What's the quality that gives some lenses (like Minolta G) a "3D" look?

There have been a lot of people who comment that some lenses produce images that have a 3 dimensional look, or at least no "flat" looking. Most notable are the older Minolta G lenses, an the CZ lenses.

Does this have to do more with the coatings on the lens or something else?

Use of short DOF also produces a more dynamic image, but there seems to be something more to it.

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1500 years ago, everybody knew that the Earth was the center of the universe. 500 years ago, everybody knew that the Earth was flat. And 15 minutes ago, you knew that people were alone on this planet. Imagine what you'll know tomorrow. -MIB