Judging high-frame-rate technology [and other NAB cinema news]
Technology is changing so rapidly in the motion picture arena that keeping up with it is nearly a full-time job. It certainly stood front and center at the recent CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas, where there were demonstrations of high frame rates, laser illumination and immersive 3D sound systems. ...
With major filmmakers behind 48 fps movies, this innovation is here to stay, just like digital and 3D. 48 fps also allows for the creation of very smooth slow-motion scenes, simply by double-printing each frame to yield a 24 fps half-speed version. Even for full-speed scenes, 48 fps has advantages. Fast camera moves no longer cause “strobing” and individual frames are sharper. ...
The Theatre of the Future
So what will the motion picture theatre of the future look like? We certainly got a taste of it over the last 12 months with high frame rates, laser technology, 3D immersive sound systems and booth-less cinemas all making news. Regardless of the new technologies, content remains king. The theatre may be constructed differently and what’s on the screen may be projected in a new way, but business will be predicated on the film itself. If it’s good, box office will be strong, and if it’s not so good, grosses will spiral downward. ...
On the audio front, 3D immersive sound systems add a new element of play for movie audiences. And five companies are hoping that the implementation will accelerate now. Here’s how they describe their innovations: ... [Barco, Dolby, imm sound, SRS Labs, IOSONO] ...
Booth-less cinemas are another new concept that could catch on, as they can eliminate nearly 20 percent of the construction costs of a new theatre. At a time when exhibition is being asked to spend a great deal of money on upgrades, 3D, HFR, lasers and 3D sound systems, the opportunity to save construction dollars will be vital to exhibition. FJI will report on this topic in the near future.
Physically, the theatre of the future will be quite different, but what keeps people coming back is the story. And as long as our great filmmakers keep making movies that are emotionally entertaining, audiences will flock to them. It certainly is one of America’s favorite and cheapest pastimes.
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