Evaluating Subjective Impressions of Quality Controlled 3D Films on Large and Small Screens

We investigate audiences' subjective impressions of two high-quality 3D stereoscopic films when viewed on a large projected display (160-in diagonal). We further show that our results are repeatable using TV-sized displays (50-in diagonal) and sites outside our laboratory. The literature proposes a number of algorithms that aim to produce high-quality stereoscopic depth in 3D films. Many of these algorithms limit the stereoscopic depth to a defined depth budget, which can be dynamically allocated through the course of a film. However, there have been no detailed studies evaluating audiences' subjective impressions of 3D films that utilize such algorithms, which is something we seek to correct in this study. This study comprises an original experiment and four differentiated replications, across which we vary the film, display technology, and international location used. All of these experiments implement a pre-test post-test quasi-experiment design, in which participants were asked, before and after viewing a 3D film, to rate their agreement with five statements concerning 3D films. These statements addressed the viewing experience, comfort, naturalness, suitability to conveying complex information, and benefit to learning associated with 3D displays. One of two possible films were shown to each participant, both of which were produced using our own stereoscopic depth control algorithms and have won national or international awards, giving independent confirmation of their quality. Our results indicate that audiences' responses to our five statements change positively after viewing high-quality 3D films. Furthermore, these results are repeatable for large and TV-sized displays, as well as for locations outside our laboratory. We conclude that it is important to produce high-quality content with a carefully controlled depth budget in order to evoke positive reactions in audiences to 3D films.