The New Audioscopiks (1938)

Three years have made quite a difference to this updated explanation of just how 3D is going to change cinema for ever. Again, in the hands of our guide Pete Smith, we get the disposable cardboard and plastic specs on and are presented with some brief examples of just how that third dimension can augment our usually more linear vision. The script here gives Smith more scope for his quips and the scenarios more extended and animated. There’s a couple trapped by a fire, or a flapping fish; a couple having a lively domestic and even a telescopic lens that could end up taking your eyes out (or blowing you to smithereens). I think it also illustrates just how limiting a format this is, though, as some people can end up wearing two sets of glasses and those who don’t wear them at all are not so keen on starting with these. It’s quite a fun film and it does show the potential of this cinematic advance when in creative hands.