Lucasfilm Uses Test Film To Ensure Quality ""Star Wars"" Presentation

Lucasfilm THX produced a special test film which exhibitors presenting ""Star Wars: Episode I ñ The Phantom Menace"" were required to use in their individual theatres to test and correct for any presentation problems in time for the movieís debut on May 19. The THX Theatre Alignment Program (TAP), in conjunction with Twentieth Century Fox Distribution, developed the test film. As well, TAPís toll-free hotline is available for theatre owners in need of technical advice and audiences to report problems. As well patrons can report presentation problems on the TAP Web site at www.thx.com.The eight-second evaluation film, on a continuous loop, is the first to combine tests for both image and audio quality. TAP, with support from Schneider Optics and Eastman Kodak, devised a series of simple visual tests that consist of a series of image patterns and targets to measure focus, resolution, steadiness, cropping and keystoning. The test film also specifies the exact dimensions of the film image are for projecting the movie. The audio test consists of a channel identification check to verify that each channel is presented through the appropriate speaker. The voice for the audio checks is supplied by Anthony Daniels, the voice of ""Star Warsí "" C3PO, supported by the voice of R2D2 for the center rear Surround EX channel.In addition to the test film, TAP is providing its full roster of services, which cover the entire presentation process, from print lab to the theatre. The services include reviewing release prints for image and soundtrack quality, aligning projection and sound equipment at select theatres and on-site presentation evaluations at select theatres.