Кинотеатры Индии сохраняют доминирование 3D-формата: только 15% сеансов «Человека-паука» показывали в 2D

If you're trying to book a non-3D show of Spider-Man, good luck. You'll have to really search for a screening at a time and location that works for you - and the reason is simple: exhibitors aren't allotting many 2D shows in the first place. Only about 1 in 7 shows of a film is in 2D. Moviegoers might beg to differ on the demand, though - the handful of 2D shows that are scheduled tend to fill up just as fast as the 3D ones. Recently, a couple of viewers on social media complained about catching an eye infection due to 3D glasses. We spoke to exhibitors and moviegoers to understand the 3D experience. '3D is no longer a default choice' Globally, enthusiasm for 3D has cooled. Exhibitors, however, say India's 3D market tells a different story, with take rates hitting 75 - 80% for the right content. Aamer Bijli, Lead – Specialist Innovation, Film Marketing and Digital Programming at PVR INOX Ltd, earlier told us that 3D hasn't lost its relevance so much as its default status. "Today, 3D cinema maintains its valuable place. Even though it is no longer a default choice for today's consumer, it still works best when it complements the content and enhances the overall movie experience- making every frame feel more alive and meaningful, especially in big-budget blockbusters and animated films that benefit from added depth," he said Higher ticket prices for 3D shows, cinema experts add, are also part of why cinemas keep pushing the format - a 3D ticket typically runs more than its 2D equivalent. A studio executive says, "It is not a huge difference, but there's a Rs 30–40 difference per ticket based on the category. However, more 3D shows means more revenue for cinemas. Another reason is that if a cinema is showing a 3D film in almost all its shows, it's very rare that a moviegoer will wait for it to come out on a streaming platform instead." Devang Sampat, MD Cinepolis India earlier told us, “We typically run about 28–30 3D titles each year, and over 80–85% of them are Hollywood productions. The format performs well for animation, sci-fi, and superhero films.These aren’t just movies with 3D slapped on - they are experiences that genuinely benefit from the technology.” 'Finding a 2D alternative is a struggle in itself' For some viewers, the format isn't really a choice at all. Ajay Sinha, a moviegoer, who wears power glasses, which makes 3D physically uncomfortable - but he says finding a 2D alternative is its own struggle. "I use power glasses so 3D is not a comfortable choice, and finding a 2D show is quite difficult. Even if there are shows, sometimes those are not in the language you prefer or the time when you want to watch it. So one ends up watching 3D shows, because we consider two major factors while picking a show - time and location. And 3D shows fit that." Others are less conflicted about it. Chandrima, a viewer who recently watched a film in 3D, says she's never had a bad experience with the glasses themselves. "I have always picked 3D when available because of the experience," she says. "If you want to watch Lion King, you can't not go for 3D. I never caught any infection. But yes, headache or watery eyes or itching is an issue that often occurs." The itching and eye strain she describes are the same complaints that have circulated more widely online, where a handful of viewers have claimed the glasses gave them an eye infection. What's less in dispute is that most moviegoers have no idea the glasses handed to them have been worn before. "I didn't know that these glasses are not new. This is surprising," says Mohd Akeeb, a moviegoer. The glasses you get handed aren't new, but they're not from the last show either: Exhibitors The glasses you get handed aren't new, but they're not fresh off the last show either, at least according to exhibitors, who say every pair goes through multiple rounds of cleaning after each use. Devang Sampat, MD of Cinépolis says,"Guest safety and visual fidelity are at the absolute heart of the moviegoing experience. At Cinépolis, all our projectors have the RealD 3D system, which is the finest in the world when it comes to 3D technology. Every 3D glass we procure is directly from RealD 3D itself, ensuring our customers get nothing but the best." Devang Sampat says each cinema is equipped with a dedicated 3D lens cleaning room. "We use optical-grade, polarized glasses designed to deliver a bright, clear picture while remaining light and comfortable on the eyes," he says. "To completely protect audience health, every single pair goes through a rigorous five-step cleaning process after every show - from a deep detergent wash and a full dip in medical-grade disinfectant, to careful drying, microfiber polishing, and individual packaging. Every moviegoer receives a freshly washed, sanitized, and sealed pair, guaranteeing a crystal-clear view and eliminating any risk of eye infections like conjunctivitis." Deepak Adwani, Executive Director of Miraj Entertainment Ltd., echoes the sentiment. He shares,"Hygiene around 3D glasses is something we take very seriously at Miraj Cinemas. Every pair we use is sourced from certified manufacturers, and after every show, each pair goes through a proper sanitisation process before it's handed to the next guest. So every single viewer receives a freshly sanitised pair, never a reused one straight off the previous show. Our staff are also trained to check each pair for damage or wear before it goes back into circulation, so quality and cleanliness are both accounted for." Box 1 - 3D & 2D show ratio Recently, in Delhi/NCR, based on data from a ticket platform, 355 shows were allotted to Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Among these: 3D shows: 301 (85%) 2D shows: 54 (15%) Box 2 - Who decides how many shows will be in 2D or 3D? A distributor who is aware of these negotiations says, "It's a decision made jointly by the studio and the exhibitors, though exhibitors usually have the upper hand. While a studio may prefer having more 2D shows, it is also fully aware that doing so could affect the film's box-office collections. As a result, scheduling more 3D shows is generally seen as a win-win for both sides.