Computer images are staking out star roles in movies
Article Abstract:
The liquid-metal cyborg in 'Terminator 2: Judgement Day' was created at Industrial Light and Magic, a firm owned by George Lucas that does 'special effects' for motion pictures. The work that was done in 'Terminator 2' is especially important because much of it was accomplished using images created by computers. Previously, such work had been done using miniatures or mechanical models or trick photography. Three other companies - Stan Winston Studio, Van Nuys, CA; Fantasy II Film Effects, Burbank, CA; and 4-Ward Productions, Los Angeles - also did special effects for 'Terminator 2.' Yet it was Industrial Light and Magic that was responsible for the T-1000 liquid-metal killer, which is credited with generating much of the film's success. Computer animation techniques are expensive and difficult to implement, but computerized imaging techniques promise much for the motion picture industry's future.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1991
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Sony's true-blue model of U.S. laser
Article Abstract:
Sony Corp announces it has experimentally demonstrated the world's first semiconductor laser to emit blue light. Researchers in the US, Japan and Europe are racing to develop blue lasers for use in compact disk players. Blue lasers could triple the amount of music or information that can be stored on a disk. The laser on a compact disk acts like a needle on a turntable and reads information stored on the disk. Blue light has a shorter wavelength than the red light used today and therefore has a finer stylus that can fit more information on smaller parts of the disk. Standard compact disk could store over three hours of music instead of the 70 minutes currently stored. The blue laser is still several years away from commercial use because the laser must be cooled to a temperature that is far below the average climate of daily human existence.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1992
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