Donald Duck steps out in a new Walt Disney World Show.

[MrIMAX]

150-ft. wide, eh? Sounds like a dual 3D 70mm projection.

Or it's DLP. [img]graemlins/ack.gif[/img]

[ January 09, 2003, 11:11 PM: Message edited by: MrIMAX ]

[Jusjuice]

Originally posted by Figment!:

(Also I think it belongs more in ToonTown Fair, but seeing as an Concert Hall has wouldn't work at a fair, and Fantasyland still works for Mickey, It is a suitable match, not the best, but a good one)

It does seem strange that the one Mickey-related attraction is located somewhere besides MICKEY'S ToonTown Fair. Im wondering if its kind of a tribute to the Mickey Mouse Revue that used to be in the same space, because it sounds really similar. (even though that was WAY before Toontown Fair was around.)

[Edzter86]

Looks great! Can't wait to see it! [img]graemlins/muscles.gif[/img]

[SmartOne]

Sounds good to me......I was hoping for the summer, but this will have to do!

[buzzloversmom]

Thanks for the info!

We're going either 11/03 or 05/04 and will be adding this to our Intercot Vacation Planner!!! [img]graemlins/clappy.gif[/img]

[img]graemlins/mickey.gif[/img]
Sandy

[buzzloversmom]

Thanks for the info!

We're going either 11/03 or 05/04 and will definately be adding this to our Intercot Vacation Planner!!! [img]graemlins/clappy.gif[/img]

[img]graemlins/mickey.gif[/img]
Sandy

[wdtrain]

This sounds GREAT ...I guess this means I must make another trip down in October to review this

[ColtonsMom]

Does anyone have an estimated date this will open? We are looking to go later this year and would like to include this in our trip.

[img]graemlins/rotfl.gif[/img]

[iamaDnut]

I can't wait !!!! [img]graemlins/muscles.gif[/img]

[toystory817]

Just sittig down planning a trip for february school vacation.got back 2 days before christmas had a blast [img]graemlins/mickey.gif[/img] we ar also going back for halloween party and hope this will be open then [img]graemlins/clappy.gif[/img]

[rbriskey]

Originally posted by MrIMAX:
150-ft. wide, eh? Sounds like a dual 3D 70mm projection.

Or it's DLP. [img]graemlins/ack.gif[/img]

MrIMAX-
Please eloborate. I'd like to understand more about the projection technology. I once read some info from WDI which explained the 3D film technique using polarization (hence the need for glasses to "decode" it).
Thanks!

[ January 10, 2003, 07:06 PM: Message edited by: rbriskey ]

[MrIMAX]

Originally posted by rbriskey:
MrIMAX-
Please eloborate. I'd like to understand more about the projection technology. I once read some info from WDI which explained the 3D film technique using polarization (hence the need for glasses to "decode" it).
Thanks!

No problem.

16mm, 35mm, 70mm:
There are 4 major film formats used in theaters today. 16mm film is used for short and independent films. The image is projected on the screen in a square shape. Since the film frame size is about the same size as a key on your computer keyboard, the quality dimishes depending on on how much magnification you use.

The commonly used film frame in many theaters today is 35mm. The size of one frame (it takes 24 of these frames to make one second, 25 in Europe) is slightly larger than a postage stamp. The image is projected on the screen in a rectangular shape.

70mm is rarely used in cinemas. There are 3 different 70mm formats. There is traditional 5-perf (Perfs are those holes on the ends of the film) 70mm, which means 5 perfs makes up one frame, projected as a wider rectangular shape. Then there is IMAX 15-perf 70mm, which one frame is almost as big as a Rubix cube. There is also IMAX 8-perf 70mm, which is not as common as 15-perf, but it's used in multiplexes. Remember, it's not the size of the film, but the quality of the image.

The 3D Process:
There are 2 different types of 3D projection. The one commonly used today is 3D Polarization. Here's how it works. Two film prints are required. One print is for your left eye and the other is for your right eye. The film prints will run through either dual projectors or a double-panel projector (Both images passing through the same projector). Before it hits the screen, both images pass through 2 filtered glasses which are the same in polarity with the glasses you use when watching the film. When you put on the glasses, your left eye will only see the left eye print and your right eye will only see the right eye print. Your brain does the rest of the work by fusing the two different images together and producing a 3 Dimensional image. There's more to this process, but this should either clear or add some confusion.

DLP (Digital Light Projection):
This is the machine that'll put many projectionists out of a job. Instead of using film, a digital image of pixels are projected onto the screen. The process is complicated, but it takes less preparation time since all that's needed to be done between shows is press a reset button (or nothing at all). That makes us film projectionists obsolete.

Well, if anyone else wants more info. Let me know!
[img]smile.gif[/img]

[Mufasa]

Nice job Mr. Imax giving a brief explanation of the various projection formats used commercially- In Disney's case of course, they had to do things a little differently and look to improve the technology.

Roughly 1980-81 is when Imagineering and Walt Disney Pictures in conjunction with Kodak looked at 3D films. (one of their researchers named Steve Hines did much of the design/development and has a website you can look at for more info). They produced a new 3D film rig to capture films using a 65mm format (mainly to take advantage of using the fantastic Mitchell FC or "Fox Camera" 65mm cameras). It's patented under Patent #4,557,570 if you really want to get geeky and look at the details.

Mitchell cameras are known for their superior pin registration system and are favorites in the special effects field, for technically demanding shots like motion control effects and the fact that they can shoot at very high frame rates beyond the standard 24 fps (the Mitchell FC itself can go up to 72 fps which is what the Disney process uses to get that clean, high-definition look when projected than standard film cameras can achieve).

These days 65mm 3D film projection is pretty much standard and adopted by the industry (and other companies like Iwerks have their own rigs these days that are used to do 3D films for either Imax 3D presentations and have been used on other theme park attractions like Terminator: 3D at Universal). Incidentally, Iwerks was founded by Don Iwerks (son of famed Disney animator Ub Iwerks). Don previously headed up the R&D group at Walt Disney Pictures and was instrumental in getting the Disney 3D rig developed (he left around 1986).

Even Imax where it's a 70mm format is usually first shot on 65mm stock for their 3D films (otherwise, the cameras would be too difficult to handle as was the case with early Imax 3D films) and then transferred to the 70mm-15 perf format (which is also what Disney happens to use for it's large-screen/Imax format adaptations of films like Fantasia 2000, or The Lion King). That's why you may notice the frame dimensions are almost slightly cropped for Disney's films (while IMAX themselves use a different method of transferring their stock to 70mm or it is already filmed using their proprietary 70mm cameras directly onto the film stock).

There are some differences and development being done as far as technical advances with polarization filters and eliminating that "ghosting" effect that typically occurs (and even other advancements like IMAX's liquid crystal shutter system as another method to reduce that effect).

There are even methods to project 3D films using a single projector and film strip (no longer the need to have two separate projection units) though it still needs to be refined.

As for projecting an image on such a large screen- there will be some surprises with Mickey's Philharmagic (since the screen will essentially change sizes in the performance) but take Terminator: 3D for an example- that presentation is done with 3 separate Iwerks rigs, with the screens set at roughly a 60 degree angle to immerse the audience. It would be impossible to display that using one projection unit.

On a side note for Mr. Imax- I don't envy your job as a projectionist (especially with that "bomb" suit you've gotta put on if you ever have to change out that 15,000 watt high-pressure xenon bulb. One of those things shatters and it is like a small grenade going off)

[ January 10, 2003, 08:55 PM: Message edited by: Mufasa ]

[MrIMAX]

Originally posted by Mufasa:

On a side note for Mr. Imax- I don't envy your job as a projectionist (especially with that "bomb" suit you've gotta put on if you ever have to change out that 15,000 watt high-pressure xenon bulb. One of those things shatters and it is like a small grenade going off)

First off, no one should be envious of my job. It's secluded, dark, and highly responsible (Each IMAX print is roughly $15,000). But it pays well, and it may help my chances in getting a job with WDI in the future.

The machine I work with is the IMAX GT Model 3D Classic. One projector capable of moving two prints at the same time with a 90 degree polariztion filter. It requires 2 of those evil xenon 15K watt bulbs and it takes 2 of us to change them out.

I've seen the IWERKS CDC 15/70 machines. They look interestingly similar to the IMAX Mark I GT projector and reel unit. They may be my competitor, but I think they still do a great job on 3D presentations and ride-films.

Back on track, this 3D presentation will probably still use the polarized filters and glasses. I don't think Disney will pitch the money for the LCD 3D Shutter glasses. They'll probably use a 7,000 watt xenon bulb to light it. Only the older model 15/70 machines require the liquid-cooled 15K bulbs.

[Mufasa]

Originally posted by MrIMAX:
Back on track, this 3D presentation will probably still use the polarized filters and glasses. I don't think Disney will pitch the money for the LCD 3D Shutter glasses. They'll probably use a 7,000 watt xenon bulb to light it. Only the older model 15/70 machines require the liquid-cooled 15K bulbs.

I don't think the LCD 3D shutter glasses are practical (it's a pain enough to maintain/clean them and you have to worry about whether they're properly charged and working so you'd have to station a CM in the performance to be able to run around and swap out faulty units and it would just detract from the whole show experience.)

Usually the low-tech option is the best solution. And you don't want guests walking off with a pair of them (considering how much they would each cost). Otherwise you'd have to put up those security/merchandise scanners at every entrance/exit and that would detract from the theming. You could care less if someone tries walking out with a pair of polarized glasses, though they usually stand out for looking stupid in the crowd (not to mention they probably get dizzy after a while thinking they're just like regular sunglasses).

My favorite comment overheard outside of 3D attractions- "hey... when I put these glasses on everything really stands out in 3D!" Umm... hate to tell them that you can see 3D just as well without the glasses on. It's like those stupid Osborne family lights "holographic" glasses they pass out where you see people wandering around like idiots looking at everything through them and going ooh and ahh... *sigh* [img]graemlins/shakehead.gif[/img]

[hubbyofadisneyholic]

Sounds awesome!! [img]graemlins/clappy.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/clappy.gif[/img]
Guess it won't be open when we go in June...
We will just have to find an "excuse" to go back later in the year..
Christmas maybe?

[Freetime]

I'm now glad to we are planning a trip for May 2003 AND February 2004!!! We will miss it in May, but will "Be There" for 2004..

Thanks for the info on this new feature!


Tony

[craiger41]

yeeehaaa can't wait [img]graemlins/muscles.gif[/img]

[Pongo]

We're going the last week of October so it looks like we'll get both this and Mission Space. This show sounds like it will be more my speed.

[big blue and hairy]

Originally posted by Figment!:
I think it belongs more in ToonTown Fair, but seeing as an Concert Hall has wouldn't work at a fair, and Fantasyland still works for Mickey, It is a suitable match, not the best, but a good one

I can't think of anywhere in the Magic Kingdom where Mickey would be out of place, well, maybe Splash Mountain would be a little strange....