Cameron has given the OK ...

[GiveMeTheMusic]

It's in better condition, but I don't believe it's digital. After riding on both coasts, the projection quality is consistently higher at DCA.

 

[themonkeyisthesultan]

Yes but ... History (of Soarin' specifically) would add credence to my point ... have you seen that ride film lately? It's embarrassing and to upgrade that to digital projection would cost what ... 3-5 million maybe? It's inexcusable.

Sorry, I was being silly and prefer not to use emoticons. (But, in fairness, the Tiki Room WAS significantly referbed after a fire.)
I'd very much like for Soarin' to be restored to its former glory in terms of image quality. Or, even better, get an updated projection system (maybe they can cut a deal when the AVATAR ride is being built) and a new film (but no change to the soundtrack. If the soundtrack changes I'm gonna start cutting people).
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to Journey into Imagination with a book of matches.

 

[IlikeDW]

It's in better condition, but I don't believe it's digital. After riding on both coasts, the projection quality is consistently higher at DCA.

One thing that bothered me on DCA' Soarin is that the seams where the screen is assembled were very noticeable, it was very distracting. For me it is a toss up on which I find more annoying, seams or flecks, specs and fuzz.

 

[MerlinTheGoat]

You can't just 'convert to digital..' - there is no digital system that can do what Soarin' has in it's full IMAX glory. Digital is still inferior to IMAX -- even 4k resolution. IMAX is still roughly 10x the resolution of 4k and you still get the benefit of color depth in film that you don't get in digital.

To even get close, they would require using a matrix of projectors with digital processing to get greater resolution from the digital system. (basically how they make video walls).

So sure, they could just convert to digital - and it would suck compared to what the current system could do.

An interesting explanation if true (I'm not a film expert but i looked it up and it seems a lot of people agree). But the core problem is that what could be done, isn't.

Your statement about digital looking worse might be true, IF Soarin at Epcot was rocking a completely brand new spotlessly clean copies of the IMAX film right this second. Then maybe someone might be able to notice some sort of downgrade in the film quality when converted to digital from that standard. The problem is that it isn't. The film being used right now looks absolutely dreadful. It has degraded to such an extent that it almost looks as bad as a dirty and fuzzy VHS tape (relatively speaking to what the eye would perceive, not exaggerating). I have no doubt in my mind that replacing the film currently being played with a digital projection would be an absolutely massive increase in quality.

If the quality is just THAT massive between IMAX and digital, then sure i'd say lets get Soarin some new film. And keep replacing the film as often as necessary to prevent the quality from degrading. Not to mention teach someone how to clean the film properly when necessary. Unfortunately as it stands that is not happening and I cannot see this changing anytime soon if ever. A switch to digital would at least provide a staggeringly massive bump in quality over what is being shown right now, and it would ensure that quality remains at a consistent level so we don't see the the result of negligent maintenance and replacement as much as we do now.

 

[NoChesterHester]

I think it's safe to assume that whatever Disney orders from Vekoma will be customized. The information I was given indicated 16 seats per row, per bay. I hope that it's greater than that and they actually go with the stock model, at least for capacity purposes.

Capacity isn't the only consideration. If you ever rode the Back to the Future Ride at Universal the larger theater experience wasn't even close to as good as a more intimate experience like Star Tours. Also, we don't know what the limitations of the new Morpho 3d is. It may work better at certain angles and at a certain projection size. There are lots of things that could play into a trade off between experience and capacity.

 

[lazyboy97o]

To even get close, they would require using a matrix of projectors with digital processing to get greater resolution from the digital system. (basically how they make video walls).

This is what Universal Creative did for The Simpsons Ride.

 

[Clever Name]

One thing that bothered me on DCA' Soarin is that the seams where the screen is assembled were very noticeable, it was very distracting. For me it is a toss up on which I find more annoying, seams or flecks, specs and fuzz.

I always think of the flecks, specs and fuzz as random bird scat in the sky. If you have a large flock of geese flying over and slightly ahead your position, then random scat is to be expected.

 

[Todd H]

IMAX is currently testing dual 4K laser projectors as a replacement for its current film-based projectors. I'd be curious to see how the picture quality of these new projectors compares to IMAX film projection.

 

[MerlinTheGoat]

I always think of the flecks, specs and fuzz as random bird scat in the sky. If you have a large flock of geese flying over and slightly ahead your position, then random scat is to be expected.

So we've gone from "the film looks like crap" all the way to "that's because it IS crap". LMAO!

 

[RSoxNo1]

This is what Universal Creative did for The Simpsons Ride.

Does Pandora smell like baby powder?

 

[The Empress Lilly]

The key to keeping this ride fresh is having the alternate storylines. I think in the end, this will help in re-rideability.

Then again, I love the Simpson ride at Universal. That one has been fun for me every time and it doesn't change.

The Simpsons ride never gets old!

As for alternate storylines: I can not praise ST2 enough for that, I keep coming back and it still feels fresh. It works on ToT too. One would hope that modern techology allows for many more rides to have some form of alternate versions.

 

[flynnibus]

Your statement about digital looking worse might be true, IF Soarin at Epcot was rocking a completely brand new spotlessly clean copies of the IMAX film right this second

The point being - ask for the right thing Comments like they should just convert it.. what's the big deal.. they are just being lazy.. or even people making up costs to do it.. etc are all way off the mark. This is not swapping out your home TV for a HD set.

The issue boils down to the same problem at the root of many WDW issues. Maintenance and upkeep. Film is a CONSUMABLE, it has a finite life cycle and must be replaced. Additionally, the projection systems require periodic maintenance. A porsche will break down too if you don't service it.

The story is they cheaped out building the EPCOT Soarin' projection infrastructure vs how it was supposed to be built (and how they built DCA's). I can't confirm that story, but is consistent with what people complain about it.

 

[Condorman]

There is no doubt in my mind that the four theatres in the Avatarland show-building will have a similar multi-storyline to ST2 in that they will tie in with the Avatar sequels, i.e.: there will be more than one movie (like Soarin') rather interchangeable destinations, vistas, panoramas and adventures, etc.

 

[luv]

The Simpsons ride never gets old!

As for alternate storylines: I can not praise ST2 enough for that, I keep coming back and it still feels fresh. It works on ToT too. One would hope that modern techology allows for many more rides to have some form of alternate versions.

i am not a huge fan of all the screens used in rides, but SO agree that multiple versions helps a lot.

I wasn't a huge BTTF ride fan. I liked it well enough, but considered it Sometimes Skippable. The Simpsons, otoh, is in my Top 5 Orlando rides. I just love it.

The first ST2 I saw left me bummed. Didn't like it at all. I am not a SW fan (except for the original movie) and felt like that worked against me on the ride. I rode it again a couple weeks back and liked that version much better.

I have enjoyed ToT so much more since they started the switcheroos on the drops.

Soarin needs help. I'm no movie or tech expert, but the fuzz and/or dirt in the film is distracting. Hard to enjoy the overall experience when your focus gets sucked into fuzzies. Clean it up, Disney!

Multiple, random versions of things to Soar over would be nice. California, US, China, the world...they could even throw in Holiday Soars. As long as it is RANDOM and we don't have people clamoring for one or the other (or asking ten million questions on the boards about how to get into the one they'd prefer to see!), I think it would be awesome.

 

[Next Big Thing]

I also thought that there may be two layers of screens (as can be seen in the leaked documents). I thought that it may be something like what's planned for the Hogwarts Express. I think calling it a Soarin' clone is likely inaccurate, what it may do though is make the current version of Soarin' obsolete.

Same goes for Test Track once RSR happens. Epcot is becoming more and more irrelevant the more they sit back and do nothing.

 

[marni1971]

It's in better condition, but I don't believe it's digital. After riding on both coasts, the projection quality is consistently higher at DCA.

Indeed. Orlandos issue isn't so much dirty film, it's dirt ON film. IMAX projection rooms are meant to be sterile, and be sealed to outside air. DCAs is a true clean room. Epcots is a cheap room with an air handling system that can't hope to do the same. Hence dirt and dust in the air gets onto the film and projector glasswork.

 

[marni1971]

Same goes for Test Track once RSR happens. Epcot is becoming more and more irrelevant the more they sit back and do nothing.

Wow. Quoted for truth.

 

[lebeau]

Indeed. Orlandos issue isn't so much dirty film, it's dirt ON film. IMAX projection rooms are meant to be sterile, and be sealed to outside air. DCAs is a true clean room. Epcots is a cheap room with an air handling system that can't hope to do the same. Hence dirt and dust in the air gets onto the film and projector glasswork.

You would be amazed what a big difference projector maintenance makes. I can't stand going to certain theaters that don't do proper maintenance on their projection system. It makes a noticeable difference in the presentation.

I haven't seen Soarin' at DCA, but a sealed projection room would make a huge difference.

 

[IWant2GoNow]

Now that I feel I've taken in all the information from this thread that I can get I'll post my thoughts.

When Avatar was announced way back whenever, I was excited to hear that something was finally getting planned for DAK. I'll admit Avatar was a strange choice but I was still optimistic after learning Cameron would be working closely with them because I was reminded of how well everything turned out with JKR at IoA. I wasn't too concerned whether it actually got built or not when the rumors started circulating that it was nearly cancelled but was disappointed a bit when I thought of all the things WDI could have done.

Cut to now, still seems like it may be gaining steam with the info Spirit gave in this thread (thanks as usual). However, even with the blueprints I can't get super excited about this. Concept art will definitely help whenever Disney decides to release it (if they even have any). With the small amount of info we have grabbed from the leaked blueprints, I'm not too impressed. Yes, I know there is very little information these documents provide in the form of theme, ride mechanics, & story, but if these two attractions are the only ones coming after a year long freeze of information on the land & even MUCH longer time to get a large expansion for DAK, I am unimpressed.

For as long as DAK has starved for this expansion it needs to be something on scale with a full land in MK. The wallets need to be pryed open & they need to do the best, high quality, show they can possibly provide for this franchise because much like everyone else, I worry about its long-lasting effect in pop culture. A lot of people watched this movie, & whether you loved it, liked it, hated it, or didn't see it, we can all benefit from a well-themed, enjoyable, super-enriched land based off of a truly fantastic alien world. And THAT is what will make the franchise seem more appealing to all. When you can take part in a real world experience based on a ficticious world it really connects you more than just watching it on film. And IMO also amazes me when I wonder how something man-made can be this amazing & transport you into a completely different place in the world (or outer space).

My personal opinion based on the limited info we have on Pandora, is that it is just not enough. Sure there probably has to be one themed restaurant, gift shop obviously, but to only include a motion simulator ride, & a boat ride (which should definitely have AAs IMO) for attractions is ridiculous to me. I'm not knocking either ride or their, most likely, interactive queues, because they will probably be very good, but there still needs to be more IMO. It's not me being greedy either. I think WDW fans, locals or otherwise, deserve more for the past 15 years of laurel-resting TDO. I know TDO doesn't care about us (obviously), but if they're really committed to getting DAK & DHS up to par & creating some extremely immersive experiences that will lure people away from robots & wizards, then they need to come full force with a pocket full of blank checks & head nods for Cameron.

My apologies for the long post but I really wanted to wait for most of the info to roll in before I posted anything. Let's hope* that the reason Cameron decided to OK everything is because Disney is agreeing to do exactly what he wants & that these blueprints are only half of what is to come.

*Hoping has done absolutely nothing as far as TDO & spending money are concerned but one can always do it.

 

[twebber55]

"Let's hope* that the reason Cameron decided to OK everything is because Disney is agreeing to do exactly what he wants & that these blueprints are only half of what is to come."

or lets at least hope that what he signed off on will be incredibly immersive and well themed... i cant help but think for him to say yes on this project it has to be good and will be on par with other recent lands in terms of themeing and quality