Berlin will host the premiere of Forever…Forever
, a new short film utilizing the VistaRama65 format, on at the Delphi Filmpalast. The announcement, made via in70mm.com, signals a continued interest in large-format filmmaking despite the dominance of digital cinema.
VistaRama65: A Modern Take on Classic Large-Format Cinema
VistaRama65 isn’t a widely known format and details are currently limited. However, the name itself provides clues. The “65” refers to the 65mm film stock used, a significantly larger negative size than the standard 35mm film traditionally employed in cinema. This larger negative captures considerably more detail, resulting in a sharper, more immersive image when projected. The “Vista” portion suggests a wide aspect ratio, a hallmark of many large-format systems.
The resurgence of interest in 65mm and 70mm filmmaking is notable. For decades, these formats were considered largely obsolete, replaced by digital projection and distribution. However, a growing number of filmmakers and cinephiles are rediscovering the unique aesthetic qualities and technical advantages of film, particularly large-format film. The appeal lies in the organic look, the higher resolution, and the dynamic range that film can offer, qualities that many argue are difficult to replicate perfectly with digital technology.
The History of 70mm and Large-Format Cinema
The history of 70mm film is complex, with numerous variations and competing standards. As detailed in a Wikipedia article on 70mm films, the format emerged in the 1950s as a response to the perceived threat of television. Studios sought to create a cinematic experience that couldn’t be replicated in the home, and large-format film was seen as a key component of that strategy.
Several different 70mm processes emerged, including Todd-AO, Super Panavision 70, and Ultra Panavision 70. These processes differed in their aspect ratios, optics, and sound systems. Todd-AO and Todd-70 typically employed spherical optics on 65mm film, yielding a 2.20:1 aspect ratio. Ultra Panavision 70, later known as MGM Camera 65, used anamorphic lenses to achieve a wider 2.75:1 aspect ratio. The use of anamorphic lenses squeezes the image onto the film negative during recording and then expands it during projection, creating a wider field of view.
Beyond these, other formats like Cinerama 70mm attempted to create an even more immersive experience through curved screens and specialized projection systems. Cinerama originally used a three-strip process, but 70mm Cinerama aimed to mimic that effect with a single 70mm print and specialized optics. Even 3D formats like Hi Fi Stereo 70 utilized 65mm film to capture separate images for each eye.
It’s important to note, as the Wikipedia article clarifies, that not all 70mm releases are created equal. Some were derived from horizontal 35mm negatives (like Vistavision and Technirama), and others were specifically designed for the IMAX format. The distinction is crucial because the quality and characteristics of the final image can vary significantly depending on the original source material and the projection system used.
The Current Landscape and the Role of in70mm.com
The website in70mm.com serves as a central hub for information about 70mm cinema, documenting its history, technology, and current state. The site’s news section highlights ongoing efforts to preserve and showcase 70mm films, including restorations and new productions. The recent announcement regarding Project Hail Mary
receiving 70mm prints in both 5/70 and 15/70 formats, and consideration for the German market, demonstrates a growing demand for this format among both filmmakers and audiences.
The site also details various large-format systems beyond 70mm, including CinemaScope, Panavision, and even early experimental formats like Smell-O-Vision. This comprehensive approach underscores the rich and often-overlooked history of large-format filmmaking.
What VistaRama65 Might Offer
While specific details about VistaRama65 remain scarce, its name suggests a focus on both the large-format aesthetic and a wide aspect ratio. It’s likely the format utilizes 65mm film stock, potentially with anamorphic lenses to achieve a wider image. The choice of film stock and optics will significantly impact the final look of the film, influencing its sharpness, color rendition, and overall visual impact.
The premiere of Forever…Forever
at the Delphi Filmpalast in Berlin will be a key opportunity to assess the capabilities of VistaRama65 and its potential contribution to the ongoing revival of large-format cinema. The event, coupled with the continued interest documented by in70mm.com, suggests that the future of film may not be entirely digital after all.
The K65K 65mm camera, also highlighted on in70mm.com, being presented at the BSC expo in London, further indicates a renewed investment in the tools and technologies necessary for large-format filmmaking. This suggests a potential for more productions to embrace these formats in the coming years.
