Projection Quality

In the good old days before multiplex theaters, two projectors were used. There was a “changeover” between the projectors about every 20 minutes. This method required the full-time attention of a professional projectionist.

Now, in a modern multiplex theater, you’ll find one projector for each auditorium, with a support device that holds the entire movie as one continuous length, and one projectionist for the entire theater. Basically, the projectionist can thread up the film once for each showing and then walk away.

The manager you complain to when the focus or sound is amiss may in fact be the projectionist! And it is likely that he has no vested interest in the fine art practiced by the seasoned projectionist.

JON MILLER

San Diego