International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1956)

of rising remperacui e. Furthermore, experiments with film so seriously damaged that it is unacceptable in a flat gate prove it can be projected from a curved gate with quite good results. There are other plus factors associated with this development. In projection lenses the mean focal field is generally a curved surface rather than a true plane. The curved gate, as designed, tends to shape the picture area in such a way as to accomplish some improvement in uniformity of focus. Variation in Lenses It is recognized at the same time that there is considerable variation in field curvature of lenses depending upon manufacture, speed, focal length and other conditions, so that the degree of improvement to be anticipated is difficult to define. In most instances it has been found that there is worthwhile gain in definition. In cases of film buckle there is an intermediate change between momentary distortion and permanent damage. As the emulsion shrinks, the photographic print tends to curl in an attitude transverse to its length. This rep resents distortion in the same direction as defects in focal characteristics of the lens. When shown in this condition in a straight gate, further deterioration in picture quality is experienced. When the same film is projected with a curved gate, there is a tendency toward elimination of the curl while the film is stationary. This results in further improvement in picture definition. Introduction of the curved gate will be of prime importance for all types of theatres. Momentary buckle occurs in its most serious form during the first few passages of the print through the projector. This is particularly true where light levels are high, resulting in fast aging of the emulsion. The corrections which the curved gate provide will in some instances be of greatest importance to the first-run theatre. On the other hand, all too frequently, by the time the print has reached the subsequent-run house, it has been subjected to high temperatures sufficient to have introduced either severe curl or permanent buckle damage. In most of these instances a curved gate will permit acceptable showing of prints. Without it, this would not be possible. Unique Indoor-Outdoor Drive-In Theatre The impressive thing about drive-in growth today is not that more and more are springing up all over the country, but that they are growing bigger and more streamlined. How much they will grow and in which direction are indicated by a super deluxe indoor-outdoor combination drive-in soon to be erected in Babylon, Long Island in New York. Modernism, versatility, and informality are the themes of the proposed project designed by architect Drew Eberson for Associated Prudential Theatres. More than $1,000,000 will go into this unique venture scheduled to be started this summer. Basically, the plan calls for the construction of a stadium type enclosed theatre with 1000 seats on the same plot as a new 1370-car outdoor theatre. A static parking area of 350 cars will serve patrons who choose to visit the indoor theatre. One set of box offices will accommodate all incoming cars. Once inside the grounds, patrons may make use of all the available facilities — the indoor theatre, the outdoor theatre, playgrounds, viewing terrace and dining area. The Projection Rooms Economy of construction will be achieved by placing the two projection rooms back to back. Furthermore, these will be equipped so that nearly all methods of widescreen projection can be utilized. The giant outdoor screen will be 123 x 52 feet and completely enclosed for use as a garage and storage place. The screen itself will be composed of specially treated extruded aluminum panels, developed by MancoVision and the Motion Picture Research Council. Seymour Seider of Prudential Theatres reports a reflective brightness from this Diagram showing back to back projection rooms of outdoor-indoor drive-in theatre to be erected in Babylon, Long Island, N. Y. The million dollar project is expected to be completed in the spring of 1957. type screen of 10 foot lamberts as tested by the National Carbon Co. The indoor screen will be 51 by 25% feet with a curvature depth of llx/2 feet at the center. Variable Magnascope masking for top, bottom, and both sides of the screen will be installed. Architect Eberson has stated that the indoor screen installation will be changed in size and shape to accommodate the different modes of projection. Almost Straight Throw Of prime importance in controlling distortion will be the angle of projection in both theatres. In the open airer, the angle of projection will be 4% degrees; while in the enclosed theatre, angle of projection will be less than 3 degrees. The projection rooms are 21'7" above the ground level. According to plans drawn up, many of the projection facilities will be shared by both projection rooms. This includes the rewind room, generator room, emergency electricity room, and the projectionists' toilet — but not the projectors, of course. Film, however, may also be shared. When both theatres feature the same picture, as will sometimes be the case, staggered starting times will permit the transferring of reels from one pair of projectors to the other and back again. The main advantage of the new concept then are its economy and versatility of operation. A substantial portion of the facilities that are necessary to both theatres are operated in common. Also, the indoor theatre means earlier starting time in summer and a non-stop schedule during the cold winter months when many drive-ins are forced to shut down. Study of Film-Storage Fires The National Bureau of Standards of the U. S. Dept. of Commerce has published a new booklet, "Fire Effects and Fire Control in Nitrocellulose Photographic-Film Storage," which is an interesting illustrated report of some intensive research dealing with the hazards of nitrocellulose motion picture film. Results of the numerous experiments described in the 23-page booklet show the relative effectiveness of various safety devices in minimizing fire loss to film and danger to surrounding property. Although the manufacture of nitrocellulose film in the U. S. was discontinued in 1950, large quantities of this type of film containing important historical data have been accumulated for preservation. Single copies of the report may be obtained for 20 cents each from the Government Printing Office, Washington 25. D. C. 14 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST JULY 1956