3D is in full bloom on DIRECTV this spring with a colorful variety of new programming to choose from, including the exclusive, U.S. broadcast of the full-length 3D opera, Donizetti’sLucrezia Borgia, directed by acclaimed British filmmaker, Mike Figgis, and several 3D Hollywood movies – all available on the DIRECTV CINEMA platform. DIRECTV offers more 3D programming than any other television provider in the country.

Told through the visionary directorial style of Mike Figgis ( Leaving Las Vegas), Lucrezia Borgia, featuring one of opera’s most notorious femme fatales in the title role, tells the tale of murder, torture and incest as it follows one of history’s first crime families. The dramatic opera, performed by the English National Opera (ENO), stars soprano Claire Rutter, American tenor Michael Fabiano and is conducted by Paul Daniel.

Interwoven throughout the opera’s interludes will be a series of short films, directed by Figgis, that present the back story of Lucrezia and the Borgia family, behind-the-scenes interviews with Figgis and the cast, as well as Donzetti’s original score. The 3D production of Lucrezia Borgia, a collaboration between Sky Arts and ENO, was filmed live on Feb. 23, 2011 at the London Coliseum and will be available on DIRECTV CINEMA beginning this April.

In addition, DIRECTV CINEMA (Ch. 104) is adding a variety of Hollywood movies in 3D to its lineup, including Piranha 3D (Now Playing), Jackass 3D (March 8), Tangled 3D (March 29), Tron: Legacy 3D (April 5), for $6.99 each.

“We are constantly looking for ways to provide our 3D fans with the most compelling lineup of 3D programming available,” said Derek Chang, executive vice president, Content Strategy and Development, DIRECTV. “Mike Figgis’ unique production of Donizetti’s Lucrezia Borgia and Hollywood hits likeTangled and Tron: Legacy 3D are the perfect content to showcase 3D technology at its best.”

n3D™, powered by Panasonic (Ch. 103), the nation’s first 24/7 3D network, is available at no additional cost to millions of DIRECTV HD customers. In addition to exclusive 3D coverage of special events such as the 2010 MLB All-Star Game and the 2010 U.S. Open Tennis Championship, the n3D channel also gives customers access to exclusive, original 3D programming such as DIRECTV’s award-winning series “Guitar Center Sessions” and “Guy’s Big Bite” in 3D. The 3D programming available both on n3D and DIRECTV CINEMA are all powered by Panasonic. DIRECTV also offers 3net and ESPN 3D as part of its 3D programming platform.

See the original press release here: http://www.thestreet.com/story/11029522/1/directv-continues-3d-leadership-with-exclusive-full-length-3d-opera-and-even-more-hollywood-movies-in-3d-this-spring.html

DIRECTV and Scripps Networks Co-Produce First Food Show in 3D, Available Exclusively on n3D™, Powered by Panasonic

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.–Just in time to satisfy all of those holiday food cravings, DIRECTV and Scripps Networks will serve up the first food show to be broadcast in full 3D, exclusively on DIRECTV’s 3D channel, n3D™, powered by Panasonic. Premiering on Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, the co-production features Food Network star Guy Fieri, who will take food fans’ taste buds into a brand new culinary dimension with his hit show Guy’s Big Bite in 3D.

n3D™, powered by Panasonic, will offer six new episodes of Guy’s Big Bite, produced specifically for 3D. These episodes will feature mouthwatering signature recipes such as, Andouille and Clam Crostini, Sloppy Joes with Maui Onion Straws, Hoisin Chicken Fold Ups, Braised Pork Shoulder and Garlic Parmesan Crab. In addition, beginning on Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. ET, DIRECTV will offer a selection of The Best of Guy’s Big Bite episodes, available in 2D on DIRECTV’s The 101® Network. These episodes will feature some of Guy’s most memorable episodes where he is paired with his son Hunter, as well as guests from his other hit show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, which currently airs on The Food Network.

“If there is ever a time when you want to see programming in 3D it is watching Guy Fieri work his magic in the kitchen,” said Chris Long, senior vice president, Entertainment, DIRECTV. “Guy’s Big Bite looks amazing in HD so in 3D it will literally have viewers drooling in front of their 3DTVs. This is the first time that we have worked with a programming partner like Scripps Networks to develop new 3D content and the experience has been fantastic.”

“We’re interested in seeing how viewers react to our content in a 3D environment,” said Lynne Costantini, executive vice president, affiliate sales and marketing for Scripps Networks. “As our distribution partners begin to explore this new format, it’s important for us to be involved and support them with our powerhouse brands, helping them strengthen their connections with their subscribers and to grow their businesses. DIRECTV is an ideal partner in this pilot because they had assets they could bring to the production process.”

Guy Fieri competed on and won season two of The Next Food Network Star. In addition to Guy’s Big Bite, he hosts a variety of popular shows on Food Network, including Ultimate Recipe Showdown; Diners, Drive-ins and Dives; and Tailgate Warriors.

DIRECTV’s exclusive 3D channel, n3D™ powered by Panasonic, is available at no additional cost to millions of DIRECTV HD customers. In addition to the 2010 MLB All-Star Game, the 2010 U.S. Open Tennis and ESPN’s 3D coverage of the Summer X Games 16, n3D customers also have access to exclusive, original 3D programming such as Guitar Center Sessions with Peter Gabriel and Jane’s Addiction.

DIRECTV HD customers received a free software upgrade that enables them to have access to the 3D channels on DIRECTV. DIRECTV HD customers will need a 3D television set and 3D glasses to view 3D programming on DIRECTV.

See the original Nov. 18, 2010 press release here: http://www.hughsnews.ca/directv-serves-up-guy’s-big-bite-in-3d-0013965