3D Blu-ray FAQ

3D Blu-ray FAQ

Question: What is Disney Blu-ray 3D?

Answer: Disney Blu-ray 3D is the best - and only - way to watch Disney 3D movies at home because only Blu-ray 3D offers a pristine high definition 1080p 3D experience - better than any 3D HD broadcast.

Blu-ray 3D utilises an advanced technology called frame sequential 3D which offers a crisp, clear High Definition 3D picture. Disney Blu-ray 3D is revolutionary, state of the art 3D that puts your favourite characters into your living room and immerses you completely in your favourite Disney films.


Question: Can Blu-ray 3D movies be viewed in 2D?

Answer: It will depend on the movie you have purchased. There are two types of Blu-ray 3D available:
Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray 2D on one disc (3D/2D compatible)
Blu-ray 3D-only on one disc (3D-only)

When you're watching a 3D/2D compatible disc in 2D, you are actually watching a single eye view of your film (i.e. the left eye or right eye only). 3D/2D compatible discs will be able to play-back in 2D on Blu-ray 2D-only players as well as Blu-ray 3D players.

In many cases, the single eye view will be almost identical to the 2D version of your Blu-ray film. In cases where the single eye version of the film is noticeably different, movie studios may choose to keep the 3D version of the film on a Blu-ray 3D-only Disc (playable only in Blu-ray 3D players), and the 2D version of the film on a 2D-only disc (playable in 2D and Blu-ray 3D players). Check your Blu-ray movie packaging for the viewing options available to you.


Question: Do Disney Blu-ray 3D discs play on a regular Blu-ray player?

Answer: If you place your Blu-ray 3D movie into your Blu-ray 2D-only player, there are two possible outcomes:
1. If the disc you have selected is 3D/2D compatible, you will be able to watch your film in 2D. 3D playback in a Blu-ray 2D player is not possible.
2. If the disc you have selected is a Blu-ray 3D-only Disc, your film will not be able to play.

In order to watch your film in 3D, you will need a 3D HDTV, a Blu-ray 3D player (or a 3D firmware upgrade for existing PLAYSTATION®3 hardware), and 3D glasses compatible with your 3DTV. Your TV and player will need to be connected with HDMI cables.


Question: Do I need glasses to view 3D?

Answer: Yes, you will need 3D glasses that are compatible with your 3D HDTV. Most 3DTV glasses run on batteries (some rechargeable, depending on the brand), and sync to your 3DTV via an infrared or Bluetooth signal.

Most glasses are designed specifically to work with a particular brand of TV so you should consult your user manual prior to purchasing.

There are select 3D-enabled computers that may be available with "auto-stereoscopic" displays - these are displays that allow the user to view 3D without the use of 3D glasses. These displays may not be able to offer full 1080p quality.


Question: Can everyone see in 3D?

Answer: No, about 5-10 per cent of the population have limited or no stereo vision. Some people who otherwise have normal everyday depth perception may have trouble viewing filmed content in 3D.

If you have had trouble seeing 3D images in theatres, you may not be able to see 3D at home.

Disney recommends that you check out the 3DTV demo stations set up at your local retailer if you have concerns, and be sure to ask if what you're viewing is true 1080p Blu-ray 3D, before you purchase.


Question: Can I watch Disney Blu-ray 3D movies on my computer?

Answer: With the right equipment and software, yes, you can watch Disney Blu-ray 3D movies on your computer. In most cases you will need a 3D-enabled display/monitor, 3D software, compatible graphics card, compatible 3D glasses with a compatible 3D emitter, and a Blu-ray Disc drive & Blu-ray playback software. There are additional minimal system requirements that will need to be followed in most cases such as:
Advanced/ recent operating system (such as Windows Vista or Windows 7)
High-speed processor (such as Intel®Core™2 Duo or AMD Athalon™X2 CPU or higher)
1-2 GB of system memory
100 MB free disc space

Disney suggests you consult your computer manufacturer for additional detail and guidance.


Question: How is Blu-ray 3D technology different from the 3D that uses the red/blue glasses?
Answer: The red/blue glasses you've seen in the past utilise an older colour-filtering stereoscopic technology called Anaglyph that limits the range of colours you see on the screen, and provides a limited 3D immersive experience.

Blu-ray 3D utilises an advanced technology known as Frame Sequential 3D, that offers a crisp, clear High Definition 3D picture. Blu-ray 3D offers you 1080P High Definition stereoscopic images for both your right and left eye utilising the full wide array of colours available on Blu-ray. To experience Blu-ray 3D, you will need a 3DTV, compatible 3D glasses (no more red/blue paper lenses!), a Blu-ray 3D player (or a 3D firmware upgrade for existing PLAYSTATION®3 hardware), and a Blu-ray 3D movie. Your TV and player will need to be connected with HDMI cables.


Question: Can I use my red/blue paper glasses to view Blu-ray 3D?

Answer: No, you will not be able to see advanced Blu-ray 3D High Definition with red/blue paper (anaglyph) glasses. You will need 3D glasses that are compatible with your 3D HDTV. Please see your 3DTV manufacturer's instructions for additional guidance.

There is a very small handful of Disney Blu-ray titles available (such as Hannah Montana Concert) that do in fact utilise colour-filtering anaglyph 3D, and are packed with red/blue paper glasses. These anaglyph Blu-ray titles cannot duplicate the quality, clarity, and depth experience of advanced frame sequential 1080p Blu-ray 3D.


Question: Does everyone watching 3D content on a 3DTV need to wear glasses?

Answer: Yes, every person watching 3D content on a 3DTV must wear compatible 3D glasses to see the 3D effect. To viewers not wearing 3D glasses, the 3D image on the screen will appear distorted. There is currently no technology that allows a single 3DTV to display both 2D and 3D content simultaneously without glasses.

Most viewers who wear prescription lenses should be able to experience full 3D effects and most 3D glasses are designed to be large enough to fit comfortably over an existing pair of glasses.


Question: Do 3DTVs come with glasses?

Answer: Select 3DTV models will come with glasses, but the inclusion of glasses will vary by manufacturer and model. You should pay close attention to your manufacturer's specifications as many 3D glasses designed to work only with a particular brand of 3DTV.


Question: What is the Disney 3DTV difference in Australia?

Answer: Disney has committed to delivering our quality content to more audiences in more ways that enhance the viewing experience, and we see 3D as a key way of doing this. We have seen the success of 3D at the cinemas, and we are now seeing customers really start to embrace the 3D experience at home with a significant increase in households with 3D hardware.
We are pleased that we will be able to deliver customers what they are asking for with a growing range of quality Disney branded content - and just in time to enjoy of the festive holiday season!


Question: Can we expect to see more of Disney's classic back catalogue released in 3D during 2012?

Answer: At Disney we are always looking at what opportunities there are to deliver more of our content to more people to enjoy in more ways. We continue to review all our products, both new release and back catalogue, to see what opportunities there are to deliver content in 3D where we see our customers want it.


Question: How important is packing in multiple copies of discs (DVD and 2D) in a Blu-ray 3D case, so that a Blu-ray 3D title is going to be accessible to people who may upgrade to 3D at a later date?

Answer: More and more customers are buying what we call 'value packs' which include a DVD, Blu-ray disc and Blu-ray 3D disc as it gives them the flexibility of watching their favourite movie on whatever device they have right now, as well as ensuring they have the right format for when they upgrade - all for one value for money price point!


Question: Disney's animated product in particular is suited to 3D release at home, to what extent has this driven Disney's interest in the format?

Answer: Disney strives to be at the forefront of technological innovation and our commitment to 3D is a testament to that. Coupled with Disney's renowned heritage for great story-telling, 3D delivers our audiences the ultimate in enhanced movie-watching experience.


Disney is an industry leader in 3D and our commitment to using 3D in the right stories continues - as you will see with our 2011 slate. 3D is a perfect opportunity to enhance and expand the traditional cinema experience, especially in world-building genres like fantasy and animation. 3D can be a powerful storytelling mechanism and make films more spectacular. However, as always, our focus is on creating high-quality entertainment that features great storytelling and compelling characters. Additionally, we will only do 3D when it's the highest quality.