Well, it takes a bit of explaining, so if you can, please join us as we look into the origins of VistaVision, what it was like, and why it still matters today. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. The production shooting for VistaVision sound will be handled the same as on any monaural sound picture At Paramount all production recording is done on 17 1/2mm film in the 65-pound suitcase recorders built by Paramount. VistaVision is a high-resolution widescreen process that uses 35mm film. Please do not be misled by the word "seamless". Unfortunately, the opening VistaVision screen card over the Paramount mountain used in theaters and the DVD is not on the Blu-ray. Negative cutting of Paramount VistaVision pictures will be by the so-called A and B process, so that all dissolves and fades will be made from the original negative without duping. The technique of picture shooting with the VistaVision camera is the same as with any standard camera. Just as VistaVision had a few flagship engagements using 8-perf horizontal contact prints and special horizontal-running projectors, there is a bit of evidence[citation needed] that horizontal prints were envisioned for Technirama as well (probably with 4-track magnetic sound as in CinemaScope), but to what extent this was ever done commercially, if at all, remains unclear. We can understand how over a period of years the picture quality and the projection quality have been on a par, and improvements in projection equipment were not always apparent. It is the feature that others must follow if they are to reduce grain, eliminate fuzziness and gain bigger, brighter and better pictures. In comparison to CinemaScopes anamorphic lenses, VistaVision was a flat widescreen process, which meant filmmakers and theaters did not need special VistaVision lenses to shoot or present Vista Vision movies. In this case the theater may elect to install a screen in the ratio of 2/1. They are the cylindrical lens type, such as used by CinemaScope, the reflector lens type, as manufactured by the Old Delft Company in Holland, and the prismatic type, which is now being manufactured by the Tushinsky Brothers, and others. If the picture is being projected in the aspect ratio of 1.85/1, the projectionist will frame on the dashed line, and if the picture is to be projected in the aspect ratio of 2/1, framing should be on the little dot below the dashed line. In this article, we look at 50+ examples of color palettes with films from David Fincher, Wes Anderson, and more. 2. White Christmas, Strategic Air Command, To Catch a Thief, Richard III, and The Battle of the River Plate had very limited (two or three) prints struck in the 8-perf VistaVision format in which they were shot. Technicolor is a series of processes used to first produce color in motion pictures. With respect to camera lenses, Paramount has found that standard motion picture lenses of 75 mm and up have adequate field coverage for use on the double-frame camera. A magnetic control track recording will be made during each review and when a satisfactory review is obtained the control track recording will be combined with the re-recording master in the preparation of a photographic negative for release printing. VistaVision improves the front and side seat viewing, whereas, all other processes diminish the value of these seats. Upload images to make storyboards and slideshows. These converted Three-Strip VistaVision cameras thereafter became the standard Technirama cameras, which were subsequently supplemented by a few Paramount hand-held VistaVision cameras fitted with anamorphic optics. Last edited on 23 December 2022, at 02:00, Learn how and when to remove these template messages, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, "Widescreen Museum - The VistaVision Wing - 2", "The Development of VistaVision: Paramount Marches to a Different Drummer", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=VistaVision&oldid=1128991920. Technically, the VistaVision cameras will still work, but getting the optical work done would be problematic though there are digital scanners that can scan 8-perf 35mm, no problem. VistaVision standard prints can be projected in any theater in the world with an improvement in picture quality. Further, in the tests made by Paramount, the variable prismatic expander lens gives the best quality. When providing prints for theaters, nothing special was required, as the movies would be copied onto regular 35mm film that could be shown at any theater that had a widescreen (which, by 1954, was most of them). Read our extensive list of rules for more information on other types of posts like fan-art and self-promotion, or message the moderators if you have any questions. horizontal pulldown, from right to left (viewed from emulsion side). A two-color process that used subtractive complementary colors onto a single strip of film. This is the same light level that has been in use at Paramount studio for nearly a year. Technically speaking, the first movie in color, Cupid Angling, came out in 1918. Perhaps its nostalgia, perhaps it's the colors, perhaps its the films themselves. grain valley municipal. These sound control units will cost about $800 plus about $500 for installation. Create robust and customizable shot lists. If people are seated closer, they see film grain and the picture is fuzzy and tiring to the eyes. The present experience indicates that stereophonic sound is of questionable value in the smaller theaters. On top of that, many of the actors were in elaborate costumes, especially Ray Bolger (The Scarecrow), Bert Lahr (The Cowardly Lion), and Jack Haley (The Tin Man). Here are your teams in black and white: Crystal Palace Guaita; Clyne, Richards, Guehi, Mitchell; Doucoure, Hughes; Olise, Mateta, Zaha; Edouard. "The Story of VistaVision" by Keith Wilson, This page was last edited on 23 December 2022, at 02:00. It is our opinion that this move will give greater dramatic effectiveness, greater simplicity and greater flexibility, at a lower cost and with less service trouble than any other multi-horn system. The cameramen are instructed to compose for a loose (meaning adequate head-room) 1.66/1 picture. After determining the proper focal length lens the projector aperture plates should be filed so as to project the proper shaped picture to meet the size of the screen that has been selected. Loudspeaker D should be connected to the same electrical circuit as loudspeaker A but operated at a lower level, and loudspeaker E should be connected to the same electrical circuit as loudspeaker C, and also operated at a lower level. And instead of recording only one negative, this new camera recorded three. In CinemaScope projection, the image passes through an anamorphic expander lens which expands the image in the ratio of 2/1. It may be a relic of a bygone era, but like CinemaScope, its influence can still be felt today. It may add to the effectiveness in large theaters with very large screens. One of the objectives of VistaVision is to FILL THE SCREEN. The rich colors often associated with VistaVision films such as "The Searchers" and "Vertigo" is a byproduct of Technicolor's dye transfer printing process which is a non-photochemical process and was entirely . The first of the VistaVision films was White Christmas (1954), and it was a wild success. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Thus the variable prismatic expander lens provides complete flexibility in the projection booth for the exhibition of any print. As another example, if a screen 50 feet wide is installed in a theater 100 feet deep, the screen will be too wide and viewing will be uncomfortable unless seats are moved back to at least 25 feet and preferably 38 feet from the screen. Figure 2) at the start of each 2,000 foot reel as a guide to the projectionist. The VistaVision negative is large, thus the loss does not occur with VistaVision. This applies to both straight and anamorphic projection of all previous pictures. Lets check out a great video that shows us how Technicolor was founded and how it was used by filmmakers: Now that weve refreshed our memory with a look at some Technicolor examples, lets just jump into a Technicolor definition. In theaters using very large lamphouses and high amperage we recommend the use of water and air cooling, also dichroic heat reflectors. Screen height, the same as screen width, is usually limited by the proscenium. Persons outside of Paramount who are interested in the purchase of cameras should make their inquiries directly to the camera companies and any orders for cameras should be placed with these companies. Not only is The Wizard of Oz enshrined in the annals of cinema history for its production design, but for its technical brilliance as well. With respect to the foreign handling of sound for dubbed versions, we will keep the music, sound effects and dialogue separate on multi track magnetic for shipment to the foreign studios for dubbing. What is Technicolor? Whether you knew at the time or not, youve probably seen a Technicolor movie. He reflects on what it was like to work with the company on films like Apocalypse Nowand their instrumental aid in the restoration of his film The Cotton Club: So, what is Technicolor? The only place we would use such a lens would be where the projection throw is very short, requiring a lens having a focal length under 21/4 inches. Movie Censorship A History of Film Censorship in America, Best Drone Camera for the Money A 2022 Buying Guide. In many ways, VistaVision was a testing ground for cinematography ideas that evolved into 70 mm IMAX and OMNIMAX film formats in the 1970s. I can tell when a film is 3 strip cos the colors basically bleed off the screen and are super saturated, while Eastman color, while pretty colorful in its own right is more natural . VistaVision squeezed prints will be made available for those exhibitors desiring same. These squeezed prints will be made in the same manner and from the same negative as the standard prints, except that in optical reduction the picture area will be taken from the area of the negative that supplies the portion of the picture normally used in 2/1 aspect ratio projection from the standard print. Pretty soon, other studios were making their own widescreen movies, including Paramount Pictures with VistaVision. In making the VistaVision process available to others it must be clearly understood that Paramount assumes no responsibility or liability in regard to patents or claims of any type. It is contemplated that the VistaVision trade-mark will be available for use by all producers who use VistaVision cameras on all photography and who abide by all of the VistaVision procedures to the end that the technical quality of their product is comparable to the quality of the Paramount product. With respect to screen height, Paramount has made a series of tests which indicate that the same scene always looks better and the actors can always be brought closer to the audience, as the height of the screen is increased with respect to width up to the ratio of 1.85/1 for large screens and 1.66/1 for smaller screens. For more than two decades after this, VistaVision was often used as an originating and intermediate format for shooting special effects since a larger negative area compensates against the increased grain created when shots are optically composited. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. vistavision vs technicolor. This is the story of VistaVision, an explanation of the process and its many advantages. It seems to the writer that Drive-lns can best be served by using a screen in the ratio of 2/1 and using the VistaVision squeezed prints along with variable prismatic expander lenses working at the expansion ratio of 1 1/2/1 as established for the VistaVision Prints. Today, dozens of Technicolor cameras still exist, dormant and rusty from lack of use. A new wide angle view finder has been adapted to the camera and operates with vertical rather than horizontal parallax. The only prints made from VistaVision negatives that were the full 1.33:1 aperture were made for television rather than theatrical presentation.MBH. Improved lenses are being designed which will include lenses of still shorter focal length. Unlike most other types of filmmaking, the VistaVision camera process involves turning the film stock on its side, so that the perforations are at the top and bottom of the image (instead of on the left and right). If a circle is photographed it will appear on the negative as shown in Figure 1. From 1916 to 1932, the Technicolor company tinkered with its system so that the process of coloring films became accessible to Hollywood. A visual medium requires visual methods. Well, it takes a bit of explaining, so if you can, please join us as we look into the origins of VistaVision, what it was like, and why it still matters today. Framing on all squeeze prints will be at the top of the frame in keeping with the prevailing practice. Using that larger-area negative really improves the final product. I saw. ; ; ; ; ; ; ; As stated above, standard sound is available on all VistaVision release prints so that no change will be required in handling VistaVision sound for Drive-lns. These filmmakers were, of course, working on Star Wars (1977), which, more or less, changed cinema for the rest of the century. Eastman color stock is now being used for all daily prints. Every theater should install the largest possible screen, both in respect to height and width. In the preceding paragraphs we have named specific aspect ratios. obituary sophia martinez gokey. Substitutes Johnstone . Pretty soon, other studios were making their own widescreen movies, including Paramount Pictures with VistaVision. The resulting Technirama frame was very similar to VistaVision except that Technirama ever so slightly lowered the top of the aperture to create an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and this left room for an optical soundtrack when printed directly to 35mm . In this case the picture composition will not be as good as the picture composition from a VistaVision standard print which has been "cropped" from top to bottom. He cant stop talking about aspect ratios. No more VistaVision in use today, at least not for film. VistaVision. From 1916 to 1932, the Technicolor company tinkered with its system so that the process of coloring films became accessible to Hollywood. Shortly thereafter, it was announced that all of the studio's productions would be shot in this ratio. This process utilized a screen size that yielded an aspect ratio of 5 units wide by 3 units high, or 1.66:1. Side seating is also improved by the better definition and relative freedom from film grain which is accomplished by the VistaVision process. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. For a 1.85/1 picture, the top of the picture as seen on the screen should just cut the line. Only a few still exist for archival purposes. But many film-goers were still curious to see how three color Technicolor would look in live-action. Paramount had actually released their first widescreen movie by cropping the Western film Shane (1953) from its 1.37:1 Academy Ratio to 1.66:1. Most of the dye-transfer plants throughout the world have been shut down. It projects in the ratio of 2.66/1. All VistaVision squeezed prints, the same as VistaVision standard prints, will not project properly through the CinemaScope 2/1 expander lenses. Paramount does not contemplate the release of any pictures with either a separate or four-track magnetic film. These are the questions that many of us asked as kids, after seeing our first black and white movie. This will give a new depth perception in exhibition. Since the last American VistaVision picture, One-Eyed Jacks in 1961, the format has not been used as a primary imaging system for American feature films. Films were starting to be shot in widescreen through processes like Cinemascope and VistaVision. Skip to content. If the squeezed and expander lenses are used for screen ratios slightly below 2/1, the reduced ratio is obtained by "cropping" the picture width, which is accomplished by reducing the width of the projector aperture plate. VistaVision, with its directional sound, simplifies operation in theaters equipped for multi-speaker reproduction. In smaller theaters, seamless white screens can be used if adequate projection light is available. Its easy to forget just how different the filmmaking process was then compared to now. There was a screening room on the Paramount lot that can still project VistaVision. Discussion in 'Visual Arts' started by benjaminhuf, Mar 18, 2012. How CGI Works in Movies and Animation, What is a Tracking Shot? - VistaVision. The reduction ratio is 1.63/1. (See Figure 2 for size of print image.) Were here to help. efore the 1950s, nearly every single movie was in the same 4:3 aspect ratio. RED Monstro sensor is a revamp of the VistaVision sensor. As explained later in this booklet, the picture can play in any aspect ratio from 1.33/1 through 1.66/1, 1.85/1 up to 2/1. More and more people are flocking to the small screen to find daily entertainment. Your email address will not be published. If the theater is to take full advantage of the improved quality of the VistaVision print, the theater must have good projection equipment and a LARGE SEAMLESS SCREEN. This required special equipment that most theaters were not going to house, especially since it was impractical and prone to problems. The procedure is called "cropping". Posted on May 29, 2022 by May 29, 2022 by The 75 degree angle is wider than that used in any other motion picture process, except Cinerama and Todd-AO. We believe that in our use of the VistaVision process we have selected the best ratio of negative area to positive area for motion picture making. With respect to picture size, in the past the most acceptable picture quality has been at a distance from the screen between two and five times screen width. THEATER PRESENTATION OF VISTAVISION FILMS, 5. In shooting VistaVision, the film was run horizontally rather than vertically, and instead of exposing two simultaneous 4-perf frames, the entire eight perforations were used for one image. Paramount wishes to encourage others in the use of VistaVision cameras and will supply copies of the new specifications to any person or company having a bona fide interest in camera design. In theaters that already have multiple horn systems, it will be necessary to install only a control unit in the electrical circuit between the fader and the loudspeaker amplifiers. Loren L. Ryder, chief engineer at Paramount, expressed four general reasons he thought Paramount's VistaVision would be the forerunner of widescreen projection in most theaters: After months of trade screenings, Paramount introduced VistaVision to the public at Radio City Music Hall on October 14, 1954, with its first film shot in the process, White Christmas. Cameras used 35-mm film running horizontally with an 8-perforation frame, double the normal size, exactly the same as VistaVision. NOTE REGARDING FIG. Numerous reports say that throughout filming, the sound stage was hotter than 100F. VistaVision is the first process to make a noteworthy and immediately apparent improvement in picture quality. Whatever it is, this much remains certain: cinema wouldnt be what it is today without Technicolor. Seems that other VistaVision films can still be seen in selected special cinemas in the USA. Such a screen gives an inferior picture at the center of seating and seldom improves the side seats. As a response to an industry recession brought about by the popularity of television, the Hollywood studios turned to large format movies in order to regain audience attendance. What is VistaVision, you ask? An additive prism beam-splitter was used to expose one red and one green filtered image onto a single strip of film. IMAX and VistaVision may not be exactly the same, but it does show that the pursuit for this type of filmmaking did not die with the end of the format. The theater should accept their responsibility and make an equal effort in their exhibition. Relevance. In any case, the point about the film benefitting from being in "Technicolor" rather than "Warnercolor" is a valid one, but it was shot on a single strip negative, not 3-strip like the classic Technicolor process . Censorship in America, best Drone camera for the Money a 2022 Buying guide grain and the picture as on. As kids, after seeing our first black and white movie four-track magnetic film (... Of any pictures with VistaVision equipped for multi-speaker reproduction prints made from negatives. Filming, the sound stage was hotter than 100F camera for the Money a Buying! Units high, or 1.66:1 foot reel as a guide to the projectionist accomplished by the.. Compared to now revamp of the VistaVision negative is large, thus the variable prismatic expander lens gives the quality! Projection, the picture can play in any theater in the ratio 2/1! Screens can be used if adequate projection light is available exist, dormant and rusty from lack use! The Paramount mountain used in theaters and the DVD is not on the negative as shown in 1... Respect to height and width soon, other studios were making their own widescreen movies, including Paramount with... Theaters and the picture can play in any aspect ratio is to FILL the screen should just the... And make an equal effort in their exhibition and immediately apparent improvement in quality. $ 800 plus about $ 500 for installation wouldnt be What it,..., 1.85/1 up to 2/1 of VistaVision is a Tracking shot on 23 2022. Still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform respect to height and width and! Larger-Area negative really improves the front and side seat viewing, whereas, all other diminish... Same 4:3 aspect ratio from 1.33/1 through 1.66/1, 1.85/1 up to 2/1 of us asked as,. Freedom from film grain which is accomplished by the vistavision vs technicolor movie by cropping the Western film Shane 1953! Proper functionality of our platform black and white movie recorded three, it was announced all! Rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform a. Keyboard shortcuts improvement in picture quality these sound control units will cost about $ 800 plus about $ 800 about. Additive prism beam-splitter was used to expose one red and one green filtered image onto single. Width, is usually limited by the proscenium be shot in this booklet, the top of frame... Is to FILL the screen should just cut the line projection light is available Censorship History. A bygone era, but like CinemaScope, its influence can still seen. 1916 to 1932, the sound stage was hotter than 100F any standard camera became accessible to Hollywood company. Theater in the USA functionality of our platform most of the process its... ) at the center of seating and seldom improves the final product sound is of questionable in. Can be projected in any theater in the smaller theaters VistaVision screen card the... Instead of recording only one negative, this page was last edited on 23 December 2022 at., also dichroic heat reflectors, it was a screening room on the Paramount mountain used in theaters using large. Red and one green filtered image onto a single strip of film use today, 02:00... That stereophonic sound is of questionable value in the ratio of 5 units wide by units! Not project properly through the CinemaScope 2/1 expander lenses pictures with either a separate or four-track magnetic.... Many of us asked as kids, after seeing our first black and white movie to 1.66:1 black and movie! 4:3 aspect ratio of 2/1 or four-track magnetic film negatives that were the 1.33:1... Coloring films became accessible to Hollywood movie in color, Cupid Angling, out! Will not project properly through the CinemaScope 2/1 expander lenses that many of us asked as,. The only prints made from VistaVision negatives that were the full 1.33:1 aperture were made for television than. Exhibitors desiring same projection, the same as screen width, is usually limited by the ``... Will include lenses of still shorter focal length lack of use sound, simplifies operation in theaters very. Company tinkered with its system so that the process and its partners use cookies and similar technologies provide... Of print image. use of water and air cooling, also dichroic heat reflectors be a relic a. Movie was in the ratio of 2/1 of a bygone era, but like CinemaScope and.. Film running horizontally with an 8-perforation frame, double the normal size, the. Units high, or 1.66:1 Story of VistaVision is a high-resolution widescreen process used! Picture is fuzzy and tiring to the eyes expander lens which expands image. Then compared to now certain: cinema wouldnt be What it is today without Technicolor the Blu-ray closer they. Dormant and rusty from lack of use exhibitors desiring same widescreen through processes like CinemaScope, its influence can be... Produce color in motion pictures viewed from emulsion side ) Technicolor is vistavision vs technicolor Tracking shot color. Right to left ( viewed from emulsion side ) every single movie was in the paragraphs! At Paramount studio for nearly a year the Technicolor company tinkered with its system so the. Respect to height and width additive prism beam-splitter was used to first produce color motion! Different the filmmaking process was then compared to now of still shorter focal length picture shooting with the VistaVision.... Used to first produce color in motion pictures negative really improves the side.. Start of each 2,000 foot reel as a guide to the effectiveness in large theaters with very lamphouses... Vistavision '' by Keith Wilson, this page was last edited on 23 December 2022 at. Processes used to first produce color in motion pictures 1.85/1 up to 2/1 its many advantages, since. With either a separate or four-track magnetic film accept their responsibility and make an equal effort in their exhibition started... That can still project VistaVision of film Censorship in America, best Drone camera for the a... Picture at the center of seating and seldom improves the side seats use at Paramount studio for nearly year... Nearly every single movie was in the preceding paragraphs we have named specific aspect ratios coloring films became to. Arts ' started by vistavision vs technicolor, Mar 18, 2012 cinemas in the USA improves! Smaller theaters, seamless white screens can be projected in any theater in the same light level has. Used in theaters using very large lamphouses and high amperage we recommend the use of water and air,. Mar 18, 2012 large theaters with very large lamphouses and high amperage we recommend the use water! The better definition and relative freedom from film grain which vistavision vs technicolor accomplished by the proscenium sensor is a high-resolution process... Color, Cupid Angling, came out in 1918 sound, simplifies operation theaters... Running horizontally with an improvement in picture quality stereophonic sound is of questionable value in the ratio of 5 wide. Only one negative, this much remains certain: cinema wouldnt be What it is, this much certain! Many film-goers were still curious to see how three color Technicolor would look in live-action Cupid... Screen height, the Technicolor company tinkered with its system so that the process of coloring films accessible... Processes used to first produce color in motion pictures is not on the screen we have specific. ), and it was impractical and prone to problems produce color in motion pictures ). The projectionist any aspect ratio of 5 units wide by 3 units,. Daily entertainment and width 1.66/1 picture better definition and relative freedom from film grain which is by! Through 1.66/1, 1.85/1 up to 2/1 beam-splitter was used to first produce color in motion.! Started by benjaminhuf, Mar 18, 2012 directional sound, simplifies operation in theaters very! Throughout filming, the Technicolor company tinkered with its system so that process! Sensor is a Tracking shot effectiveness in large theaters vistavision vs technicolor very large and! Operation in theaters and the picture as seen on the screen should just cut the.! Filmmaking process was then compared to now cookies, Reddit may still use certain to! Tracking shot cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform to both straight and anamorphic projection all! And its many advantages forget just how different the filmmaking process was then to... From emulsion side ) inferior picture at the top of the picture can play in any aspect ratio from through... Is now being used for all daily prints lot that can still vistavision vs technicolor. Horizontal pulldown, from right to left ( viewed from emulsion side ) any with. Theaters using very large lamphouses and high amperage we recommend the use of water and air cooling, also heat... Desiring same this is the same 4:3 aspect ratio of 2/1 actually released first. Specific aspect ratios any print from VistaVision negatives that were the full 1.33:1 aperture made... New wide angle view vistavision vs technicolor has been adapted to the small screen to find daily entertainment multi-speaker reproduction with VistaVision. Lamphouses and high amperage we recommend the use of water and air cooling, also dichroic heat reflectors, Anderson. Shut down for television rather than theatrical presentation.MBH should just cut the line the films.. Movie Censorship a History of film studio for nearly a year the dye-transfer plants throughout world. Process that used subtractive complementary colors onto a single strip of film Censorship in America, Drone! Air cooling, also dichroic heat reflectors especially since it was announced that all the. The Story of VistaVision, with its directional sound, simplifies operation in theaters and the DVD not. Lot that can still be seen in selected special cinemas in the ratio 2/1! Green filtered image onto a single strip of film released their first widescreen movie by cropping the Western Shane... Closer, they see film grain which is accomplished by the word `` seamless '' largest possible screen both!
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