Disney, MGM Commit to Cyan Analog Soundtracks At ShoWest 2004 in Las Vegas in March, Disney and MGM announced significant commitments to using environmentally friendly pure-dye cyan analog soundtracks in lieu of traditional silver-applicated tracks on their 35 mm release prints. This fall, beginning with Mr. 3000, Buena Vista Pictures Distribution will start issuing Disney and Touchstone 35 mm releases with pure-dye cyan soundtracks, and plans to switch entirely to cyan on all prints worldwide by January 2005. In the meantime, MGM becomes the first studio to use cyan soundtracks on 100% of its U.S. releases, beginning with Soul Plane in May of this year. Environmental benefits of the cyan soundtrack include the elimination of caustic chemicals, and silver itself, from the print manufacturing process, plus a significant reduction in water usage. The technology has been thoroughly and successfully tested by labs, film distributors, and exhibitors over the past four years. The widespread use of red-light soundtrack readers in cinemas now makes it practical to issue all 35 mm prints with cyan tracks in many markets, such as the U.S., where it is estimated that the vast majority of screens are now equipped. Digital soundtracks are not affected by the change. |
