Perceptual artefacts, suspension of disbelief and realism in stereoscopic 3D film

Abstract

Stereoscopic film has long held an allure as the ultimate in fidelity for cinema and, as such, been a goal for those seeking the most compelling illusion of reality. However, the fundamental and technical limitations of the medium introduce a number of artefacts and imperfections that impact the viewer experience. The renaissance of stereoscopic three-dimensional (S3D) film requires that film-makers revisit assumptions and conventions about factors that influence the visual appreciation and impact of their medium. This article will discuss a variety of these issues from a perceptual standpoint and their implications for depth perception, visual comfort and sense of scale. The impact of these perceptual artefacts on the suspension of disbelief and the creation of alternate realities is discussed as is their deliberate use when artistic considerations demand breaks with realism.

16‐2: Invited Paper: Causes and Consequences of IPD Mismatch in XR Devices

“…Rather than see shape distorted due to IPD mismatch, viewers often report associated changes in the overall scale of the environment (miniaturization or gigantism). This phenomenon is due to compensatory changes in perceived distance to preserve the shape of objects (40).…”

Moving toward reality: Electrocortical reactivity to naturalistic multimodal emotional videos

“…Compared to static scenes, multimodal video clips present several problems with regard to experimental control when recording electroencephalography (EEG). In order to interpret the potential differences in electrocortical reactivity across video contents, the video set should not differ systematically in basic sensory and perceptual features, while retaining factors that promote realism (Allison et al., 2013; Lin & Peng, 2015). These include a continuous single shot, a landscape perspective that places the viewer in a ground‐level position, ambient sound track without music or narration, and videographic quality that does not suggest professional creation, to enhance the impression that the clip represents a genuine event.…”

Expanded stereoscopy: Alternative aesthetics for artistic expression in 3D films

“…This enhancement of spatial perception through binocular vision ‘supports various artistic goals such as realism, spectacle, spatial consistency across shots, and intimacy. ... [But it] also brings perceptual challenges and artefacts to the experience of a film’ (Allison et al, 2013: 151).…”