Is 3D here to stay? Could 3D audio be the next technology production companies roll out in order to lure customers back to cinemas and away from free downloads over the internet?

A recent article in The New York Times has suggested that the estimated $58.2 million in tickets at North American theatres over the opening weekend of ‘Monsters vs. Aliens’ “indicates that 3-D is the story”. The article goes on to say that a very significant number of theatres are being equipped for future 3D releases suggesting that the movie format could be here to stay this time.

Given the success of ‘Monsters vs. Aliens’ and the willingness of audiences to wear 3D glasses, could it be imaginable that they would be happy to wear headphones at the movies for a 3D audio effect? Using headphones at the cinema would allow for the ultimate surround sound experience, given that speakers can only create a convincing effect for a small number of seats in the cinema at the so-called ‘sweet spot‘. Movies could also be played in many different languages at the same time.

It’s an interesting concept, only time will tell.