Notes on the Procedure for Handling High-Volume Release Prints

Until such time as all theaters are equipped with new and modern improved equipment, methods must be pursued that will allow wide-power-range films to be reproduced to best advantage in theaters having equipment capable of such reproduction, and not, at the same time, penalize theaters having equipment incapable of handling the wider range. During the past year several major producing companies have made available to the theaters prints of two types: (1) The “Regular” release print with ordinary volume range; (2) “Hi-Range” and “Lo-Range” prints. — The “Hi-Range” prints have a range of 50 db. The volume of the “Lo-Range” prints may correspond to that of the “Regular” prints, or may be recorded to play 3 or 4 db. above the particular studio's average. In other words, any production issued on “Regular” prints will be distributed completely on one type of print, while any production available on “Hi-Range” prints will be available also on “Lo-Range” prints as well. As more theaters become converted to equipment capable of the higher ranges the practice of issuing “Hi-Range” and “Lo-Range” prints will be rapidly extended. — Instructions are given for using the various kinds of prints in theaters, and curves show the recommended amplifier output in terms of theater area, cubical contents, and number of seats.

Print ISSN

0097-5834

Published

1938-02

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J14703