International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1954)

h Paramount's Vista Vision By LOREN L. RYDER Engineering Director, Paramount Studios, Hollywood, Calif. SIMPLICITY is the keyword for VistaVision. This development sets a new pattern in photography and provides a maximum of entertainment value at a minimum of expense. The fact that theatres the world over may utilize its advantages on standard projection equipment makes it doubly attractive. Paramount's consistent belief that wide-screen presentation is enhanced by adding height and the need for greater screen clarity prompted the development of this system. The first step was a method of procuring better original photographic detail. This was accomplished by exposing the area of two frames horizontally on regular 35-mm film, the camera being turned on its side. Larger Camera Negative Using a wider-angle lens and pullling eight sprocket holes before the lens instead of the conventional four, a new, large negative measuring 1.472 x 0.997 inches was produced. (Fig. 1). With almost three times the area of a standard 35-mm frame exposed, much more detail was photographed than was possible on a standard frame. Furthermore, scenes can be photographed for best composition in aspect ratios of 1.66 to 1 or 1.85 to 1. The next step was to get an optical reduction on regular 35-mm film so that it could be shown in any existing theatre without changes in projection equipment. For this a new technique was developed whereby in the printing process the large negative was turned 90 degrees and printed the same as any previous release film ( Fig. 2 ) . The net result of such a process meant that the original depth of focus was retained in the reduction and the grain effect was practically eliminated. When projected, the full beauty of the entire scene is reproduced. This is the outstanding feature of VistaVision. Big Screen Advised While no added expense is necessary to gain the full quality in VistaVision theatre prints, certain improvements will give greater viewing pleas ure and the first and most important is a suitable screen. For those theatres who do not have a big screen, Paramount's recommendation is to provide as high and as wide a screen as the premises will permit. Further, a seamless screen of good quality should be installed and the theatre should fill the screen with picture. A first cost for the more advantageous use of Vista-Vision is the screen and with each increment of expenditure better picture quality will Full size reproduction of the 35 mm release print made from the doubleframe VistaVision negative. Latter is turned 90 degrees and printed down to ^. r e a shown. Resultant print gives greater resolution. result whereby the viewer will see more and get more enjoyment. Good standard lenses and adequate projection light will add to these improvements. No Projection Problems As stated above, a VistaVision release print can be played on any standard projection equipment. Using a standard good quality lens all of the beauty and clarity may be shown in any aspect ratio from 1.33/1 to 2/1 by the simple expedient of masking with a properly shaped projection aperture. (Fig. 3) . Light requirements 1 1.85/1 wnc ■,--\Z5%ka\o\ 133/1 RAlWl New VistaVision high and wide screen. Dotted line shows how ordinary motion picture screen size compares with big VistaVision screen. Broken lines shows comparison of 2.55 to 1 ratio screen with high 1.85 to 1 VistaVision. will depend on the screen size and throw. In very large houses with very large screens it might be advisable to use a variable expander prismatic lens. With it, lens handling becomes simplified and complete light is gained for the entire picture of any size. Paramount will make available both standard and compressed prints; the latter will be made in the ratio of 1.5/1 and will give a screen picture in the ratio of 2/1 when shown through the expander lens. Such a lens may also be used with standard prints and in addition will play compressed prints from other studios. Standard Sound Track All VistaVision theatre prints will have standard sprocket holes and will carry the regular optical sound track. In addition, each print will have a control track which will control the sound placement in theatres equipped for dimensional sound. It is felt that for most houses, the single horn system will give excellent results; however, dimensional sound will be available and optional. Since the introduction of wide screens many theatres have found that the front seats are even less desirable than in the past. With VistaVision, these seats are regained for the exhibitor for with its exceptional clarity and lack of film grain, pictures down Full size reproduction of the Vista Vision camera negative showing size and placement of the image. Note clarity of detail. INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST • APRIL 1954 13