Page 29 - RD_March_2013.pdf

Sound

Fox’s intention was that all CinemaScope films would be released with multi-track magnetic
sound. Early CinemaScope films were released with 4 track magnetic strip sound tracks and
no optical track. To accommodate the magnetic tracks, Fox developed a variation on the
standard 35mm format for ‘Scope release prints. The width of the sprocket holes was
reduced; these smaller sprocket holes became known as “Fox Holes”. For some time Fox
insisted on magnetic sound only for their ‘Scope releases. Their idea was to force cinema
owners to install magnetic multi-channel sound if they wanted to screen their ‘Scope product.
Other studios developed their own lenses and versions of CinemaScope and started to
release their ‘Scope films with an optical sound track.
The original Fox –non optical sound – scope films had an image ration of 2.55:1, but when
the optical track was added, this ratio was reduced to 2.35:1, which became the standard
ratio of CinemaScope films, and also later versions such as Panavision, etc.

Magnetic Tracks

Early ‘Scope print – no optical track Optical Sound Track

Unsqueezed
CinemaScope
Image

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