Method of making motion picture release-print film

Abstract

A method of making motion picture release-print film, such as 35 mm film. The film has an enlarged frame that occupies substantially the entire width of the film that is available for the exposure of images, and the spacing between frames is minimized. Film having these enlarged frames provides an enhanced image with a minimum of film waste. Aspect ratios of 1.85:1 and 2.01:1 in the enlarged frame size are contemplated in three and four perforation formats. A digital soundtrack or other appropriate soundtrack replaces the analog soundtrack that occupies a portion of the available width. The soundtrack may provide for redundancy.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to motion picture film and, more particularly, a method of making motion picture release-print film that provides an enhanced projected image and lower film consumption. [0002] With reference to FIG. 1, a conventional motion picture projector 10 uses reels 12 that supply the film 14 that goes into the projection system, and reels 16 that take up the film which has already been projected. A more recent design uses “platters” (large horizontal reels) that, on alternate ends, serve to both supply and take-up the film. Between the supply reel 12 and the take-up reel 16 lies an optical / mechanical device that actually projects the images that comprise what we call “motion pictures.” This device is referred to as the projector head 18. Behind the head 18 is a lamp house 20 and a light-condenser 22, and in front of the head are lenses 24 that focus the “moving” image onto a projection screen. [0003] Below the head 18 are sound...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a method for making motion picture release-print film that has an enhanced projected image with minimal film waste. This is achieved by increasing the size of each film frame and eliminating or minimizing the space between frames that is normally occupied by the soundtrack. The resulting film has a significantly enhanced projected image and maximizes the use of film emulsion area. The film can be exhibited at a high rate of speed with minimal film waste. The invention reconciles two conflicting parameters in film making—enhancing the projected film image and minimizing film waste. The film has a significantly enlarged frame that provides an enhanced projected image, while minimizing film waste. The film can be exhibited at a high rate of speed with minimal film waste. The invention provides an alternate release print format that conveniently corresponds to the proposed broadcast format for High Definition TV."

Problems solved by technology

But some audiences disliked the seams where the three images joined together on the screen.

Also, it was a relatively expensive process, both in terms of production and distribution.

However, there are still many inherent drawbacks to the anamorphic process, including limited photographic depth-of-field and large, heavy camera lenses.

Further, some film makers feel that the 2.35:1 aspect ratio is simply too wide.

Moreover, the anamorphic process results in an image that is so wide that much of it cannot be shown on television absent significant cropping of the image or presentation of the image in what has come to be known as a “letterbox.”

Unfortunately, the economic consequences associated with 1.85 format are considerable.

Although both the three-perforation format and the 2.5-perforation format help reduce film waste, neither one provides any enhancement in the quality or resolution of the projected image.

However, the basic specification of the projection pull-down has failed to evolve in response to these changes.

Images