The exact number of View-Master reels is unknown as they have been produced continuously since 1939. Estimates range from 3,000 to 7,000 different 3-D images released in View-Master reels. The majority of these reels have scenic views of cities, parks, and nature sites, although some featured cartoons, comic book characters, and other pop culture subjects.
Reels have been produced for locations all over the world, and in many different languages, including English, French, German, Spanish and more. Some rare reels featuring footage of historical events have been produced, as well.
In addition, View-Master created special projectors in the 1950s and 1960s that allowed viewers to project larger images from their reels, as well as special multiple projectors in the mid-1970s that allowed viewers to create a continuous 360 degree panorama view of exotic locales.
View-Master reels continue to be produced today, but the production has slowed down significantly since the original peak of interest in the 1950s and 60s. The reels are still sold today at discount stores, toy stores, museums and other gift shops.
What has replaced View-Master?
In recent years, “View-Master” has been largely replaced by other virtual and augmented reality (AR) products and technologies, such as Google Cardboard, Oculus VR and the Microsoft HoloLens. Google Cardboard is a virtual reality (VR) platform that includes a paper head-mountable viewer and works with a smartphone, whereas Oculus VR and the Microsoft HoloLens are dedicated immersive AR displays in which users can interact with, and manipulate, virtual holograms inside physical spaces.
In addition, mixed reality (MR) products such as Microsoft’s Hololens 2 are also available, allowing users to view augmented reality content such as 3D building models within a virtual context, making a physical-world experience become more interactive and inviting.
Overall, View-Master’s innovative lens technology and immersive experiences are now available in a wide range of products and technologies, ranging from low-budget cardboard viewers to high-end VR headsets, providing a unique and compelling way to experience, explore and interact with 3D content.
Does Walmart carry the View-Master?
Yes, Walmart carries the View-Master. This classic device allows users to view 3D images and explore virtual reality. The View-Master Deluxe VR Viewer is available for purchase at Walmart stores and on their website.
The View-Master Deluxe is affordable, easy to use, and requires no phone to use. It comes with a number of pre-loaded experiences and apps. Additionally, you can purchase additional View-Master Experience Packs that feature a variety of new adventures and apps for your View-Master.
Walmart also carries the View-Master Virtual Reality Starter Pack, which includes the View-Master Virtual Reality Viewer, an adapter for some iOS devices, and 1 Pop-up Pirate game app on the App Store.
All these View-Master products are great ways to get kids and adults alike into the world of virtual reality.
What was the original View-Master called?
The View-Master was originally invented by William Gruber in 1938 and was then known as the Stereoscope. Gruber had originally intended the View-Master to be used as a way to view three-dimensional nature photos.
It was initially released with a set of 21 stereo cards, featuring “scenes of the American Pacific Northwest”. Although the View-Master was marketed as a children’s toy throughout its existence, the original version was of high quality and aimed at adults.
The device gained further recognition when Walt Disney commissioned View-Master as the exclusive 3D format for featuring his cartoon characters, adding 12 reels with images of Snow White in 1939. It was not until the 1950s when the product was re-branded as View-Master, with the addition of a better quality viewer and more images that the product gained even more popularity.
As the years went on, more images were added focusing on TV and movie characters and even entire series that could be collected and viewed. It has since become a widely popular toy for both children and adults, and is still produced today.
Why was View-Master discontinued?
View-Master was discontinued due to a decline in sales and the rise of digital media. View-Master was popular when it was first released in 1939 as a novelty item and was one of the first devices to combine a three-dimensional view with stereoscopic color photography.
However, as technology advanced, people’s tastes and preferences changed, leading to a decline in sales for View-Master. The emergence of digital media such as video games, smartphones, and virtual reality headsets made traditional technologies like View-Master obsolete.
The physical nature of View-Master was also a major factor in its decline—the slides had to be printed and mailed, which was expensive and time consuming, making it difficult for View-Master to keep up with changing technologies.
In addition, the growing popularity of photo sharing websites like Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook made View-Master less convenient and desirable. Ultimately, the combination of these factors led to the eventual discontinuation of View-Master.
Who owns View-Master?
View-Master is currently owned by Mattel. The View-Master product was originally patented in 1939 by William Gruber and Harold Graves. When the View-Master was first released, it was manufactured and nationally distributed by Sawyers.
In 1966, Sawyers was purchased by a subsidiary of General Aniline and Film, which was later purchased by GAF. GAF eventually released the View-Master product rights to Mattel in the early 1980s. In 1997, Mattel released the first major addition to the View-Master product family in over 25 years.
Since then, View-Master has become a key component of the Mattel product portfolio.
What year did View-Master come out?
View-Master was invented in 1939 by William Gruber, Homer Fisher and Edwin Booz, with the product officially being released by the marketers Sawyer’s, Inc. in 1940. It was an instant success and, in total, over 77 million units have been produced up until 2011.
The product initially used hand-painted images on a circular disk, and its popularity has continued throughout the decades, with technological advances offering further enhanced experiences. These days, View-Masters are internet linkable, allowing users to explore virtual reality with ease.
Can you make your own View-Master reels?
Yes, you can make your own View-Master reels. It is a relatively simple process that can be done with just a few items. First, you will need 3D images that you can find online, or you can use your own photos and convert them into 3D using software.
Then print them out on photo paper. Second, cut the images into discs which fit inside the View-Master reels. Finally, assemble the discs inside the reels and you will have your own View-Master reels.
For those more ambitious, you can even create a cardboard View-Master with templates freely available online, using the same discs you printed earlier.
How many pictures does a View-Master have?
The number of pictures a View-Master has depends on the type and model of the View-Master. Pre-1950s models typically had a two-picture format (which allowed users to view two images side by side). Most of the contemporary models come with 3D reels which contain 7 pairs of 3D images, each pair consisting of two separate photographs.
Some of these reels can also come with additional pairs, taking the total to 14 3D images. Some of the more recent versions of the View-Master come with a Digital Viewer that uses a smartphone, which allows users to take as many pictures and videos as they wish.
How do I create a View-Master photo?
Creating a View-Master photo is an easy and fun process! To begin, you’ll need to have a 3D photo or a flat photo you’d like to convert.
If you’re starting with a flat photo, you’ll need to convert it to a 3D version. This can be done using simple editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, or GIMP. You’ll use the “Anaglyph 3D” filter to produce a red-cyan image.
Once you have your 3D photo ready, you can use a View-Master template to crop your photo and resize it. Templates can be found online, including on View-Master’s official website.
The next step is to print your photo onto a View-Master cardboard. View-Master cards are available on View-Master’s website, as well as through retailers like Amazon.
Now you’re ready to assemble your View-Master! Place your photo in the disk, taking care to line up the strips with the disks. Once your photo is in place, close the disk and insert it into the View-Master.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your View-Master photo! You can share it with your friends and family, or just enjoy the fun of creating your own unique View-Master photo.
Are View Masters still made?
Yes, View Masters are still made! View Masters are 3D stereoscopic viewers that showcase images on small discs. The original View Master was invented in 1939 by William Gruber, and the device has since become a beloved toy for children, who can see realistic 3D images on disc slides.
In recent years, the View Master has been updated with features and technology to provide an even more interactive experience. For example, the View Master Virtual Reality Viewer can be paired with a compatible smartphone to explore enhanced and animated Virtual Reality experiences.
The View Master Deluxe also has an audio button and a talking book feature that guides kids through each experience. While the View Master has certainly evolved, the essential elements of the classic View Master are still there, from the iconic red and black design to the classic disc slides.
View Master products are available for purchase online and in select stores.
