Critique: Blue-Ray 3D

Rating: F

Last month, Blockbuster's Canadian Unit filed for bankruptcy protection. With news that Blockbuster would be closing a handful of stores, I went to see if there were any good deals to be had. I saw a copy of Tron: Legacy for Blue-Ray 3D and thought about picking it up. But taking a look at the package, I decided to put it down.

To watch the movie in 3D you need:
- A 3D TV
- 3D Glasses
- 3D Player
- 3D Disc

Really?! Are you kidding me?! While I understand the need for all of these components, I am NOT shelling out for a new TV, at LEAST 2 pairs of 3D glasses, AND a 3D friendly Blue-Ray Player JUST so I can watch a movie. And anyone foolish enough to do so really needs their head examined.
A 3D TV (46")costs roughly $2,500. A pair of 3D glasses will run (depending on which pair you buy) about $150. Each. Unless you plan on watching movies alone, you'll need at least 2 pairs, so that's $300. A Playstation3 console is probably the best value you'll get for a 3D capable player, and that will cost another $300. So before you even consider watching a movie in 3D, you've already spent $3,500.

Watching a movie in 3D at the local cinema will run you roughly $15. Even if you're paying for your date, that will run you $30. You can enjoy over 100 movies in 3D and still be less expensive than BUYING all these components.

OK, fine. You've got a family of 4 and you'd like to watch these 3D movies in the comfort of your own home. But think about it, how much available media is there in 3D? Even at the cinema, only select movies are available in 3D. Television programming isn't yet in 3D. Very select titles in games are available in 3D. If you add up all the available 3D media to date, I doubt you will reach 100 titles! And even if you're currently looking for a new TV, you can get a decent HDTV with 1080p for under $1,000 these days.

Oh, and here's the kicker. Toshiba's already showing off a glasses-less 3D TV. Granted, 40"+ is still likely a few years away, but to spend that much money for stop-gap technology? Give me a break!

~Cheers.