The Independent Film Journal (1952)

MPRC Compiles Projection Data For Stereo 3-D Fox’s Curved Screeen Setup •. ' • S;lSlZi!55!!5-55SK ^|,/]/\SCOPE SCREEN SiZi: 5TAWPARP SCREtN SIZE STEREOPHONIC SOUND OfVES THREE-DIMENSIONAL EFFECT SO SOUND COMES FROM POINT OF ORIOIN ON SCREEN ~ CINEMASCOPE LEMS ISfaojector li:!' Cinemascope, 20th Century-Fox's curved screen process, which was premiered this week for a special audience in Hollywood, is illustrated in comparison to conventional flat screen projection. Dotted lines show the size of the conventional screen as compared to the new concave screen. System uses a new lens which condenses a scene in filming and expands it in projection. "Threedimensional" sound effect is made possible by the three "sound boxes" at top of the screen. New Projector Carbon Introduced A new positive projector carbon, for use specifically in all mirror type variable feed ratio lamps, was introduced by the National Carbon Co. Called “Suprex,” and available in two sizes, 7mm. x 12 inches, and 7mni. x 14 inches, the company claims that it gives more light at the same carbon consumption, and the same light at less current and lower car¬ bon consumption than its predecessor. It is rated at 42-50 amperes. The company added that this 7mni. po.sitive carbon is tin* latest in the new line of “Suprex” carbons which have achieved wide acceptance. It can be ordered through regu¬ lar distributor channels by Order No. L0521 for the 7mm. x 12-inch size and L0525 for the 7mm. x 14-inch size. The present 7mm. “Suprex” carbon will continue in use for one Kw. fixed ratio lamps. Name Splicer Distributor New York. — The Camera Ecjuipment Co. has been ap])ointed as another distributor for the Prestoseal “butt-weld” film splicer, known by the trade name of “Presto-Splicer,” manufactur(‘d by the Prestoseal Manufactur¬ ing Corj). of Long Island City. Basement Becmnes Spacious Club Room Muscoda, Wise. — The conversion of a the¬ atre basement to a club room for patrons of the Muscoda Theatre scored as a public rela¬ tions boost by Ervin E. Moiwis, manager. The room can now be used to relax in or as a hold out area during the winter and rainy weather. Management also makes the room available to civic groups and clubs for meetings, at which food may be served. Walls of the base¬ ment were done in pine paneling, with floor lamps, juke box, piano, and fire-place added. RCA’s New 3-D Sound Camden, N. J. — Stereophonic sound re¬ production ecinijiment to accompany any type of three-dimensional motion picture will be made available shortly in the produc¬ tion of si)ecial theatre sound systems by RCA, according to Barton Kreuzer, manager of RCA Victor’s theatre and industrial mar¬ keting division. In an effort to help resolve the confusion;, currently existing as to what type of equip-? ment should be used in the exhibition of ? stereoscopic three-dimensional films, the Mo-i tion Picture Research Council compiled and! released a set of concrete recommendations' relating to such equipment for the theatre, j Once a theatre is converted to stereoscopic: 3-D systems — the kind that require audience viewers — film from all producers making j stereoscopic pictures can be shown, according , to the MPRC. In other words, all such sys¬ tems, said the MPRC, demand the same type of equipment and arrangement for projec-, tion. The MPRC li.st of conversion necessities ; includes the use of two projectors, proper' alignment of projectors, and the use of a proper interlocking mechanism which will i allow them to run in absolute synchronism. | Metalized Screen Needed It was also noted that larger magazines I and reels are needed in order to minimize intermissions, that rewinds have to be ad-, justed to accept the larger reels, and, finally,! that it is necessary to project on a metalized directional screen. No specific recommendation on the type of ■ metalized directional screen to use was of i fered as yet by MPRC. The Council noted i; that it was possible to spray existing mat screens with suitable metalic paints, but of \ fered as yet no specific recommendation on this point either. ! Proper projector alignment is achieved when the vertical and horizontal center lines of the two projectors are superimposed on i the screen. MPRC has prepared Target Test i Film for use in achieving proper alignment. This film is available either in short sec¬ tions for loops or in larger rolls. Sufficient length for loops for two projectors is avail¬ able for $2. Longer lengths are available in ! multiples of 50 feet at eight cents per foot. Eyestrain Prevented , i For proper interlock, the two projectors : must be linked together so that the right and left prints are projected in synchronism, , frame for frame. This prevents fluttering in i the pictures, which causes eyestrain. Inter¬ locking can be accomplished either mechani : cally or electrically. MPRC recommends the electrical type. A show of 10,000 feet with only one in¬ termission requires 25-inch magazines to ac¬ commodate 24-inch reels. Reels will hold up to 5,000 feet of color positive film or 5500 [ feet of black and white. j Size and weight of such reels require that [ they have free wheeling flanges to minimize I strain on the film when the machine is i started. | for 3D projection be prepared with Lorraine SUPER-CHARGED ORLUX CARBONS PRODUCE A BETTER LIGHT IN ANY SIZE THEATRE OR DRIVE-IN . . . MORE ECONOMICALLY! CARBONS, INC. • BOONTON, N. J. THE INDEPENDENT FILM JOURNAL— March 21. 1953 ■ 28