WHY YOU SHOULD WANT 3-D GLASSES

They've been telling you your whole life that "someday," all of our media will be three-dimensional. "Someday," they told you, you will enjoy movies and games and television shows and books that have real depth, that actually appear solid and close -- or distant -- instead of flat.

But of course these high-tech 3-D marvels of the future are not on the market yet. And when they are, you won't even want them, will you? I mean, do you see yourself shelling out $5,000 for a holographic Xbox or whatever? Nope.

The problem is, you were looking high-tech, when you should have been looking low-tech. You know those old 3-D glasses that were popular in 1950s movie houses? They still work! In fact, they work better than ever.

There is a whole world of books, movies, artwork, games, and websites (including this one) that can astound, entertain, and amaze you with the illusion of depth. And to think, all you need is a red lens over the left eye and a blue one over the right!

For little or no money, you can start living in the third dimension. Here's how to get your 3-D glasses.

PAPER GLASSES FOR FREE

If you really hate to part with your money, and if you don't mind waiting (it could take many days), you could send off for your free 3-D glasses from Rainbow Symphony. They're made of paper, but they work just fine, and they're free! You just pay the postage.

PRO-X GLASSES

When you're ready to graduate from paper glasses and get serious, you could wear the pair the professionals wear (well, I wear them, anyway): the comfortable, stylish Pro-X anaglyph glasses. They're only $10.50, and they ship pretty quick.

GET THEM AT YOUR LOCAL STORE:

If you're in such a hurry that you cannot wait for mail delivery, there is usually a way to get 3-D glasses from a local retail store. But it's not easy. I have searched extensively, and have never found one retailer that sells 3-D glasses as such. But if you know what you're looking for, you can find products such as movies, books, and games, that come packaged with 3-D glasses. For instance, the 2005 Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus DVD comes with four pairs of 3-D glasses, and it is not hard to find in video stores, bookstores, or department stores.

MAKE YOUR OWN

If you are feeling especially crafty (or just cheap), you could always make your own 3-D glasses. It's not difficult, and the materials are inexpensive: one letter-size page of card stock, red and blue cellophane, and tape.

BULK ORDERING 3-D GLASSES

If you need lots and lots of 3D glasses, to give away or re-sell, you'll want to place a bulk order. Movie Vision, Inc., sells plain white paper 3D glasses for only 17¢ each. They work, too.