Oakley 3D Tron: Legacy Gascan Glasses Drop in November

TRON: Legacy isn't set to release to the masses until December, but that's not stopping companies from producing all sorts of "special edition" products based on the movie in some fashion or another. While video game controllers may be some of the best we've seen so far, the tip of the iceberg has to be the outfits you can purchase based on characters from the film. Oakley, not to be out-done, has announced today that they will be releasing some special edition 3D Oakley-branded glasses. Ones you can actually wear in theaters to enjoy the 3D version of the film.

The glasses feature plenty of innovation from Oakley. The glasses feature HDO-3D technology, which is a collection of proprietary lens innovations, which have made it possible for Oakley to apparently achieve the "first optically correct 3D eyewear on Earth." The special edition TRON Gascan glasses eliminate the "crosstalk" or ghosting that you see in some 3D films.

Oakley also points out that while the Gascan glasses are curved, the company has managed to make sure that the wearer will achieve a greater field of view, but will not lose any visual distortion. If you're interested in dropping $150 for the glasses, you'll have to wait until November. But, that's plenty of time to try them out in other 3D movies, considering TRON: Legacy doesn't release until December.

Press Release

Oakley To Debut 3D Eyewear With Special TRON: Legacy Film Edition

Oakley, Inc. today announced the upcoming debut of its innovative new 3D eyewear. A special edition will celebrate the release of TRON: Legacy, a much-anticipated Disney 3D film opening in U.S. theaters on December 17, 2010. The new "TRON" Limited Edition 3D Gascan® by Oakley will give movie audiences the superior technologies developed specifically for Oakley 3D eyewear, assuring a premium 3D experience.

"The premiere of TRON: Legacy is a great opportunity for us to introduce moviegoers to the unique innovations of Oakley 3D eyewear," said Oakley CEO Colin Baden. "This film will be an incredible visual experience, and those who view it with Oakley 3D eyewear will get the most out of it by enjoying the clarity and 3D performance of unparalleled design. We are honored to collaborate with Disney for this special event, and we look forward to opening the world's eyes to the ultimate 3D experience with Oakley 3D eyewear," Baden concluded.

"Collaborating with Oakley provided Disney with a great opportunity to interpret the aesthetics and themes of TRON: Legacy into cutting edge eyewear for fans to enjoy," said Stephen Teglas, vice president and general manager of Fashion & Home North America at Disney Consumer Products.

Rendered with signature Oakley style, the new "TRON" Limited Edition 3D Gascan is accented with graphics that salute the cinematic story. A custom Microclear™ bag will be included for lens cleaning and eyewear storage. In the spirit of making this eyewear edition a collectible, the Microclear bag is also highlighted with graphics inspired by the film.

To engineer Oakley 3D eyewear, Oakley combined its industry-leading frame innovations with lens technologies that maximize the 3D experience by offering unprecedented levels of clarity and visual fidelity. "TRON" Limited Edition 3D Gascan features HDO-3D™, a collection of proprietary lens innovations that have achieved the first optically correct 3D eyewear on Earth.* Oakley 3D lenses virtually eliminate the ghosting or "crosstalk" between images that reach each eye from one moment to the next, a potential problem with inferior 3D eyewear.

A second key difference between Oakley 3D eyewear and conventional designs is the lens curvature. Greater curvature around the eyes provides a wider field of view, but without highly precise optics, even a mild curve can cause visual distortion. Oakley technology maintains optical clarity so the wearer can enjoy a wide field of sharp vision. The curvature of Oakley 3D lenses has the added benefit of minimizing distracting glare.

A special rendition of a popular Oakley sunglasses frame, 3D Gascan is designed with a proprietary Three-Point Fit to retain the lenses in precise optical alignment. The fit optimizes comfort by eliminating the unbalanced pressure points common with ordinary frames. Oakley's durable yet lightweight frame makes contact only at the sides of the head and bridge of the nose, and it does not hook the ears like conventional frames made with curved earstems.

TRON: Legacy will introduce a new generation of moviegoers to an entirely new realm of groundbreaking digital effects. TRON first appeared on the big screen almost 30 years ago and created a digital world that was ahead of its time. With the release of the newest installment, this elaborate world will be reimagined and expanded.

"TRON" Limited Edition 3D Gascan will be available in November for U.S. $150 through select Sunglass Hut, Oakley stores and www.Oakley.com.

Oakley 3D lenses were developed to deliver a prime entertainment experience in cinemas that utilize passive polarization, the technology found in most 3D theaters. Oakley is also pursuing partnerships with manufacturers of home 3D systems that utilize passive polarization technology. This will allow consumers to use the same eyewear for home and cinema 3D entertainment.

Oakley will also release a "TRON" commemorative sunglass based on a design from the company's Elite Collection of ultra-premium products. This non-3D eyewear is a special edition of Oakley Elite Pit Boss® and features HDPolarized lenses with High Definition Optics® (HDO®). Engineered with ultra-lightweight titanium plates, the frame is embellished with graphics inspired by TRON: Legacy.

Oakley 3D glasses are optimized for indoor cinema application and not intended for outdoor use. The technology in 3D polarization is not ideal for normal daily outdoor use and will not provide the same level of performance as sunglasses.

Visit Oakley.com to learn more about the company's optical innovations.

*Conventional non-prescription lenses that are designed and manufactured with inferior technologies may cause visual distortion due to deficiencies including refractive power, optical astigmatism and prismatic power. Oakley technology addresses these deficiencies, allowing the company to offer the first optically correct 3D eyewear on Earth.