The "Pines of Rome" segment combines CG whales and water surfaces with traditionally animated water, backgrounds and other effects elements. © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.

In the future people’s viewing habits will change. Wall sized digital systems will probably take away a lot of the 35mm theatrical business. On the other hand the 70mm experience is something that cannot be duplicated at home. There may come a day when these expensive films and projection systems become a major form of entertainment for people wanting to go to the movies. Now, if only they can ride out the tumultuous times ahead, until that day arrives.

Note: The Imax Corporation is also developing other types of products. They are working with large projection systems for digital information. Apparently the Imax ride equipment used in Vegas hotels and elsewhere uses their projectors, but Imax says the rides are not part of their present business.

Karl Cohen is President of ASIFA-San Francisco. His first book, Forbidden Animation: Censored Cartoons and Blacklisted Animators, is published by McFarland Publishers. He also teaches animation history at San Francisco State University.