Sony, Discovery and IMAX expanding 3D content for 24/7 network

More 3D content is on the way for you “early adaptors” to enjoy. The 3D joint venture between Sony Corporation, Discovery Communications and IMAX Corporation is adding six new 3D titles, three of which are original series produced in native 3D format for the upcoming 24/7 3D television network scheduled to launch in early 2011.

Titles announced include original series “Bullproof,” “High Octane” and “Making the Brand.” Exclusive US premieres include “Ghost Lab” (Discovery), “Open Season” (Sony Pictures), and “Space Station” narrated by Tom Cruise (IMAX). (Want to know more about each title? See way below.)

Sony and Co. are pushing the 3D format amidst ongoing skepticism that 3D is just a trend and not a long term technology. According to the joint venture President and CEO Tim Cosgrove, “We continue to move forward aggressively to both create and acquire the most immersive and entertaining 3D programming for television audiences available anywhere.”

The 3D Joint Venture says the upcoming 24/7 3D network “will feature the most extensive library of 3D content in the world, featuring genres that are most appealing in 3D, including natural history, documentary, action/adventure, hard travel, history, hyper-reality, concerts, movies, scripted series and more.”

The series and programs announced today via press release include:

Original Series

Bullproof*

Cowboys live their lives 8 seconds at a time, but the men sent in to save them from harm face up to 90 2,000-pound angry bulls a night. This series brings to life the most extreme and dangerous man-versus-beast competition in existence – the daredevil world of professional bull riding – focusing on the true heroes of the sport. Produced by Wild Eyes Productions and Digital Revolution Studios.

High Octane*

Utilizing the latest evolution in 3D camera equipment and cutting-edge production techniques, this series brings viewers along for the ride in the high-octane worlds of motocross, jet skiing, rock-climbing, bungee jumping and other extreme action sports in a way only native 3D can. Produced by Electric Sky Productions.

Making the Brand*

From sophisticated machinery designed to produce goods with mind-numbing efficiency and speed, to the artistry and craftsmanship of human creativity, the diverse and fascinating world of how products are produced on a mass scale is brought to life in this hour-long, native 3D series. Produced by Electric Sky Productions.

Exclusive U.S. Premieres

Ghost Lab (Discovery)

Join Brad and Barry Klinge, founders of investigative group Everyday Paranormal, as they travel the U.S. using some of the world’s most sophisticated equipment to gather powerful supernatural research. This native 3D one-hour special brings an entirely new dimension to the long-running hit series seen regularly on the Discovery Channel. Produced by Paper Route Productions and Go Go Luckey Entertainment.

Open Season (Sony Pictures)

The first feature-length animated film from Sony Pictures Animation features Boog (Martin Lawrence), a happily domesticated grizzly bear, who has his perfect world turned upside down after he meets Elliot (Ashton Kutcher), a scrawny, fast-talking wild mule deer.

Space Station (IMAX)

This special event will transport viewers 220 miles above the Earth at 17,500 mph to experience the greatest engineering feat since mankind walked on the moon. “Space Station,” the world’s first ever 3D journey into space, is narrated by Tom Cruise.

The programming announced today will join the diverse lineup of original 3D series and U.S. premieres previously announced by the network, including “African Wild*,” “China Revealed*,” “Jewels of the World*,” “Attack of the Giant Jellyfish,” “The Haunted,” “Into the Deep 3D,” “Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D,” “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” and “Monster House.”

*Denotes working title