Update January 28, 2009: It’s too late to get the glasses mailed to you buy calling the number listed in the press release. Obviously they are being sold on EBay and elsewhere, but if you haven’t given up hope of getting your mitts on the glasses for free, here’s a separate post with a list of participating retailers per Sobe where you can hopefully obtain a pair.
Finally have your glasses? You don’t have to wait for the Super Bowl and Chuck to play with them.
Updated: video of the commercial is below, and here is the official NBC press release on the 3D event and glasses (including info on how to obtain the glasses if your local retailer runs out of them).
There seems to be enough interest in this that I figured I would just do a separate post. I’m not sure if there’s anything 3D in the Super Bowl other than the Monsters vs. Aliens trailer, but I finally watched the commercial that’s been airing in the playoffs for the 3D glasses. According to the ad they will be available at Pepsi and Sobe displays at your favorite retailer, though all that’s displayed in the commercial is a Sobe display that definitely gives Chuck some promotion!
I snapped a screenshot of the commercial with my iPhone, which is not equipped with the greatest of digital cameras, but if you look closely you can see the Chuck promotion.
maybe Chuck will finally get the attention it deserves…hopefully.
This will not increase the viewers of Chuck.
I hope this boosts Chuck’s ratings for the rest on season 2. It’s an awesome show, my favourite in a long time, and it deserves all that it can get. NBC, please promote this even alot and do Chuck some good!
*event.
That’s actually a really good picture; I’d never guess it was taken with a cell phone.
Nice! Im excited for Chuck on Feb 2!
Thanks. I’d been wondering where to get them since I hadn’t seen any ads (not watching the playoffs–lol) The display isn’t up at my store yet but will keep an eye out now.
Thanks Robert, I was waiting for someone to give info on the 3D glasses…can’t wait. I hope this gives Chuck a boost. It’s my favorite show this year.
lol Don’t Chuck Your Glasses!
They’re clever, those guys.
The 3-D glasses appear to be the standard red-blue 3-D (anaglyph) glasses. You
can get them online for as cheap as $0.40 (paper) or $6.95 or so (plastic, and
IMHO, far better if you plan on actually using them).
Anyways, search online (google) for “3d glasses”.
For any photographers reading this, you can also do your own stereo (3D)
photography. See my stuff at http://www.jstrack.org (see the section on
photography—most are at flickr.com … there’s a link) for examples.
–jim
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNK3vdyYdGw
I love Chuck and have seen all the episodes but worry about the ratings on this.
I think the publicity is minimal, and the burden of having to find/get/buy 3d glasses too much.
No1 is gonna get 3d glasses for that stupid commercial, and if people are just watching tv they cant just watch chuck for the first time w.o the glasses.
If ur not a hardcore Chuckie, you wont watch it.
I think Chuck will set the tone of why there isnt 3D tv episodes.
Or i could be wrong, but i doubt it?
What do you guys think.?.?
Some 150 million 3D glasses will be given away for Super Bowl viewers to watch a 90-second 3D sneak preview of the big-screen animated feature “Monsters vs. Aliens.” While 3D telecasts are nothing new, this marks the first time one has been done for such a large audience.
DreamWorks Animation chief executive Jeffrey Katzenberg called the stunt “perhaps the biggest media-advertising event in history.” He wouldn’t give a hard figure on the cost, but said it “involves tens of millions of dollars.”
Katzenberg promised the quality of the 3D will be superior to what has been done in the past. He said the glasses will use Intel InTru 3D and ColorCode 3-D, which updates the old red-blue Anaglyph system.
The technology will also allow those without the glasses to see an almost ordinary image on the TV screen. But, Katzenberg added, it still doesn’t come close to the 3D quality moviegoers will see in theaters when the film opens stateside March 27.
Ivy, thanks. I’ll embed that in the post. OptiTom, thanks for sharing that as well. While there is some wonderful 3D technology for theaters (including better/much more expensive glasses), I am not optimistic that this will be much of an improvement over thin cardboard glasses based 3D for TV that has been around for years.
As for Chuck, I’m increasingly less optimistic it will see much of a bump:
1.) if you watch the ad, although Chuck is referenced on the Sobe display (Don’t “Chuck” your glasses) it isn’t mentioned in the ad at ALL. Monsters vs. Aliens trailer in 3D, check. New Sobe Lizards commercial in 3D, check. Chuck? Not a peep.
2.) That doesn’t bode well for much in the way of real promotion during the Super Bowl. I hope that’s wrong, because if it’s not…
2.) unless on the advertising/text on the glasses themselves it somewhere specifically says “Don’t Chuck your glasses, watch Chuck in 3D on February 2″, most people will chuck their glasses after the Super Bowl. Realistically, most people will even if Chuck is directly promoted on the glasses.
Robert, while I don’t think the bump is going to be that big anyway, I don’t think you can judge the promotion by this spot. They need everyone to go out and get the glasses for Super Bowl and then they’ll tell everyone to save them. If they start talking about Chuck here, it could just get confusing.
They are actually, Intel InTru 3D and ColorCode 3-D, which updates the old red-blue Anaglyph system. This technology allows for non glasses wearers to see an almost normal picture and makes for a better 3-D effect.
Doc
Julia, I agree completely — it comes down to how much it is promoted during the Super Bowl. No conclusions about that can be drawn from the commercial that aired this weekend, but I’m pessimistic anyway just because, you know, it’s NBC…
Doc, and that still seems a lot closer to the paper glasses of old than what you’d get at an Imax set up for 3D! But I hope I’m wrong and completely blown away with the 3D tech like I was the first time I saw Captain EO at EPCOT twenty years ago.
I hope during the trailer and the new Sobe commercial, they throw in a promo with some scenes in 3D for Chuck. That way it’s one shot thing and most logical thing to do. Then probably show the commercial again later in the night or something. NBC did say they were going to heavily promote their Monday night and new show ‘Kings’, but this is NBC so we’ll see.
I certainly hope they start advertising soon. NBC is showing the Golden Globes (don’t know if they still get good ratings) so maybe they can start advertising then? I’m pessimistic about the promotion, but we’ll see
More about the issue:
http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090105005295&newsLang=en
Okay, more and more, this 3D episode is concerning me. I don’t see Chuck getting a huge viewer bump from it, and yet NBC is going to dump millions on the promotion. Right now I think what helps Chuck is that it’s cheap, it gets next to nothing in advertising from NBC, and yet the show is holding it’s own in it’s timeslot. Plus, a sinking Heroes and Knight Rider makes it look good, considering the bucks NBC has dumped on those shows to save them. I think a substantial dollar investment that NBC doesn’t see a payoff from could be a strike against the show when it comes time for renewal.
Here’s the press release from NBC regarding the Super Bowl and the 3D stunt
http://nbcumv.com/release_detail.nbc/broadcasttelevision-200915113639-dreamworksmonster.html
Hey Robert,
any idea what happens with Canadian viewers of Chuck? For one, the show’s moving to Sunday night on City TV (the network that carries it up here). Also, where are we supposed to find these 3D glasses if they’re only distributed in the US?
Thanks!
NBC will probably only start advertising the 3D Chuck episode after the Superbowl and on Monday before the show. They spent the money filming the episode in 3D so they might aswell advertise it well to get the desired viewers. Im really hoping that NBC knows what they’re doing because after all this fuss and money spent on Chuck, and the 3D episode does nothing for the show, then who knows whats next for the show =(
Joyeful, unfortunately I don’t have any idea. But if anyone does, hopefully they will post a comment.
Even though I may not be able to get the glasses from pepsi, thank goodness I got some with my Guinness Book of World Record ‘09… I will be watching… Not the Super Bowl but the Chuck episode… :3
joyeful, I have no idea, but I doubt that CityTV is going to run it in 3D.
There are also UK viewers of ‘Chuck’ – we’re due to be getting season 2 shortly on Virgin 1. Can we have a spare supply of glasses over here?!!?
My grand daughter (11) proudly proclaimed that Chuck was going to be in 3D, last night. I asked her where she heard about it. She just said that the kids at school were talking about it.
Only point I wanted to make is that the 6th graders seem to know a little more than I did prior to last night. Something is working.
I have to agree…hopefully Chuck will get the attention it has earned. It’s obvious to me that NBC really wants Chuck to make it. Stations do not give this much support to a show anymore. They usually just cancel them. Take Eli Stone for example on ABC.
Hey – found an awesome website for anaglyph glasses for the commercial:
http://www.bigsky3d.com – white 3d anaglyph glasses for as low as 17 cents a pair!!!
if anyone sees the glasses say what store you found them at. Thx
This will make kids watch – but I don’t think going ‘3 D’ will do much for adults. 3 D tends to make my head hurt and can be annoying
I got mine taken care of… Hint: Call the number
I’m Canadian but can get WGRZ-HD with my OTA HDTV setup. I ordered ColorCode 3D glasses from here:
http://www.3dstereo.com/viewmaster/gla-cyb.html
Between a personal hobby of shooting 3D DV video for a few years and also being a fan of Chuck, I’m really pumped for this on all counts.
Hi there -
I am having trouble getting out of the house, but would still like to get a few
pairs of the 3-D glasses. I’m having 4 other people over to my place to watch
the game and I would like very much to surprise them with their own pair of the
glasses. If there is a charge for them – please let me know how much/pair.
MAHALO … Thanks
ALOHA Bob Mitiguy … lopaka@aloha.net.
(“Lopaka” is Robert in the Hawaiian language)
………………………………………………………
Those are not the standard red and blue glasses. It just looks like that because of the color of the sobe and the stand. They are actually a lot like the new 3d glasses they use in theatres now. In order to actually watch Chuck in 3d, you do need those glasses.
I just love Chuck from episode 1 it was a good show. I just want to make sure everyone knows that you HAVE TO buy those glasses if you want to watch it in 3d.
People really need to start realizing that they ARE NOT the normal red & blue 3d glasses. You have to get those certain ones.
3dstereo now have a deal on sets of 3 ColorCode glasses (oh sure, after I already ordered a bunch separately) http://www.3dstereo.com/viewmaster/gla-cyb-3.html
To confirm, these ARE specifically for the type of encoding used for the trailer and Chuck.
I just found the display with these glasses in a store! You’ll be surprised to know that the store I found them at was Dollar General. They had a display up for that Sobe LifeWater with a stack of sheets of these 3D glasses. You get 4 pair on a sheet.
I hope you guys know that the 3-D glasses are for the Feb.2 CHUCK episode. They’re not just randomly promoting CHUCK…the episode’s gonna be in 3-D so yea..
Well, I just ordered my 3D glasses for free by calling the number listed in the press release:
1-800-646-2904
I’m not sure they’d deliver glasses to Canada, but it couldn’t hurt to call them.
Can we order these glasses online?
Hey, I just found this link about who made the glasses and more info about the Super Bowl and Chuck thing. Pretty cool, check it out!
http://www.3dglassesonline.com/super_bowl_2009/index.html
I called them and they DO deliver to Canada. All you need to do is call 1-800-646-2904 and they will send them to your house. Completely free of charge.
Please go over to zachary-levi.com and sign the “Renew Chuck for a Third Season” Petition. We need NBC to commit and give the fans what they want..which is more CHUCK!
Chuck is one of the best shows on NBC. If you haven’t watched it yet all you need to do is watch a couple of times and your hooked. Just plain entertainment. You don’t have to believe just enjoy
Chuck is on Monday nights. Don’t miss it.
good luck finding them. i drove all over this morning, and none of the stores had heard anything about any 3d displays.
Barry, it may be too late to call for them now (considering mailing time) but you can call 1-800-646-2904 in order to obtain a pair.
These are not your typical Anaglyph 3D glasses, they are different and they are called Color Code 3D Glasses. I would get them where ever Pepsi products are sold like NBC suggested or you can order them here http://www.3dstereo.com/viewmaster/gla-cyb.html for 1.50 a pair.
this will probobly boost chuck’s viewers, but i think that it will be hard for people to actually get the 3-d glasses. its such a great show though!
There are LOTS of people selling these on eBay. I just order mine for a couple of buck with guaranteed delivery by this weekend.
I got my glasses at KMart today, which had a HUGE pepsi display at the front entrance. I hear Target is also going to have them on Jan 31 right before the superbowl!
awesome!can’t wait till Feb 2!!
I forgot this was coming up…. I have to see if I can find some of those glasses…
Just in case I can’t find them, will the version put on hulu/nbc.com be available in non-3D?
You know, I wonder how watchable it will be without the glasses. If it’s completely not watchable, this whole stunt will probably end up costing Chuck viewers. Lots of them.
I just ordered some from the number listed. I was told they should arrive in time for the Superbowl.
I wanted to thank whoever mentioned dollar general to find the glasses; i had searched everywhere and low and behold on my way to work today i stopped at dollar general and they had a full display of glasses.
I just called the number and was told that due to the overwhelming response, there’s no guarantee that I will receive them.
Target will have a demo agent/worker going into the store that day and working the store for SoBe water, along with passing the glasses out. The glasses go to the demo workers, NOT target. THEY (demo workers) bring them to the store, the store does not have them. Check with your local Target and ask if they have on their ‘event’ calendar a ‘SoBe’ water demo on Sat from 12-4. If so, that agent has 400 pair! I, in fact have 400 pairs and I will be passing these out from 12-4 in the Palm Springs area. We have 3 stores within a 15 mile radius. They were delivered to all of us Monday.
Pick up your glasses at RCN 28 West 23rd Street, 11th Fl, NY, NY 10010
I received my 3D glasses today. They were sent UPS Next Day Air.
Based on the list of locations to obtain the glasses huge areas of the US have been left out of the fun
Indeed, I am wondering whether the 3-D glasses stunt turns out to be a negative for Chuck. If the episode is unwatchable without the glasses, it could be.
If you live in Sacramento, CA, I found the glasses at the Safeway at the corner of Madison and Hazel, the display is in the front of the store near the customer service desk. The store is fairly new and not heavily shopped.
I found the 3D glasses at the Schnucks supermarket in St. Louis. They had lots!!!
I doubt this is going to do anything for Chuck’s ratings. If anything, it might actually hurt the ratings since people have to jump through hoops to get a hold of the special colorcode3D technology 3D glasses. At least if they were standard red and blue you could make your own with a couple of sharpies and some clear plastic. I still haven’t found a pair for myself and I’m only just now discovering there’s an 800 number to call. I hope the episode looks OK without the glasses because I know I won’t have them in time.
I CANT FIND THEM ANYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =-(
Anyone live near grand blanc MI?
I NEED THOSE GLASSES!!
I can’t get my hands on a pair of those glasses, and watching the 3D video without the glasses triggered an optical migraine for me. I guess I’ll have to tune out for the 3D stuff.
I called the nuber a week ago and still havent gotten my glasses. Thaaaanks pepsi! I guess I’ll have to wait for the 2d ep online. This whole 3d thing is totally gonna backfire on Chuck.
Glasses still availble at target. Just go to the checkout stand and ask. The checker at my local store had an entire box of them.
I have never even heard of the majority of the retailers on that list. If they were really looking for a boost to the ratings of Chuck, they should have made the glasses more widely available.
I love Chuck. I hope that they get more viewers. Is a great show with a great cast.
I’ve been calling everywhere in North Orange County, CA and haven’t found a single place where they are being handed out, I’m a HUGE Chuck fan and was really looking forward to it in 3D, now I’m bummed out that I wont get to watch it in 3D
3D show = jump the shark
This was a stupid gimmick for those of us who didn’t have the time to seek out the glasses.
I had been a fan of the show, and have been patient through your inconsistent schedule for the last few months, but I have to tell you that this 3D episode was not thought out very well. I have no idea if I like the content of the show, because I have not found any place that even has these 3D glasses, I don’t know that I want to spend an hour of my time with those uncomfortable things on my face and there is no way I am going to try to watch it without glasses with all the halo junk.. I personally don’t even see a story line that 3D works with. I am sure that Tuesday morning will show terrible ratings for Monday evening and quite honestly, you deserve it. Poor planning and follow though with weak idea to begin with. What were you thinking?
I didn’t get my glasses in time so I have to watch CHUCK in regular blurry TV This is so sad!
I am angry about the Chuck season opener being in 3D. Until there is some agreed upon standard with a standard 3D pair of classes that I can buy and make comfortable, I not interested in 3D. I didn’t even know about the free 3D glasses or the Super Bowl Ad because I don’t watch football or pay much attention to ads, so now I am stuck with an episode, if not rebroadcast in 2D that is not worth watching. Even my son who watches the Super Bowl every year didn’t tell me about anything 3D. Do the producers really think that if I can get the glasses I want an episode I can’t view later from storage media?
I don’t live by TV or read TV guides. We have both a TIVO and a cable DVR, but the TIVO guide description only mentions 3D in the episode title. I only watch free networks occasionally, so I am thinking of no longer watching Chuck, even though I liked the show up until the 3D episode. The producers should have reopened the season the season increment with a 2D Chuck, which advertised the following 3D episode so its loyal viewers would all know about it.
We have watched 3D movies, but always returned the glasses at the end of the show, and the last 3D movie we went to used a different approach than two colored glasses.
Walter, i’d say like 80% of the episode doesn’t have a 3-D effect on it, and the other 20% with the effect is barely noticeable without glasses. And honestly, you aren’t missing a whole heck of a lot if you don’t have the glasses. It was sort of cool, and I feel like it’s the best they could do with it, but the episode itself was good enough, 3-D or not.
3D???? I’ll just say I switched b/n..
Well, I love this show and it has been one of my favorites
I fully support this event
I called the toll free number for the glasses and was told I would have my glasses before Chuck aired in 3D, I am still waiting for my glasses to arrive and Chuck was on 3 days ago.
STUPID GIMMICK!!!!
Got a headache, a monstruous headache using these new tech 3d glasses.
I think the old style polarizers are still the best
>I called the toll free number for the glasses and was told I would have my glasses before Chuck aired in 3D, I am still waiting for my glasses to arrive and Chuck was on 3 days ago.
@Susan. I just called the number. They aren’t sending any more out. The grocery stores near us don’t have any.
From the sounds of it, we won’t be missing much…sad that we’ve been saving Chuck on our Tivo, trying to find the damn glasses before watching it.