3D collector tickets are printed tickets with a 3D holographic effect that makes parts of the ticket appear to pop out. These specialty tickets are popular collectible items for fans and provide an extra level of engagement compared to regular paper tickets.
What causes the 3D effect on these tickets?
The 3D effect on collector tickets is created through a process called lenticular printing. This technique overlays two or more images on a lenticular lens sheet. The lens sheet contains an array of magnified lenses that give the illusion of depth and animation as you view the ticket from different angles.
Each lens captures a different image. When you change your viewing angle, different lenses become visible, showing the alternate images and creating the appearance of a 3D effect or animation.
How are 3D collector tickets made?
Creating a 3D ticket requires specialized printing technology and meticulous alignment of the lenticular lens sheet and the underlying images. The general process involves:
- Designing the lenticular lens sheet. The lens array is designed based on specifications like the desired effect, viewing angles, and printing capabilities.
- Producing multiple images that will overlay into the 3D or animated effect. For a simple 3D effect, two images are rendered from perspectives akin to your left and right eyes to create depth. More complex animations may use a dozen or more images.
- Printing the images onto a substrate in perfect alignment behind the lenticular lens sheet. This requires advanced offset or digital printing presses with precision registration capabilities. Even the slightest misalignment between images ruins the 3D illusion.
- Laminating the lens sheet and substrate together so that the lens lines up perfectly with the interlaced images underneath.
- Adding additional printing, coatings, and finishes on top of the lenticular sheet to complete the ticket design.
The technical precision required makes 3D collector tickets much more complex and expensive to produce than standard paper tickets. The unique printing presses and set-up time involved also means they need to be produced in large quantities to be cost-effective.
What are some popular uses of 3D collector tickets?
3D collector tickets are often used to commemorate special events or celebrate beloved pop culture franchises. Some common uses include:
- Sporting events – Sports teams and major sporting events like the Olympics frequently offer 3D ticket souvenirs for fans.
- Concerts – Concert promoters create 3D tickets for major tours and festivals.
- Movies – Cinemas and studios promote major movie franchises and openings with collectible 3D movie tickets.
- Amusement parks – Theme parks use lenticular tickets to highlight new rides and attractions.
- Television shows – Networks and streaming platforms create special 3D tickets for popular shows and season finales.
- Brands & characters – Companies produce 3D tickets featuring mascots and IP like Disney characters to engage consumers.
In these cases, the tickets provide fans with a tangible collectible and souvenir of being part of a moment in entertainment history. The 3D effect makes them more engaging and distinctive than standard tickets.
What are some iconic examples of 3D collector tickets?
Some of the most famous and sought-after 3D collector tickets include:
- The Golden State Warriors 3D Opening Night tickets – These lenticular tickets commemorated the Warriors’ first home game at the Chase Center in 2019. The ticket artwork transitions between the Oakland Oracle Arena and the new San Francisco arena.
- The 2020 Tokyo Olympics 3D tickets – The lenticular Olympic tickets were highly anticipated souvenirs for the 2020 games. The 3D effect showed Olympic sports scenes and venue icons popping up when viewed from different angles.
- Michael Jackson’s This Is It concert series 3D ticket – Only a limited number were produced before Jackson’s death caused the cancellation of the concert residency at London’s O2 Arena. These rare tickets are considered valuable Michael Jackson memorabilia.
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker movie tickets – AMC Theatres issued commemorative tickets for the release of the final film in the Skywalker saga featuring lenticular scenes of key characters like Rey and Kylo Ren.
- Disneyland‘s 60th anniversary 3D ticket – Disneyland’s diamond celebration in 2015 was marked with a special 3D ticket showing Sleeping Beauty Castle with 60th decor when tilted.
Why are 3D collector tickets popular collectible items?
There are several factors that make 3D tickets valued collectibles:
- Scarcity – They are produced in limited runs for special events, making them rare and exclusive.
- Sentimental value – They let fans hold onto tangible memories of beloved sports teams, films, concerts, etc.
- Display value – The 3D animation effect makes them interesting display pieces.
- Unique technology – The lenticular printing process isn’t widely accessible, adding to their novelty.
- Speculation – Limited editions and commemoratives around major franchises can gain value on secondary markets over time.
For serious collectors, factors like condition, print runs, and variants distinguish the most coveted 3D tickets. But even casual fans enjoy them as souvenirs that provide an extra dimension of engagement with hobbies and interests.
Are 3D collector tickets more expensive than regular tickets?
Yes, 3D collector tickets are substantially more expensive to produce than regular paper tickets printed using standard methods. The lenticular printing process requires specialized equipment, more preparation and set-up time, and extra materials like the lens sheets. The tickets also frequently utilize higher-end finishing like foils and coatings compared to basic paper tickets.
Ticket type | Estimated production cost per ticket |
---|---|
Standard paper ticket | $0.15 – $0.25 |
Plastic card ticket | $0.60 – $1.00 |
3D lenticular ticket | $3.00 – $12.00 |
The production costs typically range from around $3-12 per 3D ticket. That’s 3-8 times higher than basic paper tickets. The costs vary based on factors like:
- Number of interlaced images
- Lenticular lens quality and specifications
- Use of special inks, foils, or coatings
- Order quantity (higher volumes spread out setup costs)
The final sales prices of 3D tickets are usually set well above their production costs to also cover the brand licensing, intellectual property, and royalties involved with major events and franchises.
What should you look for in a high quality 3D ticket?
Characteristics of well-produced 3D collector tickets include:
- Crisp lenticular effect – The 3D and animated effects should be sharp and distinct when you adjust viewing angles.
- Color accuracy – Colors and graphics should appear as intended without banding, dots, or washed out areas.
- Precise alignment – You shouldn’t see doubling of images or distortion from misaligned lenticular sheets.
- Durable construction – Tickets should be made from plastic like PVC with scratch-resistant lenticular material secured on top.
- Eye-catching designs – The artwork and graphics underlying the 3D effect should be visually appealing.
- Special finishes – Look for enhancements like foil stamping, embossing, or varnishes.
Beware of 3D tickets that appear flat and lifeless or show fuzzy, distorted effects when tilted. This is a sign of low quality lenticular sheets or poor alignment in the printing process.
How should you handle and store 3D collector tickets?
To keep 3D tickets looking their best as collectibles, consider these tips for handling and storage:
- Try to grasp them by the edges if possible. Skin oils from handling can dull the lenticular coating over time.
- Keep them in soft sleeve envelopes or acid-free rigid holders to prevent scratches.
- Store flat and avoid bending or creasing which can damage the lenticular effect.
- Keep away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight which may cause fading or delamination.
- Avoid paperclips, staples, rubber bands, or other fasteners that could dent or mark them.
- Use non-damaging adhesives like museum gel or sleeves to display them.
Treated carefully, a high quality 3D lenticular ticket can retain its magical 3D effects and visual appeal for years as a prized collector’s item.
Are 3D tickets only for major events and releases?
In the past, the costs involved made 3D collector tickets impractical for small venues, unknown artists, and local events. But as lenticular printing becomes more accessible and affordable, 3D tickets are being used more broadly.
For example, many small concert venues now offer 3D ticket options to make ordinary shows feel like special events. Some advantages of using them more widely include:
- Adding prestige and hype to lesser known events
- Increasing social media and word-of-mouth marketing
- Generating repeat business when people want to collect a series
- Making ordinary fans feel like VIPs
- Providing affordable souvenirs and merchandising
More event organizers recognize the power of 3D tickets to create buzz and increase engagement regardless of the size or status of the event. While major concerts and teams will always be collectible, 3D tickets let small events tap into the same effect.
Can you make your own 3D tickets?
It is possible to DIY 3D tickets using some basic tools, though the quality tends to be lower than professionally produced ones.
Some ways to make homemade 3D tickets include:
- Using pre-laminated lenticular plastic sheets and gluing prints underneath the lenses.
- Printing your design on thick paper and layering strips of lenticular plastic over the area you want the 3D effect.
- Buying a desktop lenticular printer like the Magic Eyes Printer to print and align the lensed image.
- Using lenticular software kits to print and align layers for DIY mounting.
These options don’t produce the same level of quality as industrial lenticular printing presses, but they can create passable effects. It also takes some trial and error to get alignment and transitions looking clean.
For more complex animations and large batches, the cost savings over custom 3D printing services may not be worth the time investment and inconsistent results.
Conclusion
3D collector tickets are specialty tickets that use lenticular lens printing to produce stunning 3D effects and animations. Sports teams, concerts, movie studios, and theme parks use them to commemorate major events and franchises, making them coveted souvenirs for fans. While more expensive than regular tickets, they provide an extra layer of engagement and memories. Careful handling and storage is recommended to preserve these collectibles in top condition. Advancements in printing have also made 3D technology more accessible for custom and DIY tickets, but results may vary compared to professional production.