested enough to go and see the difference. When that day comes, just remember: you might knock over your drink or your popcorn when you see that oncoming fireball, so be careful.

Watch acclaimed films and box office hits in all their digital glory at the Shang’s newly upgraded Digital Cinema starting with Walt Disney’s Alice in Wonderland. Tim Burton’s take on the beloved Lewis Carroll classic is currently on screen, so see the difference active 3D glasses bring to the cinema viewing experience.

For inquiries, contact 633-7851 loc.113 or log on to www.shangrila-plaza.com.

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E-mail me at enricomiguelsubido@yahoo.com