Recent conversion of Second World War footage from black and white to colour has surely made the images more vivid, and now Sky 3D is set to unveil a world first.
A discovery from the Imperial War Museum of the only known stereoscopic 3D footage of Nazi soldiers has made WWII in 3D possible, and will air on Sky’s 3D channel in May.
The documentary, co-produced by Flight 33, reveals some fascinating insight into how the 3D footage was made.
A handy 2D documentary explaining how the format works has also been dug up between the antics.
The 3D footage, DIE FLAKSCHIESSLEHRE (Anti-Aircraft Firing Instructions), depicts Nazi soldiers preparing for combat and goes alongside a raft of 3D photographs that were also discovered.
The photos were believed to have been taken secretly by a civilian and will also feature in WWII in 3D.
The documentary is set to intensify the vision of the war as we see it now, and bring home more than ever the impact that the war had on the century and our understanding of global war.
Where 3D is concerned, the format is a fascinating relic in the Nazi party’s propaganda machine, and as a component in the Second World War.
John Cassy, who directed WWII in 3D, spoke about this latest addition to Sky’s 3D catalogue:
“This is truly a remarkable find seeing the 3D footage made by the Nazis and the accompanying films on how to use them is a compelling insight into how the medium was used during the war.
“3D is often seen as a modern innovation, but this incredible footage reminds us that it’s been around for decades were completely thrilled to be working with IWM to remaster it for the 21st century.”
Given that to be shocked, fascinated and appalled really is the purpose of a documentary on such an event as this, Sky 3D has a truly unique offering to both the worlds of documentation and broadcasting, and our understanding of one of history’s darkest chapters.