WHAT IS CINERAMA?
(the following was written in 1963, and appeared in
the HTWWW book by MGM and Random House)

CINERAMA is a process of simultaneous filming by three synchronized cameras. These cameras are pointed at different angles to encompass 146 degrees of horizontal planes and 55 degrees of vertical planes. This approximates the full breadth of human vision. The films are then projected by three synchronized projectors and shown on a curved screen.

Today's CINERAMA is, in effect, the product often years of research and technological refinement. Early CINERAMA (ten years ago) had various defects such as vertical lines where film was joined, distorted figures and clumsy sound. Fred Wailer's 6riginal invention has been developed into its contemporary medium by Douglas Shearer, Head of M.G.M. Research; Tom Conroy, Vice President in charge of Cinerama Production; and John Caron, Head of Cinerama Research and Engineering. Old problems have been solved with the addition of new devices until there are no longer discernible defects.

Cinerama_diagram.JPG (80660 bytes)

CINERAMA employs seven channels of stereophonic sound. There are five points of sound dispersed behind the screen. There are side speakers right and left of the audience, as well as speakers behind the audience for a "total surround" sensation. The sound system is provided for by 35 mm magnetic film which runs on an electric reproducer, which interlocks with the projectors.

The screen surface is a series of louvers on a curved panel. The curved screen adds a dimension and helps create the final realistic effect.

The dry-transfer prints for CINERAMA were made by Technicolor using the imbibition process.  This process insures positive registration when printing the film from the three CINERAMA cameras.  It also achieves improved color matching between the three panels.

Extensive testing shows CINERAMA ready for a new motion picture era - an age where the audience can live a real story on the screen.

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