The Independent Film Journal (1955)

Westrex sound recording equipment was used on location of "Oklahoma!". Above photograph shows two compact RA1524 type stereophonic mixers, which may also be used for scoring and re-recording. Todd-AO Makes Gala N. Y. Debut The Todd-AO projector, scheduled for installation shortly in 50 large U. S. cities, will show productions photographed in the new process. the light had to be thrown back at the audience and not allowed to flood other parts of the screen. This was the reillumination problem. The other problem was simply that of getting enough light. If the same light as is used in standard 35mm projection were spread over a screen four times as large, it would be only one-fourth as bright. The TODD-AO system partly overcame this problem by the use of a larger film, but in addition it was important that the film act as efficiently as possible in redirecting the light to the audience and not wasting any of its lighting up the walls, ceiling or other parts of the screen. Both problems were solved by moulding and coating the screen surface to make the light go in the desired direction and no other. The result is a scren surface made of plastic-coated cotton cloth, deeply embossed with tiny rectangular mirrors (600 to the square inch) and aluminized to give high reflectivity. In each portion of the screen, the mirrors are at the correct angle to direct the light only where it is needed. Installation Each TODD-AO theatrical installation will bo a hand-tailored job for the engineers involved, and the lenses and screen size will vary according to projection throws and auditorium sizes. Since every installation presents a unique problem, a selection of seven projection lenses called the CineApergon group has been devised. These lenses have focal lengths of 2.6", 3", 3.5", 4.1", 4.8", 5.6" and 6.6" respectively, have aspherical optical surfaces and unusual speeds, and are capable of covering the wide film with overall striking realism. As a general rule, the preferred screen is the largest screen that can be installed in the theatre auditorium. A major theatre can be surveyed in less than one day, according to the TODD-AO engineers. It is estimated that an installation can be completed in approximately two sensation of personal participation experienced by the audience. Another aspect of the deeply curved screen is its freedom from “squeezed” images. Most movie-goers are familiar with the elongated, narow figures that are seen from the side seats in the front rows. Scientists at American Optical conducted a series of careful experiments to see what “squeeze” could be tolerated without objection when looking at the screen from specific angles. They then studied theatres to see how many seats present an objectionably squeezed picture and which seats give a good picture. The final result is that the TODDAO system is designed for every seat in the theatre — in this respect it is unique. The ability to avoid “squeeze” is stolen straight from Euclid’s Geometry. Euclid taught that for an observer standing on the edge of a circle, equal arcs subtend equal angles anywhere on the circle. On the TODDAO screen, this has the result that an observer can walk right up and lean his cheek against the screen — and still get a good view of the picture. The theatre owners will thus be able to make more profitable use of the front seats of his theatre than he could with a flat screen. The TODD-AO screen is not only wide and deeply curved, but also proportionately high, with a 2x1 ratio. “This restoration of a normal aspect ratio in movies has long been awaited by the industry and even more so by the public,” says TODD-AO. Material Because the screen is deeply curved and large, the problems of reillumination and brightness arose. If light shining on one part of the screen scatters onto another part, contrast is reduced, and colors are less bright. Somehow weeks and that this period will soon be shortened. Rivoli New York’s 40-year old Rivoli Theatre, which was competely modernized and remodelled for the two-a-day, reserved seat performances of TODD-AO’s “Oklahoma,” will also serve as a sales room, in the mornings, to demonstrate TODD-AO equipment. Interested exhibitors may inspect the TODD-AO projector and screen at dose hand, and may view the film as projected from either a high or low booth, depending on whether a slanted or straight throw is desired for his particular theatre. Jules Catsiff, who supervised the reconstruction of the famous Broadway house, revealed that the rehabilitation job cost about $350,000, not including the TODD-AO equipment. For example, wider seats were installed, ( Continued on page 26) With the Todd-AO "All Purpose" Projector DP70, 35mm projection is the same as for 70mm except for two minor changes. 24 THE INDEPENDENT FILM JOURNAL— October 15. 1955