The Viewmaster Has Been
Reincarnated in Manhattan
by Leighton S. Edmunson(Page 2)
The sculptor in The Last Buffalo is the only human and he orchestrates the
film. Not until the end do we know what marvels he has flamed and
hammered from wrought iron. In his studio sparks leap out
at us, steam seems to brush our nostrils as each piece is
heated, formed and then quenched. (48K .jpeg)
Into the Deep (or Undersea Niceness)
is a surprising
contrast to TLB. These films were made to showcase the technology
(Imax 3D). While TLB uses that as a strength, ITD flounders
and drowns. (55K .jpg)
The limitations and demands of the medium contribute to the making of TLB but detract from ITD's startling undersea images. We wander under the sea without reason and without payoff for 22 minutes.We know they can take this camera under the sea but there is no porpoise. Nothing actually happens in this film, the images are simply strung together. This is the MUSAK of films.
What is the promise of the future of this medium. Will more fiction films be made? Ultimately this medium is just a carnival sideshow. Only one of the films has any poetic value. They are working on a 40 minute fiction film,but I don't think I could let something beam at me for that long.The process is fun to experience but after 10 minutess I start looking for the edges. [How do I see thru this illusion.] Flat film is more comfortable to sit through.
As for its economic viability, it is certain that we will not see IMAX 3-D theaters being built from coast to coast. It is doomed to be an oddity on the landscape of Megalopolis. And it is doubtful that Hollywood is going to retool for seven or ten theaters in the US.
Where does that leave us? Experience a footnote on the way to VR and go see for yourself.
