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View-Master®
Reels and Packets Vol. 1 World Travel
 Do
you know what title was the first American blister pack?
This bit of View-Master® trivia is only one of the thousands
of facts you will find in View-Master® Reels and
Packets Vol. 1 - World Travel.
View-Master® Reels and Packets Vol. 1 World Travel
is Volume One of a three-volume historical overview of View-Master®
Reels and Packets. The collector's guide contains a list
of all known View-Master® Reels and Packets related
to world travel since the introduction of the product.
The guide is written by Harry zur Kleinsmiede, who has
been collecting View-Master® memorabilia longer than
anyone else in the world, starting in 1952 when he was five
years old. Harry describes how, when he was in a hospital
at the age of four, he first discovered View-Master®.
His lifetime love for the toy led to production of reels,
books and albums he published for 3-D Book Publications
as well as the collector's guides. The guide also features
a short history of View-Master® including packet identification,
test reels, different languages and much more.
The guide is arranged geographically. This makes it easy
to quickly find the areas you are interested in that are
available on reels and packets.
The guide is lavishly illustrated with photographs, reel
faces and illustrations on nearly every page. There are
also 16 pages in full color featuring 317 highly desireable
View-Master® packets. Published in The Netherlands,
the book features both U.S.A. and many rarely seen international
packet designs.
Table of Contents
Preface
- General information
- Chapter 1 - Scenic World Travel
- Chapter 2 - Europe
- Chapter 3 - Central and South America
- Chapter 4 - Africa
- Chapter 5 - Asia
- Chapter 6 - Australia and Pacific
Appendices
- Single Reel Numbering
- Packet Numbering
- The Colour Pages
- Index to the Countries
Price
for the U.S.A. and Canada: $49.95 plus $8 shipping.
Hardbound, 256 pages including 16 full-color pages on glossy
paper. ISBN #90 71377 57 1.
You won't want to put this book down when you first get
it. It is a highly recommended addition to your 3-D library.
View-Master®
Reels and Packets Vol. 2 U.S.A. and Canada
 Did
you know a special View-Master® Presidential Gift set
featuring the U.S.A. in 3-D pictures was produced in 1971
and created for special use by the Nixon White House as
a gift during special visits outside the U.S.A? You can
see a photograph of this elegant set and find out about
thousands of more facts in the book View-Master®
Reels and Packets Vol. 2 - U.S.A. and Canada written
by Harry zur Kleinsmiede.
This is Volume Two of a three-volume historical overview
of View-Master® Reels and Packets. Volume Two of the
collector's guides contains a list of all known View-Master®
Reels and Packets related to the U.S.A. and Canada since
the first reels rolled out of the factory over a half century
ago.
The guide is arranged by state and number. This makes it
easy to quickly find the areas you are interested in that
are available on reels and packets. Editor's Note: I was
quite surprised to find how up to date and complete this
book is. It even includes a photograph and information about
the
Missouri State Fair blister card.
The guide is lavishly illustrated with photographs, reel
faces and illustrations on nearly every page. There are
also 16 pages in full color featuring 318 highly desireable
View-Master® packets. Published in The Netherlands,
the book features both U.S.A. and many rarely seen international
packet designs.
Table of Contents
Preface
- General information
- Chapter 1: Scenic U.S.A. and Canada
- Chapter 2: United States of America
- Chapter 3: Canada
- Chapter 4: The Disney Theme Parks
Appendices
- Old Single Reels 1939-1969
- Special Reels (SP-Reels) 1947-1954
- Early Unnumbered Packets 1955-1958
- Two-Reel Packets 1958
- One-Reel Packets 1958
- A-Series - Packet Numbering 1958-1977
- H-Series - Scenics 1977
- J-Series - Scenics 1978
- K-Series - Scenics 1979
- L/M/N-Series - Scenics 1980-1982
- 5000-Series - Complete Listing 1982-1997
- 2000-Series and 4000-Series - Scenics 1982-1997
- 8000-Series - Complete Listing 1987-1989
- Spanish Language Packets - U.S. Picture Tours
- The Colour Pages
Price
for the U.S.A. and Canada: $74.95 plus $3 shipping.
Hardbound, 400 pages including 16 full-color pages on glossy
paper. ISBN # 90 71377 58 X.
You'll find yourself referring to this book when you pick
up some rare packets. It is a highly recommended addition
to your 3-D library.
Volume Three is scheduled for release in 2005.
Jefferson
Stereoptics View-Master® Auctions March 9 and 11, 2004
 One
of the best places to find View-Master® and other 3-D
items for sale is Jefferson Stereoptics regularly held View-Master®
and stereoview auctions conducted by John Saddy. The latest
collection of View-Master® goodies goes on the auction
block on Tuesday, March 9, 2004, featuring lots 1 through
294. The second part of the auction concludes on Thursday,
March 11, 2004, with lots 295 through 577.
Starting with the March 2004 auction, John will be handling
the Wilfried (Willie) Aarts Collection. Willie had a comprehensive
coverage of European packet sets and reels and some viewers
nobody else has. He also had viewers from other formats.
Some formats that John had not even heard of before. Willie
also had some one-of-a-kind Brussels View-Master® Art
Department original hand-painted watercolor proposed packet-fronts.
Some of these are are delectable in beauty.
Some of the exciting items in the Aarts Collection:
- View-Master® Art Department material such as uncut
sheets with packet-set front
- Paperwork for producing packet-sets and blistercard
sets
- StereoRama flat top viewer in box
- Dany viewer and cards
- View-Master® advertising items from Europe
- View-Master® Model G viewer in sky blue
- View-Master® Model G viewer in gold
- View-Master® Model E red with white advance (usually
comes with yellow advance)
- Three factory-painted Space Viewers (You can see they
were originally red if you look closely) that are part
of the group from which the Art Department chose the production
colors
- Several packets that are being seen for the first time
including Mexico and European titles
- Test reels
- Proof reels
- and much more
Subscribers receive John's catalog several times a year.
Cost of the subscription pays for printing the catalog and
postage to mail it. Each issue of the printed catalog includes
photos of some of the most sought after 3-D items featured
in each sale.
The auction items are also listed on John's Web site at
www3.sympatico.ca/john.saddy.3-D/.
The Web site is easily navigated by topic. Each item is
grouped in areas of interest such as View-Master®
packets USA and Canada or View-Master® packets
Television and Movies and so on. You will need to register
on the site in order to place a bid online.
John grades each item and includes elaborate descriptions,
too. Unlike eBay, sniping is not part of the equation in
John's auctions. Lots are closed with a very liberal waiting
period. Beginning at the closing time, after 10 minutes
with no bids or inquiries, all lots are closed together.
You can contact John via an e-mail link on his Web site
to find out about subscribing to the catalog. Jefferson
Stereoptics is located in London Ontario, Canada.
Star
Trek Borg Invasion™ 4-D Opens March 18, 2004, at The
Las Vegas Hilton
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| Robert Picardo stars in the
new Borg Invasion 4-D™ attraction as “the
Doctor” pictured with a Borg at the announcement
of Borg Invasion 4-D™ in August 2003. (Photo by
Mark Fellman) |
The hottest new technology and latest innovation in Las
Vegas entertainment will open at Star Trek: The Experience®
At The Las Vegas Hilton on March 18, 2004.
Borg Invasion 4-D™ is a multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art
attraction that allows visitors to truly become a part of
a Star Trek adventure by using their sense of sight, sound
and touch. Guests visiting Star Trek: The Experience®
will be able to enjoy two attractions -- Klingon Encounter,
the original attraction that debuted in 1998, and the new
Borg Invasion 4-D™.
“Thrill seekers from around the world will enjoy Borg
Invasion 4-D™ as they become totally immersed in a
chilling, 4-D attraction,” says Alexander Weber, Jr.,
CEO of Paramount Parks. “Borg Invasion 4-D™ will
assimilate guests into a darker and edgier dimension of
the Star Trek universe.”
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| Borg Queen (Alice Krige) commands
the Borg collective, an immensely powerful group of
cybernetically enhanced beings who gain knowledge and
technology by absorbing other species. |
To celebrate the opening in true Star Trek style, Star
Trek: The Experience® will host “The Borg Ball,”
from 12 a.m. until 3 a.m. on March 18. A limited number
of grand opening guests will be among the first to be assimilated
into the Borg collective and the event is expected to draw
fans dressed in full regalia from the furthest corners of
the galaxy. Tickets to the event are available for purchase
at $299 by logging onto www.startrekexp.com. The Borg Ball
ticket price includes unlimited access to the attraction
for three hours, dining, drinks, dancing, a commemorative
picture and a limited edition Borg Invasion 4-D™ t-shirt.
The attraction will open officially to the public at 11a.m.
on March 18.
Borg Invasion 4-D™ combines live actors and phenomenal
special effects to create an excitingly realistic Star Trek
experience. Guests will be amazed by the multiple state-of-the-art
technologies and special effects that immerse visitors into
the power of Star Trek, a worldwide phenomenon that has
spanned nearly four decades.
The Borg Collective is an immensely powerful group of cybernetically
enhanced beings who gain knowledge and technology by absorbing
other species.
As visitors tour a futuristic research facility, the terrifying
drones of the Borg Collective launch an attack to capture
and assimilate guests using 24th century cybernetic technology.
The 3-D and 4-D effects will merge to create a chilling
realization as the action culminates in a state-of-the-art
theater providing an all-immersive tactile experience for
visitors to the attraction.
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| Borg in regeneration chamber,
which restores cybernetic energy to the Borg. |
Borg Invasion 4-D™ is an original 3-D film starring
Robert Picardo (The Doctor), Alice Krige (Borg Queen) and
Kate Mulgrew (Admiral Janeway). Through the use of various
technologies and techniques, participants will be able to
experience the feeling of being “assimilated”
into the Borg Collective. In addition to 23,000 watts of
12 channel sound, each state-of-the-art theater seat has
10 effect features all choreographed with the 3-D film.
For example, probes poke the guest’s backs as the action
peaks, in coordination with timed air blasts, surround sound
audio rumbles, and a motion platform floor, creating the
fourth dimension and amplifying what the guests are experiencing
on screen.
Borg Invasion 4-D™ is one of the most advanced entertainment
attractions in the world and boasts a long list of “firsts.”
Borg Invasion 4-D™ is
- The first Star Trek production that has ever been shot
digitally
- The first all-digital motion picture to incorporate
live action and animation within a 3-D cinema environment
- The first multiple-angle 3-D cinema production with
3-D effects from the front, overhead and both right and
left sides of the participant
- The first time a steady cam has ever been used in a
3-D production, allowing the director to achieve shots
from the “point of view” of the guest, placing
viewer the in a "you are there" environment.
- The first world-wide attraction to use 2K digital cinema
projection, which produces a clearer resolution than any
other digital projection system in the world.
In addition to its innovative digital technologies, Borg
Invasion 4-D™ will incorporate revolutionary live special
effects to enhance the overall guest experience.
“Our technology partners have helped produce one of
the most exciting and innovative attractions in the world
that uses physical effects to fully immerse the guest in
the entertainment experience,” says Alexander Weber,
Jr., CEO of Paramount Parks. “Borg Invasion 4-D™
participants will experience an unprecedented marriage of
technology and entertainment as the Borg attempt to assimilate
each guest using sight, sound and touch.”
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Borg Invasion 4-D™ crew use a
specially designed 3-D camera rig during filming a Starfleet
Officer being assimilated by the Borg for the new Borg
Invasion 4-D™ attraction at Star Trek: The Experience
at the Las Vegas Hilton.
(Photo by Mark Fellman) |
A First In Digital Cinema
Threshold Digital Research Labs produced the 3-D digital
motion picture for Borg Invasion 4-D™. Borg Invasion
4-D™ is the first all-digital production that incorporates
live action and animation, as well as the first multiple-angle
immersive 3-D attraction ever. Multiple-angle means there
will be 3-D effects from the front, overhead and both right
and left sides of the participant; creating a darker and
edgier environment. The film is digital from inception to
release.
The live action material needed to produce the film was
acquired digitally on five sets and three large blue screens
on two stages. The largest of the sets was the biggest Borg
set ever built at over 15,000 square feet.
The 3-D motion picture featured in Borg Invasion 4-D™
stars Robert Picardo (The Doctor), Alice Krige (Borg Queen)
and Kate Mulgrew (Admiral Janeway). Additionally, a live-action
steady cam stereo shot with real-time 3-D onscreen playback
was used for the first time in a 3-D production. A steadycam
is a specific camera rig that allows the director to achieve
Point of View perspectives not possible with other rigs,
placing the viewer in a "you are there" environment.
A First In Digital Projection
Christie Digital System, Inc. provided two, matched Christie
CP2000 high performance digital cinema projection systems,
the first time 2K resolution DLP Cinema technology has been
used in an attraction. The system used for BI4D produces
a clearer resolution than any other digital projection system
in the world.
Designed for cinematic quality, large screen exhibition,
CP2000 is Christie’s latest digital cinema projection
solution. It features Christie LampLOC™for automatic
lamp alignment and LiteLOC™ both of which ensure constant
image brightness and 2048x1080p HD resolution. Christie’s
proprietary high efficiency optics (Illumination Optics
System™) has a contrast ratio of greater than 1700:1
(full field), and a 15 bit per RGB color processing for
15 trillion colors displayed. The Christie CP 2000 digital
projectors are ideal for large screen presentations because
they visually “transport” visitors with authentically
created vivid illusions. The projectors use Texas Instruments’
2K resolution DLP Cinema chip.
All-Immersive Tactile Experience
Technifex, Inc. designed and produced the digitally controlled
4-D sensory seats, motion platform and other sensory special
effects, which create the fourth dimension and amplifies
the guests’ senses of sound and touch in addition to
what they are seeing on screen. Through the use of various
technologies and techniques, participants will be able to
experience the feeling of being “assimilated”
into the Borg Collective. In addition to 23,000 watts of
12 channel sound, each state-of-the-art theater seat has
10 effect features all choreographed with the 3-D film with
probes that poke the guest’s backs as the action peaks
in coordination with timed air blasts, surround sound audio
rumbles, and a motion platform floor, creating the fourth
dimension and amplifying what the guests are seeing on screen.
Borg Invasion 4-D™
Set to open March 18, 2004, Borg Invasion 4-D™ will
combine live actors and phenomenal special effects to create
an excitingly realistic Star Trek experience. As visitors
tour a futuristic research facility, the terrifying drones
of the Borg Collective attempt to capture and assimilate
guests using 24th century cybernetic technology. 3-D and
4-D will merge in a chilling realization of state-of-the-art
technology to provide an all-immersive tactile experience
for visitors to the attraction.
Guests can purchase tickets to Borg Invasion 4-D™
and also enjoy Klingon Encounter, for one combined ticket
price. Visitors to Star Trek: The Experience® can also
dine in Quark’s Bar & Restaurant and shop for intergalactic
treasures in the Deep Space Nine Promenade. Borg Invasion
4-D™ is not recommended for small children. For more
information visit www.startrekexp.com or call 1-888-GO-BOLDLY.
Read
more about Borg Invasion 4-D™ in the February 2004
issue of 3-D Review Online Magazine.
World
3-D Film Expo 3-D Photos
 Sabucat
Productions has posted several high resolution 3-D
photos taken during the World 3-D Film Expo held in
September 2003 in Hollywood. The anaglyphic photos show
behind the scenes activities including the projection booth,
people arriving at The Egyptian Theatre and celebrity attendees
including director Quentin Tarantino.
There is also a photo showing the
audience wearing Polaroid 3-D glasses, while the synchronized
twin projectors glow from the projection booth.
Plans are being made for future film festivals. People
can submit
their name and address online to be notified about upcoming
events.
World
3-D Film Expo wins Rondo Award for Best Fan Event
 The
World 3-D Film Expo, a 33-feature film festival held in
2003 at the American Cinematheque in Los Angeles, won a
Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Award as Best Fan Event in online
voting.
A record 664 fans and professionals voted by e-mail in
the month-long, 19-category Rondo survey, sponsored by the
Classic Horror Film Board and named after the hulking character
actor Rondo Hatton of the 1940s. It was the biggest survey
ever of classic horror's online community.
Other winners included Gary Don Rhodes for his two-part
article in Monsters from the Vault about the backlash
against horror films in the early 30s, illustrator Vincent
DiFate for his cover painting of the Creature from the Black
Lagoon for the Monster-Mania Convention program and Emmy-winning
makeup artist Michael F. Blake for his audio commentaries
on the Lon Chaney Collection DVDs. A 12-inch model of the
Creature by Sideshow was a big winner for Best toy, figure
or model.
Many of the Rondo award-winners will receive Rondo Hatton
busts, sculpted by Kerry Gammill and cast by Tim L. Lindsey.
National
Stereoscopic Association Eastern Midwest Regional Meeting
to be held in Akron, Ohio, May 1 and 2, 2004
 It's
going to be a 3-D stereoscopic weekend on May 1 and 2, 2004,
at the National Stereoscopic Association Eastern Midwest
Regional Meeting in Akron, Ohio, sponsored by The National
Stereoscopic Association (NSA) and the Ohio Stereo Photograhic
Society. The regional meeting will be held at the Holiday
Inn Fairlawn/Akron, located at the intersection of I-77
and U.S. Highway 18, Akron, Ohio. There is a $20 registration
fee, which includes all the programs on Saturday and regular
admission to the Sunday show. Deadline for pre-registration
is April 15, 2004.
Saturday, May 1 Schedule
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Stereoscopic presentations and stereo
exhibits featuring Realist-format stereo projection, 2x2x2,
View-Master®, Stereo View exhibits, vintage and modern
stereo equipment exhibits, digital stereo and much more.
6 p.m. Consignment auction preview
7 p.m. Consignment auction of all types of stereoscopic
items including Stereo Views, View-Master® and all
types of stereo equipment, cameras, viewers, projectors,
etc.
Sunday, May 2 Schedule
9 a.m. Early bird admission to show and sale
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Show and sale featuring all types of
photographic related items.
There are special rooms rates of $72 for the Holiday Inn.
Ask for the 3-D Stereoscopic Weekend. Call (330) 666-4131
to make reservations.
John Waldsmith, author of Stereo
Views, is taking consignments for the Stereo Auction.
More details will be appearing on Waldsmith's Web site at
www.YourAuctionPage.com/Waldsmith.
Deadline for auction consignments is March 30, 2004. An
auction catalog is available by mail for $5 for those who
wish to participate as an absentee bidder. Cost for the
catalog at the door is $2.
Dealer spaces for the Trade Show are on a first-come, first-served
basis. Cost to reserve a six-foot Trade Show table with
table cover is $35. Coffee, tea and pastries will be provided
during Trade Show setup.
For registration forms to participate in the meeting, auction
and trade show or more information contact NSA Regional
Director George Themelis by e-mail at DrT-3-D@att.net
or auctioneer and trade show manager John Waldsmith by e-mail
at vansywalsy@aol.com.
View-Master®
Kennedy Reel #1305 sells at auction for nearly $500
 An
eBay auction held during Janaury 2004 brought what could
be a record price for a single View-Master® reel. The
buyer paid $491.50 for reel #1305, President Kennedy's
Visit to Ireland, June 1963. The seller was located
in Vernon, CT.
Reel 1305 was released in the United States by Sawyer's
View-Master® in October 1963. The reel was pulled from
the market following the assassination of President Kenney
on Nov. 22, 1963. Since it was only available to the public
for a very short time, the reel is extremely scarce and
is one of the most sought after reels for any View-Master®
collection.
Images on President Kennedy's Visit to Ireland, June
1963:
1. The Presidents of the U.S.A. and Ireland in Dublin
2. President Kennedy amidst the crowd at New Ross
3. Reception on the Quay of New Ross
4. Passing the Naval Guard of Honour, Wexford
5. President Kennedy at Wexford
6. Laying of the wreath at Arbour Hill
7. President Kennedy and Premier Sean Lemas
Spy
Kids 3-D: Game Over DVD
 The
Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over DVD is released in 3-D!
Both a 2-D and 3-D version of the film is on the DVD, released
Feb. 24, 2004. The DVD is the only way to get the 3-D version.
Four pairs of 3-D glasses are included with the DVD. The
VHS release of the film features only the 2-D version.
Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over is the first 3-D film released
by a major studio since 1991's Freddy's Dead: The Final
Nightmare.
Bonus Features
1. 10-minute Film School With How To Make Cool Home
Movies
2. Alexa Vega In Concert (3 music videos including Isle
of Dreams, Heart Drive and Game Over)
3. Separate feature commentaries with Robert Rodriguez (one
for 3-D and one for 2-D)
4. An Adventure Into The 3rd Dimension: The Making of Spy
Kids 3-D: Game Over
5. Making Traks With Alexa Vega
6. Surfing And Stunts featurette (Multiangle)
7. The Effects Of The Game featurette
8. Big Dink, Little Dink featurette
9. Mega Race Set-Top Game (3-D And 2-D Versions)
Synopsis:
Secret agents Juni (Daryl Sabara) and Carmen Cortez (Alexa
Vega) set out on their most mind-blowing mission yet: a
journey inside the virtual reality world of a 3-D video
game where awe-inspiring graphics and creatures come dangerously
to life! As they face escalating challenges through increasingly
difficult levels of the game, the Spy Kids must rely on
humor, high-tech gadgets and the bonds of family in order
to stop a power-hungry villain (Sylvester Stallone) set
on controlling the youth of the world! Also starring Antonio
Banderas, Carla Gugino and Ricardo Montalban and Salma Hayek.
View
the Preview Trailer for Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over
Trailers courtesy of ScreenPlay, Inc. and The Internet Movie
Database.
Hulk
2004 Annual with Lenticular 3-D Cover
 The
Incredible Hulk 2004 Annual with 3-D cover was published
by Marvel Comics and released in the United Kingdom.
The cover is a lenticular 3-D version of the artwork featuring
the Hulk. A sticker bearing the words "Special Edition
3-D Cover" in attached to the cover.
The publication features a 60-page story titled "Basic
Instinct." The book measures approximately 9"
x 12".
IMAX
NASCAR 3-D Web Site
  IMAX
NASCAR 3-D races into theatres on March 12, 2004. A new
Web page with behind the scenes photos of the 3-D film is
online at www.imax.com/racing.
DDD Group plc
Awarded Key European Patent Covering 3-D Transmission
Patent Covers 2-D Compatible 3-D Media
 DDD
Group plc announced that it has received notification of
allowance of the encoding component of its key "Dynamic
Depth Cueing" ("DDC") patent in Europe. DDC
is a core DDD technology that enables video images to be
converted for transmission and display in stereo 3-D.
The new European patent complements the previously issued
DDC patent that allows the conversion of existing 2-D content
libraries to 3-D. The new encoding component allows delivery
of 3-D enhanced content in a format that remains compatible
with today's 2-D televisions. The patent addresses the need
for studios and broadcasters to transmit one broadcast signal
or produce a single DVD disc that can be viewed in 2-D or
3-D depending on the viewer's preference and television
display capabilities.
Dynamic Depth Cueing encoding discretely and efficiently
embeds 3-D depth data alongside the unchanged 2-D image.
The technique allows existing broadcast and DVD standards
to be used to deliver 3-D enhanced programming and movies.
Since the original 2-D image is delivered unchanged, it
can be viewed on a conventional television set. For viewers
with a 3-D display, the embedded 3-D data is used to manipulate
the underlying 2-D image, allowing 2-D images to be transformed
into 3-D for a wide variety of 3-D display formats. This
includes the latest generation of "glasses-free"
3-D displays markets by consumer electronics manufacturers
including Sharp Corporation and Sanyo Electric Company.
The addition of the DDC transmission patent brings to nine
the total number of issued patents held by DDD and its subsidiaries.
In addition to the 3-D transmission patent, DDD has other
core patents relating to the offline and real time conversion
of 2-D images to 3-D and the tracking of a viewer's head
for 3-D display systems. DDD's 3-D conversion, transmission
and display technologies are marketed under the brand name
TriDef®.
DDD Chief Technology Officer Phil Harman said, "The
notice of allowance of DDC in Europe complements our European
3-D Conversion patent issued in May 2003. We are pleased
to have received this additional significant patent coverage
in Europe and we are looking forward to building upon this
both commercially and technically in the future."
DDD, also known as Dynamic Digital Depth, is transforming
the viewing experience with applications for glasses-free
3-D displays. Its patented technologies enable 3-D viewing
without glasses, simple integration of computer graphics
applications with 3-D displays, supply of 3-D content through
2-D to 3-D conversion and 3-D transmission over existing
networks. Story courtesy of Business Wire.
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