I think I’ve accidently started a new hobby: collecting 3D glasses. It started with the first 3D film I saw at the cinema. “They’d be good for fancy dress,” I thought.

Now, placing all the 3D pairs of glasses in line on my shelf, I feel I’ve developed an obsession. Not only are 3D glasses a ridiculous accessory for a fancy dress themed night out (too much like beer goggles – even before drinking), the different types of 3D tech means they’re not recyclable. I’m not going to enjoy watching Channel 4’s 3D week with my ‘Up’ glasses.

But as I made a special trip to Sainsbury’s to retrieve my free pair of Channel 4 week 3D glasses, I found myself grabbing the pairs of cardboard 3D glasses with both hands and lining my coat with the cardboard gimmicks. Perhaps it’s not the glasses though. It’s more likely my awe of 3D. Cinema has boosted its sales by creating a reason to still go, as the Independent reported today.

3D technology enjoyed a golden age in the 1950s.

It’s not often I gasp out of sheer wonderment. But I did when I caught a glimpse of the Channel 4 advert advertising 3D week. Gosh, 3D is trendy stuff. Indeed, according to TechRadar, Sky has indicated that it will launch a 3D channel in 2010 and James Cameron’s Avatar promises to expand the genre of 3D cinema beyond animated films.

At the premiere of Christmas Carol last week (did I just drop that in there?), the screening provided proper weighty 3D glasses. Not cardboard throwaways, oh no. 3D is sticking around as long as the Odeon can make the most of their investment in posh 3D glasses.

While 3D cinema has bursted onto the screens as a new phenomomen, Channel 4’s 3D week is a blast from the past. Being retro anaglyph tech, the channel say, “We are inviting viewers to celebrate 3D on TV. We’re not talking state of the art IMAX technology here, but some good old fashioned fun”. 3D is new and old. But to be enjoyed all the same.

The week, running from 16th – 20th November, will show various 3D programmes. The line-up has been released. TechRadar rounded up their hot picks:

- The Queen in 3D

(Monday 16 November, 9pm)

Story of film makers Bob Angell and Arthur Wooster, who created the 3D colour newsreel of the Queen during her Coronation year they named ‘Royal Review’.

- Flesh For Frankenstein

(Wednesday 18 November, 12.40am)

3D version of Paul Morrissey’s macabre, wacky 70s take on the Frankenstein story, starring Udo Kier and Joe Dallesandro.

- Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert

(Date/Time TBC)

Miley Cyrus and her alter ego Hannah Montana take to the stage in this spectacular 3D concert taken from her sell out 2007 and 2008 North American tour.

- Derren Brown Presents The 3D Magic Spectacular

(Monday 16 November, 10pm)

Leading performers dazzle the audience with incredible trickery, while amazing archive footage features performances of some of the world’s greatest magic tricks

Also shown in 3D will be the horror-show that is Friday the 13th Part III and a clip show of the greatest ever 3D moments.

Go to www.channel4.com for more details.

To find out where the nearest Sainsbury’s to you is to collect your 3D glasses,click here.