Is the 3D Blu-ray worth it?

[Hiccup's Apprentice]

I'm considering getting a 3D TV sometime soon, and one of the films I'm going to get with it is HTTYD. I was amazed seeing it in 3D in the theatre, and I'd love to be able to see it in 3D again anytime I want.

I'm concerned about how good the theatre-to-Bluray transfer is going to be for the 3D version. Are the 3D effects just as good as they were in the theatres? I ask this because they toned down the music of the DVD release, in theatres it was much louder and more prominent, but in the DVD version they made it quieter and more subdued most of the time. If the 3D isn't as good in the home video version, it'll make me reconsider getting a 3D TV then.

Anybody here have the 3D Blu-ray? Is it any good? Thanks

[conay]

I hate to tell you, 3D is a huge disappointment when it comes to the home. Unless you can fork out for an 75" superscreen, then it really isn't worth it. Usually the picture is darker and it you are left feeling rather...disappointed.

[Hiccup's Apprentice]

Thanks for the warning. I'm aware of the general drawbacks of home 3D, such as how the image will be darker because the active glasses dim the picture quite a bit. Also it won't be as impressive as viewing it on a silver screen at the theatre (The screen I'm looking to get is only 24", but I'll be sitting within 2 feet of it). I'm thinking of getting this TV because I need a new one that's small enough to fit on my desk, and I can get this screen cheaper than a regular TV at a similar size.

I wanted to know if the transfer of the content itself was any good or not. If the 3D in the transfer itself has been toned down so much as to be barely perceptible or outright pointless, then I'd think twice about buying. If it's anything remotely similar to the 3DS's 3D with the brightness turned way down (and while wearing silly glasses), then I won't be upset.

[TheCube]

If you're watching the DVD with the stereo speakers, it might simply be that the stereo signal coming either from the source DVD or the converted stereo output signal (downmixing done by the TV) have recessed the rear channels from the original surround mix, where I'm guessing much of the music is coming from. I have neither the disc nor a 5.1 surround system, so I can't really confirm this, but that's my $0.02.

Turning back to the main topic: I don't know if there's any reason the 3D should be toned down compared to the theatrical release. It's a 3D animation, and they should be able to keep the same depth/pop-out no matter what format they write it onto. Is this a concern among 3D blu-rays?

Nonetheless, I'm pretty sure it's gonna be a better viewing experience than 3DS's nausea-inducing 3D.

[Hiccup's Apprentice]

So, I went out and got it a few days ago. I've been able to watch HTTYD 3D twice, plus a few other movies too.

My verdict: it's *very* nice. The 3D adds a good sense of depth to everything, and there are several spots where it just looks really, really good (I'm looking at you, Test Drive scene), but it never feels forced or out-of-place. I'm quite happy, even with occasional ghosting and background blurriness. If you'd like a more in-depth review (no pun intended) or impressions, just let me know.

[TheCube]

Glad my advice wasn't misleading stuff. So depth is only relative to the screen size... I guess.

What's your viewing distance, btw? I think that would have a HUGE impact on the 3D experience.

[Hiccup's Apprentice]

Viewing distance when I'm the only one watching is 2 to 3 feet. When watching with my brother, it's 4 to 6 feet. The 3D is much clearer with less ghosting the closer I am, and there's less ghosting when I'm not looking at the TV on an angle.

There is some ghosting that occurs during the movie that I can't seem to get rid of. It's mostly on background stuff, but there is some on ghosting on the left side (my left) of Hiccup's face in several scenes. The ghosting is not random and always happens at the same points of the movie.

I can change the 'output screen size' of the movie; normally it's supposed to be set to 24 inches. If I set it to a lower number, it reduces the ghosting but also reduces the depth. Increasing the number makes the depth seem deeper but makes the ghosting worse and more widespread. Other people here who have the 3D version and have ghosting could try to reduce this number to see if it helps.