Every so often the movie industry gets worried. And every time it comes up with the same answer: “Let’s make films in 3-D!” Now is one of those times and there’s a whole world of 3-D technology about to hit the market.

Avatar , James Cameron’s first film since Titanic, is due out in 2009. It cost $200 million and will feature extensive computer animation and an eco-parable plot about a man merging with an alien. Other film directors involved in 3-D include Quentin Tarantino, who is threatening to make 3-D porn films .

The most awesome sounding 3-D technology comes from Japan. It uses scanning lasers to vaporise oxygen molecules, causing tiny explosions. When it’s very fast, it creates a 3-D glowing image in mid-air. Pink Tentacle have all the details.

Even the humble View-Master, which lets you watch 3-D images on a paper disc, is returning. Hollywood art magazine Arkitip has collaborated with Danish design collective Wood Wood to produce a limited edition View-Master used as a 3-D exhibition catalogue.

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