All interesting ideas. I’m still puzzled though as to why would B&W seem more real than color when reality is overwhelmingly color. Whether it stimulates different structures or takes more processing power or whatever, reality still looks real. A black and white world might seem more odd, but I doubt it would seem more real. Any or all of what’s been suggested may play a role but I’m wondering if maybe part of it is the difference between 2D & 3D. That’s essentially what we’re looking at it seems, the 2D representation. Again, I’m guessing that a physical 3D model in grayscale would not look more realistic or necessarily have any more emotional appeal; why should it work going the other way? Monochrome may be somehow inherently more suited to two dimensional presentation. So, if you’re going to lose the 3rd dimension, lose the color as well. Obviously, it seems to work better for some images than others as well. I vaguely remember something about depth perception and light or color or something – never paid enough attention in those lectures ÷)

At any rate, holographs might make a good test. Would a B&W holograph have a similar effect vs. color. I’m beginning to think that the common analogy between rendering and photography, while convenient, may be too limiting - just as a film is more than a series of still pictures.

"Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." - H. L. Mencken