The Stereoscopic 3D: a technological revolution in the audiovisual industry

Abstract

Since the nineteenth century, stereoscopy has existed as a visual expression based on the use of two images in order to produce the effect of three-dimensionality in a single picture, but it was not until the early twentieth century when it reached its golden age thanks to the movies. Today, the digital development is pushing this technology, this time not only through cinema, but also through different industries of the audiovisual market. The article presents a reflection on the growth experienced by the 3D stereoscopic in recent years, which may be associated with technological progress and the pursuit of innovation that some of the cultural industries carry out through the use of new technologies. Similarly, this work establish a link between the now living process of stereoscopic 3D and other technological advances that took place in the past, like the advent of sound or color, which introduced changes in the audiovisual language and how to produce and consume images. In order to develop this research, several sources about stereoscopy’s history have been consulted, as well as some interviews in which stereoscopic 3D professionals talk about some of the last trends in the industry and the changes that visual language may be experiencing as a result. The data obtained allow us to assume that the 3D stereoscopic will be implemented not only in films but also in television programs, documentaries, sports events and video games, with important implications in terms of production, distribution and exhibition.