Retro 3D Learns a New Trick

A couple of weeks ago when I launched Retro 3D into Early Access, I posted an article on Reddit announcing the launch.

One comment introduced me to a 3D concept called the Pulfrich Effect that I did not know about (see comment thread below). The very simple explanation of this effect: if you have an element stable in the foreground of a video, movement in the background, and watch with one eye darkened (using sunglasses with a single lens, for example), your brain will interpret what it sees as 3D.

The cool thing about this technique, as pointed out in this video, is that without glasses, it just looks like a regular video (unlike the red and cyan anaglyph videos I supported initially).

Because I’m already simulating different colored lenses in the current Retro 3D app, adding an additional type of lens effect was straightforward…

So, I’m excited to announce Retro 3D’s first update! Retro 3D now supports both red+cyan anaglyph images AND Pulfrich Effect videos.

This update is now live in the Meta Quest Store. If you’ve already purchased Retro 3D, you’ll get the update automatically 🎉

I’ve updated the UI with two buttons that allow you to quickly switch between the two modes (see image below). This is a little clunky, and I have some sketches for a reimagined interface, but for now I just want to get the feature published so you can start playing with it.

I’ve created a couple of YouTube playlists to help jumpstart your Retro 3D experience:
📽️Retro 3D: Pulfrich Effect playlist

📽️Retro 3D: Anaglyph 3D playlist

Please consider subscribing to my YouTube @granthnk channel while you’re at it - I’m just getting started there and could use a bump!

Want more videos? Use this YouTube search to find more Pulfrich Effect examples

If you have a Quest 3, get Retro 3D for 99% off using this promo code: RETRO3DEARLYACCESS-2E107A.

👉 Retro 3D on the Quest Store

This Early Access Launch Promo has been extended through 8/14 - so hurry and grab it now! Tell all of your friends! 😊

I love hearing from people who are actually using what I make! This new feature is a great example of that…

Is there another 3D technique you’d like to see? Or maybe just a feature that relies on doing something interesting with per-eye filters? Let me know!