Kodak Unveils Next Generation of Motion Picture Technology

LOS ANGELES-Kodak unveiled the first product in a next generation ofcolor motion picture films here for industry leaders gathered at theDirectors Guild of America Theatre. The advanced technologiesincorporated into the design of the new film were described as aquantum leap forward. Kodak cited a superior image structure that makesit possible for cinematographers to record more nuances in images. Thetone scale is designed to enhance efficiency and accuracy, during bothoptical and digital postproduction.

"The evolution of film and hybrid motion imaging technologies are ona fast track," says Eric Rodli, president of Kodak's EntertainmentImaging division, "and the speed of innovation is accelerating. We arecommitted to investing in a future where the possibilities for furtheradvances in motion imaging technology are practically unlimited."

KODAK VISION2 500T 5218 color negative film has a recommendedexposure index of 500 in 3200 degree tungsten light and 320 in daylightwith a number 85 filter on the camera lens. Rodli says that the companyplans to add a series of motion picture films with specialized imagingcharacteristics to the KODAK VISION2 family during the coming monthsand years.

"This first new emulsion raises the bar for high-speed films," Rodlisays. "Cinematographers around the world who have tested the KODAKVISION2 film are noticing that it sees deeper into the shadows withless apparent grain than other low-light sensitive emulsions, as wellas captures more natural skin tones and colors. It records shades anddetails in shadow areas while retaining pure black tones. This givescinematographers the choice to reveal subtle details in dark areas toaccentuate moods and the storyline." Rodli adds that thecinematographers who have tested the film also noticed improvements inthe way images recorded on the new negative retain heir structureduring telecine and digital film scanning, and optical transfers atlabs and other postproduction facilities.

"We believe the availability of a 500-speed film with less apparentgrain will give them more flexibility in extreme lighting situations,"Rodli says. "We expect to see a lot of imaginative experimentation,resulting in compelling visual storytelling."

Rodli notes that the breakthrough in technology could give a boostto documentary and other lower budget productions, where Super 16 mmfilm provides a flexible and affordable alternative to HD 24P and thevarious other digital video formats.

"We had an extremely enthusiastic response to the VISION2 Super 16mm film in our early customer assessments," says Rodli. "The VISION2negative represents a significant advancement and a new choice forproductions in that format."

Rodli also points out that the advances in film design complementprogress made in the evolution of hybrid telecine and digital scanningand recording technologies.

"Kodak has pioneered the evolution of digital film scanning andrecording, and digital intermediate technologies that are designed togive the creative community more flexibility," says Rodli. "This newfamily of films parallels that progress."

The KODAK VISION2 family of films is the result of a top-to-bottomredesign of film technology, incorporating several innovations fromKodak research labs. Advanced T-grain technology has been built intoall three color records of the emulsion pack to improve light captureefficiency and to further reduce grain at all exposures. Two electronsensitizers have been used to increase the number of electrons eachincident photon is able to generate. These sensitizers also contributeto the stability of the latent image. Advanced development acceleratorsbuilt into the film improve the efficiency of the chemical reactionsinvolved in the development process, and high activity couplers offeran increased dye yield that works in conjunction with fewer and smalleremulsion grains. Finally the red-sensitive layer has been subdividedinto three layers in order to facilitate better grain and colorcontrol.

"We used the confluence of these technologies to optimize grainwhile concurrently reshaping the tone scale," says Mike Ryan, projectmanager for the KODAK VISION2 500T film. "The mid-section of the tonescale has been made more linear, which not only improves the neutralitybut also offers an optimum starting point for both traditional opticaland newer, digital-based postproduction processes. Cleaner, more linearcurve shapes make any telecine or digital scanning application moreefficient. Changes were also made in the toe section of the tone scalein order to open shadow details while maintaining deep, rich blacks.All of these features are responses to suggestions made bycinematographers and other filmmakers."

"We have made enormous advances in the efficiency of the silverhalide crystal process in just the last few years, and there is no endin sight," says Rodli. "Think of what that means for the future. Youwill be able to load tomorrow's film technology into today's camerasand be completely state-of-the-art. That's the power of themedium."

KODAK VISION2 500T film is available in all 16, 35 and 65 mmformats. Kodak's Entertainment Imaging division is the world-classleader in providing film, digital and hybrid motion imaging products,services, and technology for the television, feature film and new mediaindustry.

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