The 3D technique used to create the illusion of depth in film actually dates back to the stereoscopic era of motion pictures, which began in Britain in the late 1890s. Film pioneer William Friese-Greene tried to get his process patented, but to no avail. It wasn't until 1922 that a paying audience was first privy to a 3D screening in L.A. The movie was "The Power of Love."

The film style has ebbed and flowed over the century, reaching an apex in the '80s when IMAX and Disney got involved to bring us "Captain EO," which was pretty sweet, in my opinion.

Now, of course, the digital world is reviving the old format, allowing for films such as "Beowulf" to be featured in advanced digital 3D beginning Thursday, Nov. 15 at 9:15 p.m. at the Ridge Cinema in New Berlin.

"Digital 3D technology is light years ahead of traditional 3D 35mm film processes," said Bruce J. Olson, president of Marcus Theatres. "Milwaukee-area audiences will be among the first in the country to experience the vibrant quality and lifelike clarity of 3D images using Dolby 3D Digital Cinema. It pulls viewers right into the action and is unlike anything the movie industry has experienced before."

The digital technology introduced at the Ridge Cinema is the second implementation of digital equipment for Marcus Theatres. Last month the company introduced Dolby 3D Digital Cinema at the Point Cinema in Madison.

"Digital 3D uses a digital cinema projector to rapidly switch images and color schemes between the right and left eyes, which creates incredibly realistic 3D images with no glare or ghosting issues," said Mark Collins, director of projection technologies for Marcus Theatres. "Digital 3D is not limited by how fast film can travel through a projector, so the images are much brighter and are very comfortable to watch."