In the past 11 years film
viewers have experienced a minimum of 8 different digital sound systems.
They are: Disney EPCOT technology, FuturCinema Systems, CDS, DDP (for
IMAX/IMAX Dome), L.C. Concept, DTS, SRD and SDDS.
In 1984 Glen Glenn Sound and SONY made a 65mm Super Panavision 70
demonstration short called "Digital Dream". The film was
not shown with a digital soundtrack, but it was the first all-digitally
recorded six-channel soundtrack. The film was produced and directed by
Eric Stahl (Variety 6 June 1984).
In 1985, "Fantasia" was
presented in yet another digital sound system. The Plitt Century Plaza in
Los Angeles played limited engagements with off-the-shelf EPCOT time code
technology through the HPS-4000 Sound speaker system.
A year later, in
1986, the film "Home of the Brave" was exhibited and
advertised IN DIGITAL SOUND at the 57th Playhouse in New York. The format
carried the name
FuturCinema Systems.
Then, in 1990 6-track digital discrete stereo became available exclusively
in 70mm. Cinema Digital Sound presented 70mm versions of the biggest
box-office hits of the time: "Dick Tracy", "Edward
Scissorhands", "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" and
"Days of Thunder" not forgetting the 20 min CDS
demonstration film "Sounds Like The Real World". They
were all available in CDS 70mm.
A few years ago three digital
systems, Digital Theater Systems (DTS), Dolby Spectral Recording - Digital
(SRD) and Sony Dynamic Digital Sound (SDDS) appeared almost simultaneous.
Almost overnight, 70mm prints became obsolete. 70mm prints with 6-track
magnetic sound, which previously was an advantage over 35mm sound, was now
reduced to a museum piece. Now, with high tech technology, it was possible
to have CD sound quality on a standard 35mm print. The next step was to
terminate the use of 70mm prints. Somewhere along the line, however, the
question of picture quality was forgotten. 2 questions are essential.
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More
in 70mm reading:
70mm CDS Films
70mm DTS Films
What is DTS 70mm?
FuturVision 360
70mm system
Internet link:
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