[net.sf-lovers] "Showscan" / high frame rate film projection

Reynolds%Rand-Unix@sri-unix.UUCP (03/27/84)

    Date: Fri, 23 Mar 84 15:01:29 EST
    From: Craig MacFarlane <cmacfarl@BBN-UNIX>
    Subject: high spped film

    Hello,
	    Has any one been keeping up with what is going on with high
    speed film?  I was reading somewhere that Lucas or Spielberg was
    working on a film that had twice as many frames per second as
    normal.  They said that the more you increase the number of frames
    per second the more reaction and emotion the audience feels.  They
    assimilated the effect as the same as the brainstorm type tape.
	    The idea wouldn't go over big because of the cost of
    replacing all the projection equipment and the amount of film
    needed, but it might be good for certain areas.
	    Any info on this subject would be appreciated.
				    thanks,
				    craig

You almost got it right.  The projection system is called "Showscan" and
is being pushed by Douglas Trumbull.  The frame rate is 60 hertz and the
film format is 70mm, but a 35mm version exists.  Interesting you should
make the comparison to the tapes in "Brainstorm".  That film (produced
by Trumbull) was originally intended as a vehicle for the introduction
of Showscan to the theaters.  The idea was that the "brainstorm device
POV" scenes would be in 70mm 60hz Showscan, and the mundane world view
would be done in 35mm 24hz format (printed up to Showscan).  As it was,
that project could not get funding and the concept became to switch
between "Academy Apreture" and widescreen format.
-c