International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1954)

AS OF THE MOMENT (Continued from page 10) try. This view was buttressed by the fact that immediately following the Tushinsky demonstrations in New York the price of the CinemaScope cylindrical lens was drastically reduced from $1800 a pair to $1095 for a small pair and $1195 for a large pair. To the best of our information, the price of the Tushinsky anamorphic attachment will be $700 a pair. The Gottschalk anamorphic lens attachment unit, which was demonstrated in New York a few days following the Tushinsky exhibition, is a similar prismatic device, and it is quite probable that the considerations enumerated previously anent the Tushinsky unit apply with equal force to the Gottschalk unit. Single-Track Optical Sound An escape from the manifold problems posed by the various new processes is offered by the single-track, straightaway optical reproduction system now enjoying the favor of both Paramount and M-G-M, known as Vista Vision. We append hereto an official statement by Paramount Pictures Corp. anent this process. "The position of Paramount is, and has been from the beginning, that any plan developed should be applicable to all theatres, large or small. Furthermore, such a plan should not make it mandatory for the exhibitor to invest large sums of money in new equipment. . . . "Paramount is firmly convinced it has the overall answer to the problem of how to improve the presentation of motion pictures and that all exhibitors will be able to afford it. . . . "VistaVision will be available to any and all motion picture production companies and can be used by any theatre of any size in the world. "From the beginning. Paramount determined that in the presentation of a motion picture on the screen HEIGHT was equ£illy as important as width." (This coincides exactly with the stand taken by IP since the introduction of all these various new processes. — Ed.) "Therefore, Paramount recommends that every exhibitor install the largest possible screen both as to height and width that his theatre will permit. Having done this, the exhibitor will be able to play pictures of any size and ratio he desires. "VistaVision uses a new camera technique which produces a picture of the highest quality ever seen on the screen. "The VistaVision camera uses a horizontal double-frame negative to photograph the picture. This double negative photographs images on an area 2% times the regular 35-mm camera frame. This large negative is then compressed, by printing, to a standard 35-mm frame for release prints. 'Fuzzyness' Drastically Reduced "This process eliminates grain and fuzziness and provides an overwhelming picture with complete definition of focus and the finest quality picture it is possible to obtain. In addition, the VistaVision camera permits the use of lenses in photographing with an angle varying from 9 up to 75 degrees, and still permits the photographing of scenes without distortion due to the excess ratio of width to height. "With the VistaVision Process, people and the objects around them can be photographed as seen by the human eye. It is not necessary to regroup or diminish the size of actors to meet abnormal limitations of height with respect to width. "The key words in Paramount's plan are "compatibility" and "flexibility." Under this plan it is optional with the exhibitor as to whether he installs auxiliary sound equipment or not. If auxiliary sound equipment is to be used, it is Paramount's finding that dimensional sound is simpler and less costly in every respect than stereophonic sound and the results are approximately the same. Sound Reproduction, Cost "Dimensional sound is from a single sound track on the positive print. This track will be available on Paramount pictures. If an exhibitor desires to use dimensional sound he will, of course, have to install a sound control unit in his projection rooin — the cost, approximately $1,500. "Through this system the sound will be directed to three horn units — one at the left of the screen, one in the center and one at the right of the screen. If the exhibitor does not have the horn units available, he will need to purchase these in addition to the sound control unit. This equipment will cost the exhibitor approximately an additional $2,000. "Prints of Paramount pictures, starting with "White Christmas," will have the directional sound control on the sound track. However, this same print containing the directional sound control can play in any theatre in the normal way." Honest Endeavor Applauded IP will never decry any honest endeavor in the technological area which will contribute in even the slightest degree to the welfare of the industry. At the same time we hold seriously to the view that it is our responsibility to report and evaluate in terms of practical application any device which purports to enhance the entertainment value of the projected motion picture image. When the once-vaunted fifth largest industry in the world requires for the showing of its product to the paying public six projection lenses for the various processes — all for the lack of an agreement on standards — then we have indeed reached a deplorable — nay, desperate — stage. Out of sheer weariness by reason of constant repetition, IP once more suggests that a meeting of only ten technical personnel (free from the influence of executive "brass") — five from the Coast and five from the East — could within the space of a few hours agree upon and settle finally such matters as a standard aspect ratio, stereophonic sound, etc., which our industry so desperately needs. SMPTE Convention Starts May 3 A number of papers investigating the early history of the motion picture industry will be read at the 75th semiannual Convention of the SMPTE, which opens May 3rd and runs for five days at the Hotel Statler in Washington, D. C. The historical tone will be set by the authors of 15 papers, who for more than a year have combed archives, examined antiquated cameras, projectors and old films for clues that would shed new light on the early history of the motion picture industry. In addition to describing the evolution of modern projectors and cameras, the speakers will examine early successes and failures in the making and processing of film and in the recording and reproduction of sound. There will also be the usual wide selection of papers on new engineering achievements in the motion picture field. To be reported on are Vista Vision, Perspect-A-Sound, an Xenon-arc projection lamp and a variety of other developments. Baiaban & Katz Goes "Flat" Balaban & Katz's Chicago Theatre has been equipped with a flat Radiant Astrolite screen 60 feet wide and 29 feet high. This is the second large theatre to announce that it will use a flat screen for CinemaScope. The first was the Radio City Music Hall installation which IP reported on in detail last month. Balaban & Katz is also installing Raytone screens in the Senate, Central Park, Nortown, Biltmore and United Artists theatres, bringing to 19 the number of B & K theatres equipped for CinemaScope. Eighteen Great States houses are also CinemaScope equipped. 34 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST APRIL 1954