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Exhibitor's Toolkit: Re-awakening "dormant" 35/70mm machines
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Read more
at
in70mm.com
The 70mm Newsletter
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Written
by: Ramon
Lamarca Marques,
Brian Guckian
and Mike Taylor |
Date:
09.05.2008 |
This article provides a guide to Exhibitors who wish to
re-activate 70mm capability in their venues, using existing
35/70mm equipment currently configured for 35mm-only.
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More
in 70mm reading:
65/70mm Workshop
Internet link: |
Background
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Cinemeccanica Victoria 8 projector set up for 70mm. Note the
magnetic head cluster fitted to the projector (top right)
for reading 70mm magnetic soundtracks. A DTS-70 timecode
reader should also be fitted to reproduce contemporary 70mm
soundtracks (not shown).
Courtesy Mike Taylor
The work begins with an assessment by the resident service
engineer of the existing equipment. Restoration of 70mm
capability where a dual-gauge machine is in situ typically
involves the following:
- Full mechanical service;
- Restoration of 70mm gate, incl. aperture and pressure
plates as applicable, using new parts if necessary;
- New or restored beam spreader for 70mm;
- Restoration of 70mm lens;
- Replacement of worn sprockets;
- Restoration of magnetic sound penthouse for playback of
classic 70mm titles;
- Fitting of DTS reader; if DTS sound is already fitted for
35mm then replacement of the existing 35mm-only reader
with a dual 35/70mm reader should be actively considered;
- Acquisition of DTS sound playback system if not already
installed;
- Modification to sound rack wiring and amplification to
allow for 5 stage channels and preferably three surround
channels; with existing sub-woofer this facilitates future
playback of 9-channel material from 35mm and digital video
as well as 70mm, and also allows playback of classic 70mm
titles mixed for 5 stage channels;
- Installation of additional loudspeakers as required
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Funding - the "Premiere Screen" concept
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Philips / Kinoton DP75 with 70mm film threaded. The magnetic
head cluster can be seen located above the lens mount. Again
a DTS-70 timecode reader is essential for contemporary 70mm
sound reproduction (not shown).
Courtesy Ben Wales
An upgrade to the largest screen in a cinema complex - which
usually can include a "dormant" 35/70mm machine if the
complex was constructed in the 1990s - could be carried out
as a "Premiere Screen" project. The re-vamp of the
projection and sound system could be paid for by a small
premium on ticket prices. Decor and ambience could also be
upgraded, and if the screen has not previously been
THX-certified, consideration could be given to this work,
which, by providing significant further upgrades to the
sound system via a loudspeaker baffle wall and greatly
enhanced acoustics, would support the technical presentation
even more.
The interested Exhibitor could go further by installing a
curved screen to a modern immersive design.
Of great advantage is that the "Premiere Screen" concept
typically involves just one screen (or for large complexes,
two), thus minimising outlay and maximising returns. In
large complexes the second screen capability is advantageous
in transferring 70mm titles after the initial period of the
run.
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Embedding Training and Standards as part of the Package
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DTS
reader for 70mm. In this case reading the DTS time code from a "Titanic"
70mm print 29.04.2008. Image by Thomas Hauerslev
Training for the projection and handling of 70mm, as well as
high standards for same, is absolutely essential, and should
be made a condition of receiving 70mm product by the
studios. Training would cover issues in handling classic
prints as well as new titles in 70mm, and standards could be
maintained via an Accreditation Programme*.
[* It is hoped to add more on this concept at a later date]
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Limited Exhibition (by Mike Taylor)
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The 65/70mm Workshop team have continued to look at the theme of "Waking
the Sleeping Giant", by researching the state of the current exhibition
facilities for the screening of 70mm motion pictures.
Whilst it would be very nice to see the return of 70mm in our theatres
all around the world, we have to be realistic and practical to accept
that this could only be achieved on a limited basis. The commitment from
Producers, Distributors and Exhibitors would dictate any progress made
in this direction.
A small worldwide circuit of motion picture theatres for 70mm could very
well service a travelling programme of reprinted archive material and
new product as envisaged through the 65/70mm Workshop. The response from
the movie-going public to these venues if linked to high-profile
publicity could produce some interesting statistics, and who knows,
might very well encourage other outlets to screen 70mm motion pictures
and ensure the Sleeping Giant sleeps no longer.
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28-07-24 |
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