https://kinolorber.com/product/the-glass-web-3-d?srsltid=AfmBOorG_kY-1rWV08OKszR6afWqgUPE9jWUwZoLjgZ6dPxSYeHc3keN

The announcement from THE 3D FILM ARCHIVE Kino Lorber  had spent the money to clear the music rights to Jack Arnold’s 2nd 3D Feature, THE GLASS WEB came as a wonderful surprise. It meant, God’s grace, I would at last see all of the Universal 1950s 3D motion pictures with the exception of a short with Nat King Cole (again music rights are blocking the restoration).

Today (April 9, 2025) having seen the picture twice (the second time with the superb commentary) I have a huge vote of thanks for the work of Kino Lorber, the 3D Film Archive and director Jack Arnold, a film maker who first and foremost always kept the audience in minds when making his films (2D and 3D).

When audiences think of 3D they primarily look forward to off screen effects (pop out).

I projected THE GLASS WEB on a huge 150 inch screen with an Optoma Projector that delivers lots of light ( 3500 ANSI Lumens ) which is a must for 3D viewing.

The essential thing which must be remembered when creating a work meant to be seen by a mass audience is that we are creating first and foremost an entertainment.

Let us then entertain.That means we must surpass the expectations of the audience.

The use of the Third Dimension in this picture is exemplary. THE GLASS WEB meets and surpasses my expectations.

We get wonderful off screen effects which contrary to the “experts” do not me out of the picture nor, I believe, do they anyone else. This is what we look for in a 3D movie. The use of depth throughout gives the feeling I am observing life.

From the commentary I learned that most (nearly all) theaters chose to exhibit this picture in 2D which is a shame.

Nonetheless Universal continued to use 3D in Douglas Sirk’s TAZA, SON OF COCHISE, and in Jack Arnold’s CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON (1954) and his THE REVENGE OF THE CREATURE (1955). The boxoffice success of the latter in 3D we are told almost led to a revival of the medium. Too bad it didn’t.

Personally I love watching 3D motion pictures.

I know I am not alone.

My feeling is that audiences love good 3D.

We get great use of 3D as a story telling tool in all of the 1950s Universal pictures.

Kudos to Universal, Kino Lorber and, most especially to the 3D Film Archive for bringing these pictures to us.

The Blu-ray includes an anaglyph (red and cyan) 3D version. Glasses (1 pair) are supplied.

Everyone can experience THE GLASS WEB as it was designed to be experienced.

In fact, we are experiencing it better than audiences could in the 1950s because any glitches have been fixed.

We are living in a golden age of motion picture restoration.

A big tip of the hat to all involved.–Reg Hartt 2025-04-10.

The Glass Web (3-D) (Blu-ray)

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