The Development of Stereo Magnetic Recording for Film (Part I)

Hazard E. Reeves

Cinerama, an innovative motion-picture technique, was introduced 28 years ago, then poorly imitated, attenuated, and finally forgotten. It attempted to duplicate the 160-degree arc of peripheral vision as seen by the human eye as well as the directional and surround qualities of sound. To accomplish this, new equipment was developed. A three-lensed camera simultaneously shot three adjoining images which were synchronized and interlocked into a single image by three projectors on a huge curved screen. The sound system was the first magnetic multiple-track stereo recording system in history. The values of Cinerama still remain – to be rediscovered and improved by creative engineers and motion picture producers today.

Print ISSN
Published
1982-10
Content type
Original Research
DOI
10.5594/J00230