Field of Vision

Last night I went to see The Matrix Reloaded, shown on the local IMAX. My friend, Penny joined me.

Wow.

This is an amazing way to see a feature film, but perhaps too intense for regular viewing. The picture, huge, bright, crystal clear, was actually too big. One couldn't see it all. And the shear size of the image and its quality did no favors for the actors skin - showing every flaw in striking detail.

Now perhaps that's one of the visual effects the directors were after, and I have no complaints on that side. I found the movie, the 2nd of 3 parts, to be visually stunning, entertaining, and engrossing. I await the next and final chapter (as opposed to the next Star Wars movie, which I rather dread).

But back to the IMAX. I'm becoming something of a cinema connoisseur, not movies, mind you, where I'm certainly an enthusiastic amateur, but for the movie house itself. Having studied and built my own cinema, I've had to examine and consider the environment for viewing movies for over a year now. I'm by no means an expert, but I an keenly aware of the items that make for an ideal, and less than ideal movie experience. I can't explain acoustics, but I've worked with those who do, as well as lighting, projection, image quality, even seating and refreshments. By way of proof, a friend and frequent movie goer (at least once a week if not more) when visiting my cinema recently reported that watching a movie (actually The Matrix), was "the best movie or theater experience I've had in over 20 years", only to be matched by a now closed 20s era movie palace.

But back to my point. The IMAX may produce physically undesirable effects - it's just too big, too loud, too intense and too immersive. I was tired and had a bit of a headache coming out of the movie.

In addition, I'd written recently about enjoying watching the credits. On this screen, once again, they're too big and difficult to focus on. They may have been easier to see, read, and understand on a smaller or normal sized movie screen. It will be interesting to see this film in my cinema when it becomes available on DVD.

All that aside - a very interesting way to see a movie and I'm open to seeing another on the IMAX screen to try it again.

Discuss

Out of Sorts

Ah, I am such a creature of habit. After doing the radio interview last night it was 11 - the time I typically go to bed. Normally, I've had an hour or so to unwind, watch TV, be ready to drop of, which I usually do within minutes of closing my eyes.

But to be spun up into full marketing mode, the adrenaline flowing, heart pumping, isn't an on/off situation. So a had a snack (not really needed, now was it?) and read until after 12. This morning I can't get my head clear.

And to add to matters, I'm wearing this damn bandage on my head. Sunday night I bent over to look at something on the tread mill and when I straightened up I caught the edge of the control panel and ripped a piece of scalp clean off. Lost about 3 or 4 square inches of skin. For someone with a full head of hair it would have been a glancing blow.

If it had been on a leg or arm it would have been an unpleasant abrasion. But on one's naked scalp, a surprisingly sensitive area, it's an open, oozing wound. It it were a bit lower on my forehead I'd look like Gorbachev.

CptnRandy On The Air

Tonight, I'll be doing my day job (yes, you heard me) and be on the "Computer America" radio show with Craig Crossman.

If you would like listen, here's their web site for streaming audio or you can go through their web site. 10:30 Eastern time. I believe there will be an archive with streaming audio as well.

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