P3D Re: Fantasia NOT in 3D!!!

[Lawrence W Kaufman <kaufman3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Phillip Gray wrote:

> Just read at the Maximage web site that Disney and Imax are doing a film
> called Fantasia 2000.  Anyone have any details anyone?

Phil,

IMAX Corporation signed an agreement for the
exclusive worldwide release of Disney's Fantasia
2000 to IMAX Theaters on Wednesday, February
10, 1999. The release will follow a five city live
orchestral tour of Fantasia 2000 in New York,
London, Paris, Tokyo and Los Angeles. Fantasia
2000 will be the first theatrical full length feature film
to be reformatted into Imax's 15/70 film format and
released to IMAX theaters around the world in its
full 90-minute length.

Disney Vice Chairman Roy E. Disney calls the film a
labor of love which expands upon a bold experiment in
sight and sound that was started over six decades ago
Uncle Walt and his father. The film will showcase six
new segments of Fantasia 2000 which have allowed a
whole new generation of animators to push the boundaries
of the medium and their imaginations. Produced under the
Disneyís personal  supervision and 12 years in the making,
Fantasia 2000 will be released in 2D to IMAX theaters
around the world for an exclusive four-month run from
January 1 - April 30, 2000. The exhibition of Fantasia
2000 using IMAX theaters' giant, immersive images and
unparalleled sound systems should be fantastic. I understand
that the initial concept conceived by Walt Disney Imagineering
was for the film (which is in a 1.66:1 ratio for standard theatrical
release) to be world premiered in IMAX 3D. The decision to go
on a 2D basis was based on both cost and resolution issues, too bad!

Some IMAX theaters are upset, due to the fact that Disney wants
an exclusive run at each IMAX theater (no other films showing). Some
have already signed contracts for Dolphins or other Large Format films.
Some believe that this is Disney's way to test the waters before buying
a stake in IMAX. Disney had initially planned to make Fantasia 2000
as a Large screen (70MM) film, but found few theaters interested.

Thanks for the time,
Lawrence Kaufman, mailto:kaufman3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxx


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