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Walking into a Movie (Literally)
For some, 3D is a difficult entertainment medium to endure. It’s completely understandable. Still, for those who do or can enjoy the three dimensional interactive movie-watching experience, what’s exciting is thinking what could be coming to a theater near you in the not so distant future…
Just contemplating how awesome seeing “Gravity” in IMAX 3D will be, it stirred up a wild and crazy idea. Though it has been done before at theme parks to some degree, imagine movie theaters that, for special screenings or major premiers of particular movies, are customized to the sounds, sights and settings of the anticipated blockbuster movie.
For example: say that for “Jurassic Park,” the theater showing this epic film in 4D would be decorated like the jungle and compound of Isla Nublar with a few surprises for the moviegoers. As opposed to strictly sitting and watching the movie, a 4D screening would provide the audience with more of an experience, while not detracting from the cinematic storytelling on-screen.
In this reality, the audience would truly transport to the world of the specific movie. Maybe a little wind, mist, ground shaking, or mysterious breathing from a prehistoric creature…
The theater set design would need to flow from the major studio for authenticity, effectiveness and creativity, but the possibilities for certain movies could redefine the power (and feel) of certain blockbusters.
If you’ve been to a theme park and gone on a ride based on a popular movie, imagine that experience but slightly toned down and/or customized for a movie theater. What’s paramount is not to disrupt or distract from the storytelling and acting, but simply to enhance and to gently play with our senses. Immersion is the key to this concept.
It’s important to note that movie theaters are already expensive, as has been mentioned in this blog previously. The cost from production studios to achieve this groundbreaking dynamic may be difficult, but if there is a way that this kind of promotion could give the movie and the studios a great return on investment (plus fan satisfaction), then surely they will quickly adopt the spirit of “why not?”
If this can be accomplished, then is there really anything holding the movie industry back in the future?
Talk about a break from the constraints of cinematic gravity.
The sky really could be the limit…and not just for Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.
A Big Afternoon
Several months ago, I was in New York City with my Dad and nephew for an impromptu “boys weekend,” which included dinner in a very cool SoHo restaurant and front row tickets to “The Lion King” on Broadway. The dinner and show were both fantastic and unforgettable.
In addition to what was mentioned above, one of the moments that will forever be burned into my memory was when we ventured to FAO Schwarz one late afternoon. Bound and determined, I wanted to show my nephew something special. Despite the fact it had been moved from its regular spot, we weaved through the maze of toys, giant stuffed animals, video games and LEGO’s to reach the end of what should be considered the toy store’s treasure map. Believe me, with a young boy, this was not easy.
Still, we made it to the giant piano on the floor!
Correction: We made it to the “Big” piano on the floor!
Hesitant at first, my nephew eventually started to do what all kids do on a giant piano…he slid across the keys on his knees like a boss. He was tapping, sliding and jumping around amongst the other kids, just letting loose.
It was his “Big” moment, whether he realized it or not. Aside from the fact I recorded this experience (with the slide!) and that he’s seen it a few times, years down the road when he’s experiencing a stressful moment, he can think of that afternoon and/or watch that video and remember how great it feels to act like a kid and to just have fun.
The video below has been making its way around the popular media outlets recently. Tom Hanks, host Jonathan Ross and Sandra Bullock goofing off on a big piano on The Jonathan Ross Show. What’s not to like?
Regardless of our age, it’s vital that we occasionally let that kid within ourselves come out and play once in a while.
You might be amazed at how many other people feel the exact same way.
After all, smiling and having fun is kind of a big deal.
Happy Monday!
I was scrolling through my iPod Touch this weekend and tapped on “John Williams.” It had been too long my dear friend, too long!
Quite frankly, this quick tap was all I needed to reopen a world of unlimited possibilities and imagination. On this Monday, dream the unthinkable because, if you do, it just may come true…
Happy Monday and Have a (Pre-)Historic Week!
When a Babbling Brook Has a Narrator
It’s fascinating how everybody sleeps, yet each person seems to do it in their own unique way. You may be asking, “what do you mean? You just lay still and close your eyes.”
How we all wish it were that simple.
After countless nights in hotels, dorm rooms and many other similar situations, it’s truly mind boggling to witness and/or hear the variety of ways certain people sleep. Whether it’s keeping the television on, certain lights on, playing particular sounds of nature, spreading one’s body out diagonally or hogging all the blankets, sleeping lends itself to all sorts of normal and utterly crazy behavior.
Exhibit A: Frasier lets Niles crash in his room for a night.
We’ve all been here.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 