Kodak Introduces New Intermediate Film

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Kodak has added a color intermediate film to itsfamily of VISION negative and print stocks. KODAK VISION ColorIntermediate Film (5242/7242) is designed to enhance the movie-goingexperience by more faithfully replicating the quality of imagescaptured on the original negative. The new intermediate film isavailable in all popular formats on either an acetate or a more ruggedESTAR (2242/3242) base.

"We have tested this new intermediate film in real worldapplications at laboratories around the world since February of thisyear, and the response has been very enthusiastic," says Terry White,director of product marketing for Kodak's Entertainment Imagingdivision. "Many feature films that are currently released were madeusing this intermediate film. We expect it to quickly become theindustry standard for both analog and digital film mastering. It willreplace our EASTMAN EXR color intermediate stock, which earned an Oscarfor technical and scientific achievement in 1995."

White says that advances in both emulsion science and manufacturingtechnology have enabled Kodak to develop a new intermediate film thatrenders sharper images without compromising speed or creating grain.The new emulsion science includes advances in image couplers andpatented two-electron sensitization technologies. "This advance wasnecessary because today's VISION negative films are capturing moresubtle details in tones and colors, and our modern print films arecapable of recording those nuances in image information," says DianeKestner, project manager for the Kodak Entertainment Imaging division."This new intermediate film provides a bridge for faithfully convertingthe images captured on the negative to print film."

Kestner explains that the new intermediate technology will also helpto preserve the look of original negatives during the mastering ofdigital prints for electronic projection and for duplicating copies forbroadcast and cable TV and home video distribution.

The ESTAR version of the new intermediate film features a patentednon-remjet base with a process surviving anti-static layer that issimilar to the base technology developed for KODAK VISION Color PrintFilm. Kestner notes that coupling use of the new VISION intermediateand print films on ESTAR bases results in the cleanest possibleprojected images.

She points out that some labs prefer using an intermediate film witha more durable ESTAR base for longer print runs.

"Development of this film is the result of an aggressive, ongoingresearch and development effort designed to continually provide theindustry with better tools for improving the art of filmmaking," saysWhite. "Kodak has earned seven Oscars for scientific and technicalachievements in emulsion technology that have favorably influenced theart form. This improved emulsion is another dividend on our commitmentto advancing film technology."

The new KODAK VISION color intermediate films are availableinternationally in the 35 mm, 16mm, and 65mm formats on a stockturnover basis. For more information go to www.kodak/go/motion.com.