New research indicates that, far from enhancing viewers’ enjoyment, 3D films triple the risk of eyestrain and headache

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According to a study of 400 filmgoers by L Mark Carrier, of California State University, 3D movies do not allow viewers to experience more intense emotional reactions, are no more immersive, and do not offer any advantage over their 2D counterparts in terms of enhancing the ability to recall a film’s details. Carrier’s study did, however, suggest that watching films in stereoscope increased threefold the risk of eyestrain, headache or trouble with vision.

“All other things being equal, I would say you’re increasing your chances of having some discomfort,” said Carrier at the America Psychological Association’s annual meeting on Sunday. “There aren’t going to be any benefits in terms of understanding the movie better or making the movie more meaningful, as far as we can tell,” he added.

Participants in the research were asked to watch one of three films –Alice in Wonderland, Clash of the Titans and How to Train Your Dragon– in either 2D or 3D. They were then asked to detail their responses using a list of 60 words ranging from the mild, such as “enjoyment”, to the more intense, such as “anger” and “rage”. Carrier says there was very little difference between the response of those who watched in 2D and those who viewed in 3D, which surprised researchers.

“Many of us were like, 3-D movies are so cool, it’s gotta do something,” Carrier said. “It didn’t seem to enhance your memory at all. That’s an unfortunate implication.”

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Read the full story here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/aug/11/3d-no-better-than-2d