Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Dolby Distribution Services?

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Posted by John Hawkinson (Member # 1135) on 11-14-2002, 11:47 PM:

Well. I was pleased to get TES print #00001 of Road to Perdition today. It had some interesting markings on it that I've not seen before.

It had two sets of labels on the heads of each reel; both labels read "Dolby Distribution Services." The first were, "Select Print" with "Title", "Select Print #" (1), "Reel #", "Lab Print #", "Grade", and "Destination" (blank). The next set were, "General Release Print Reel" with "Reel", "Title", "Grade", "Lab Print #".

I wasn't aware that Dolby did reel grading or similar services (?). Grades included A, B, and B-. All reels were uncut, and many had hand cues over lab cues (including two hand cues on some frames, I can't understand why).

I assume the pairing of labels means it started out as a "select" print and then was converted to general release after the film opened? Seemed odd that it was uncut if it really was a general release print... I also wonder at "select" print having reels graded down to B-. One would assume they would pull all A's.

Also, does anyone have a reference to the A, B, etc. style of grading?

Thanks.

--jhawk (who is curious, mostly...)

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 11-15-2002, 12:41 AM:

This thread here is what you'd want to read.

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 11-15-2002, 05:59 AM:

Dolby has set up a "Distributor Services" group. Film-Tech participant Ted Costas moved from THX to Dolby to head the group:
here Ted Costas
here Studio Clients

------------------
John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7525A
Rochester, New York, 14650-1922 USA
Tel: +1 585 477 5325 Cell: +1 585 781 4036 Fax: +1 585 722 7243
e-mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com
Web site: here Kodak Website

Posted by Peter Hall (Member # 695) on 11-15-2002, 07:54 AM:

What has happened to THX's print checking services in the US ?

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 11-15-2002, 09:57 AM:

The THX website still lists that service:
here

Contact would be Tim Schafbuch:
here

As you may know, the Kodak Cinema Operations (ScreenCheck) Program also offers services to distributors and theatres:
here Kodak Cinema Evaluation
here Kodak Cinema Operations Team

Posted by John Hawkinson (Member # 1135) on 11-15-2002, 10:03 AM:

Thanks, Daryl; it didn't quite click that Ted moving from TAP -> Dolby was for this sort of thing. I guess it seems likely that the grading is the same, and TAP's grading information is at http://www.thx.com/professional_services/labgrad.pdf (here).

I'm still a little puzzled how a formerly "select" print makes it into the general pool, and how I end up receiving it before anyone with a platter. Not that I'm complaining!

--jhawk