[MF3D.FORUM:950] Re: Is MF Stereo Projection Practical?

[Brian Reynolds <reynolds@xxxxxxxxx>]

Oleg Vorobyoff wrote:
> In NSA's stereo theater at Mesa, I was trying to imagine how an MF
> show might have come off.  They had an immense screen, but it had a
> 3 to 1 aspect ratio, so realist format slides looked rather forlorn
> on it, particularly from the back and sides of the auditorium.  I am
> afraid MF would come off likewise.  The really stunning pictures on
> that screen were produced by a battery of six precisely registered
> projectors loaded with full frame 35mm slides.
> 

That's an awfully wide screen.  Even "Lawrence of Arabia" and "2001: A
Space Odyssey" have only a 2.20:1 aspect ratio.

Does this screen belong to the NSA, or was it provided by the hotel or
local hosting group?  I guess it wasn't the hotel's screen since they
probably wouldn't have a silver screen.

If I recall correctly the normal Realist format with no cropping is
almost square.  This screen sounds like it was meant for two full
frame 35mm images side by side.

> For effective projection of MF one would want a tall screen.  But I
> had enough difficulty seeing past the heads of spectators with the
> current setup, especially because the theater had a flat floor.  A
> taller screen would have been downright irritating.
> 

This sounds like more of a problem with the venue than with projection
in particular.  A flat floor is going to be bad for people in back no
matter where you are.  The hotels I've gone to conferences at
generally have the screen above floor level so that the lower edge of
the screen is above a seated person's head.  These are often lowered
from the ceiling in a ball room.  Perhaps the NSA projection staff
could make arrangements to have the screen hung rather than have it
stand on the floor.

> So my real question is whether MF stereo projection to a large group
> is worth the hassle considering that many of the advantages of the
> MF format would be negated.  The only remedies I can think of are
> either to show to smaller groups or to find a dedicated projection
> theater (like the NSA used for its meeting in San Rafael earlier
> this year).
>

I generally look at projection as a convenience vs. quality trade off.
Projection lets you show your slides to a large group of people
simultaneously, but few people will be in the correct viewing spot
(the ortho seat) and as you've pointed out there are other viewing
problems.

By the way, there's something that has occurred to me.  If you want to
see really well done MF stereo projection check out IMAX 3D.

-- 
Brian Reynolds                  | "Dee Dee!  Don't touch that button!"
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