16-Mm Release Printing Using 35-and 32-Mm Film

This paper describes the method now used by Paramount in making 16-mm release prints from 35-mm original studio productions. The purpose of this method primarily is to produce 16-mm release prints comparable to the 35-mm sound and picture print quality and standards. A considerable advantage is gained by utilizing standard 35-mm facilities such as developing machines, rewinds, take-ups, and splicing equipment for most of the operations. Special 35-mm width films with 32-mm symmetrical 16-mm-type perforations are used for the sound and picture release negatives, with two tracks on each film so that two reels of 16-mm release are obtained with each developing and printing operation, thereby saving valuable time and equipment. — A specially designed optical-reduction printer is used to make the double-track picture release negative. A specially designed sound recorder is used to produce the highest possible quality of re-recorded sound negative. A specially designed contact release printer is used to print the 35-mm width, 32-mm perforated sound and picture double-track negatives to the 32-mm width fine-grain release positive stock. Twelve-hundred-foot rolls of the 32-mm print stock are used, corresponding to 3000 feet of the original 35-mm production. The 32-mm film is developed in a developing machine modified for this width and the finished print is then slit to make the two 16-mm release prints.

Print ISSN

0097-5834

Published

1949-02

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J12552