8 Cool 3D Videos on YouTube

3D is an entertaining technology being used in mega-blockbusters like Avatar and in homemade experiments on YouTube. Unfortunately, the latter are often more likely to make you feel sick with unsynced cameras or shaky hands than to leave you feeling entertained. Never fear, there are some good ones out there even if you don't have fancy glasses.
Rather than just bring you a list of 3D movie trailers (all cool in their own rights), we scoured the web for some videos of people using 3D technology and tricks in unique ways.

We found videos explaining how YouTube 3D works, some incredible 3D video illusions, and the first 3D camera-shift music video. Read on for eight amazing videos using 3D. (Be sure to click on the links for the full 3D experience, as embedded videos do not currently display the full effect.)

1. 3D Without Glasses, Cross-Eye


Like 3D? Don't have glasses? Like going cross-eyed? If you've ever stared at a Magic Eye optical illusion picture and actually got it to work, now you can watch any video on YouTube in 3D. If this techniques gives you a massive headache, don't worry, there are more options in the next video.

2.  YouTube in 3D


Ah, finally an explanation! Peter Bradshaw, a software engineer at YouTube, explains how you can change any video to 3D with a simple tag. The tag also creates a handy drop-down with a ton of ways to watch those videos. That way you don't have to, you know, cross your eyes.

3. 3D Mirascope



A combination of mirrors creates this entirely life-like hologram of a stone. After several plays, it's still way over my head. Sometimes analog can be the most impressive tech.

4. The Making of the Crevasse



3D street art isn't revolutionary but this video gives a great behind the scenes look at how a giant "crevasse" was created. Some nice fun as people begin to play with the art.

5.  WoW -- Wrath of the Lich King



You don't need to love, or even know, World of Warcraft to appreciate the use of 3D with this clip. This is an epic example of what YouTube's 3D filters can achieve.

6.  Crazy Cube Illusion


Too much free time? Probably. Still really cool? Definitely. Hat tip to the creators of this illusion for creating a trippy conversation piece.

7.  Three Dragons Illusion


Believe it or not, no digital editing was applied to this video. These dragons are examples of the well-known "hollow face" illusion. Watch to the end for the simple reveal.

8. First 3D Camera-Shift Music Video


This music video for "Doubtful Comforts" by Blue Roses is apparently the first camera-shift music video ever made. It employs wiggle stereoscopy -- which is the same technique used to create simple GIF images. It essentially re-creates the 3D technique of overlaying images, as used by big-name films, but using still-cameras instead of video cameras. Beautiful, but seriously not for the easily motion-sick. If you want to get technical, the video isn't really 3D, as by definition, each eye has to be looking at a different image to create a truly 3D effect. Wiggle stereoscopy alternates quickly between two perspectives in the image or video itself. So you don't need special glasses to provide two different perspectives. We think it's a fun trick, though.


What did you like more, the 3D technology or the 3D tricks? Any videos you can recommend? Let us know in the comments below! 

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