New tricks of the movie trade

“BEAUTY and the Beast” has been transformed into an eye-popping 3D experience through the invention of a new set of computer tools that allow the “sculpting” of depth into existing images. The 3D conversion technique is called “pixel displacement.”

How does it work? It enables animation artists to take each image and create a “depth map” that corresponds to that image. They’re then able to apply it to the original image and displace pixels to create the “second eye” view needed for the 3D illusion to take place.

Producer Don Hahn adds: “We are the beneficiaries of the original film’s having been made on the CAPS (Computer Animation Production System) that the Disney studios created to produce animated movies in the late 1980s. We were able to store the movie on separate levels.

“In other words, if we had a scene of Belle and the Beast together at the table, we would have the characters on one level, the table on another level and the background on still another. So, we had a nice separation when we brought the scene back online.”

“Beauty and The Beast” was the first hand-drawn film to be “dimensionalized” into 3D. If it clicks with viewers in its latest “reconfiguration,” expect many more “classic,” full-length fairy tales and cartoons to follow!

Two ‘Snow White’ films

Is the viewing world ready for two new movies about the fairy tale heroine, Snow White? Isn’t that one too many? Don’t look now, but both new productions fully intend to end up as hits, despite the competition they’re providing for each other.

First to hit movie screens was “Mirror, Mirror,” with Julia Roberts leading the stellar cast. No, she isn’t playing the title role she’s essaying the beefed-up villain character of the Queen who hates Snow White because she’s younger and lovelier than her vile and vicious royal highness is!

Roberts is one of the reigning queens of Hollywood, so expect her to come up with a truly ripe and over-the-top portrayal of the raging royal. The actress’ only regret is that her portrayal is so deliciously evil that her younger children can’t be allowed into the movie theater to enjoy it!