UNDERGROUND 3D CINEMA

Great 3D at home!

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU ASK THEM

Since this is a very new format, we realize that you will have a LOT of questions.  We've designed this page to answer the questions you will likely be asking.  As always, if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to write to: underground3dmovies@gmail.com


Q. I thought Blu ray discs were for HD and DVDs were only for SD (standard definition)  How can this DVD be in TRUE HD?

A. Since this movie is a video file (to be played on a computer), the DVD simply acts as a "storage container" for the HD video file.  After much thought, we decided to go with dual layer DVDs for this material which holds around 8 GB of information.  This way anyone with a DVD drive (and an HD setup) can play them rather than needing to invest in a blu ray drive.  The size of the video files vary from movie to movie but is generally between 6 and 7 GB which makes them PERFECT for dual layer DVDs.  In most cases, the 720p version of the film will ship on a single layer DVD since the files are generally less than 4 GB.

Q. Why not just put these files on Blu ray disc for playback on a Blu ray player?

A. There is currently no player, software or system that supports full color 3D playback on blu ray disc including stereoscopic player and TriDef media software.  The only Blu ray discs on the market today are in anaglyph (red/blue or green/magenta)  This may change when the industry decides on a standardized 3D format.  For now though, the best way to view HD 3D material with with a computer and stereoscopic player or TriDef media software.


Q. Can I view these movies without a "3D-ready" HD TV?"

A. Sure!  There are a number of HD displays available on the market that support 3D.  For a list, click HERE  You can also watch this material on a CRT monitor using the X3D system available HERE (second item on page) as well as on other standard definition monitors equipped with 3D systems  However, although it will play on a regular CRT monitor, it will not look NEARLY as good as an HD display since it will need to scale it down.  Most CRT monitors don't support HD resolution.  However, it will likely look noticeably better than field sequential material even on the lowest quality display.

Q. What is HD resolution?

A.  Full 1080p is currently the BEST resolution available for home viewing.  It is 1920 X 1080.  720p is also available which is 1280 X 720.   720p is not quite as high quality as 1080p, but both are certainly higher quality than standard definition which is 720 X 480.   The resolutions of the 3D-ready HD displays can be found on that same list HERE

Q. Are these files Blu ray quality?
A. Not quite, but they are pretty close!  There is currently no stereo 3D movie player that supports the format that blu ray disc files are encoded to.  Some compromises had to be made in order to convert these movies to full color (the original files were anaglyph) as well as reduce the file size.  While working on the files, they remained UNCOMPRESSED (yes, this required several TB of hard drive space between the 3 of them) but to burn to a dual layer DVD, we used the highest quality codecs and compression available.  In short, if the only 3D you've seen up until now is standard resolution field sequential or side by side, you're in for a real treat with the movies!

Q. My monitor does not support full 1080p.  Can I watch these movies on it?

A. YES!  You'll see on the 3D TV list that some monitors have lower resolution than full 1080 (ex. 1360x768)  This is STILL superior to standard definition.    If your resolution is right in between 720p and 1080p, you have 2 options.
you can purchase the 720p version and stereoscopic player will scale it up for you or you can purchase the 1080p version and stereoscopic player will scale it down.  Either one will work.


Q. Which version should I buy? (1080p or 720p)

A. If you are using a computer with a dual core processor, we recommend 720p.  If you have a quad core processor and a display that supports anything ABOVE 720p (1280 X 720) we recommend, the 1080p since the quality is superior.  We have been told by SOME people that tested these movies that the 1080p version plays fine on their dual core.  However, we cannot guarantee this.

Q. Do the HD discs ship with cases

A. No.  The HD material will ship in a protective paper sleeve.  If there is demand for cases to be included, we may consider offering this option in the future.


Please feel free to write with any questions you may have.  We will add frequently asked questions in the future.  Enjoy the 3D!