Originally Posted By Darkbeer <a href="http://www.washtimes.com/entertainment/20060301-101735-8619r.htm" target="_blank">http://www.washtimes.com/enter tainment/20060301-101735-8619r.htm</a> >>The latest multimedia attraction to hit Walt Disney World is not really new; it debuted at Disneyland in California five years ago. Despite its technology, science themes and artistic splendor, it may leave seasoned theme-park lovers not completely buying into the experience. Soarin' takes 87 guests for a five-minute "hang glide" over major California landmarks, lifting and plunging them into half of a massive dome where they watch an Imax film that offers a three-dimensional feel using sensory magic. << >>Composer Jerry Goldsmith adds an orchestral score to the final panoramic journey, which, rather than telling a story in the grandest Disney sense, is more like a series of visuals that says, "Hey, folks, look what we can do." Although the film is displayed through an Imax projection system using high-speed, high-definition Omni-max film projectors, it still looked grainy to me, and I swear I saw a hair floating across the screen. Disney really needs to take advantage of digital video technology to make this adventure sparkle. Additionally, the footage could have been longer and more spectacular if it hadn't been confined to California. How about a fly-by of Mount Rushmore, a Death Star-like run through the Grand Canyon or a visit with the Statue of Liberty? Also, unless precisely positioned near the middle of the ride, visitors may have a hard time suspending disbelief because they will be able to see the sides of the screen. <<
Originally Posted By jmuboy This article is like 10 months late. I hate the Washington Times, I read the Post.
Originally Posted By danyoung >Although the film is displayed through an Imax projection system using high-speed, high-definition Omni-max film projectors, it still looked grainy to me, and I swear I saw a hair floating across the screen.< I think the only grain was in this writer's imagination, as his blind love for digital projection placed little spots behind his eyes. But he might have seen a hair or some other schmutz, just like any other film. They have a great air system to blow that stuff away, but a speck still shows up from time to time. And after seeing the show last week in Florida (enjoying my FP while bypassing the 90 minute wait!) I sure didn't hear anyone saying "hey, all this stuff is in California - what's up with that?" I'd like to see a nationwide update, but that in no way diminishes the beauty of the current film.
Originally Posted By ssWEDguy >> sure didn't hear anyone saying "hey, all this stuff is in California - what's up with that?" I'd like to see a nationwide update, but that in no way diminishes the beauty of the current film. << Agreed. Big deal. >> This article is like 10 months late. << Also agreed.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss Good ol' Darkbeer. Leave it to him to cut and paste any and all negative press about a Disney.
Originally Posted By CTXRover Who cares. Soarin' is one of Disney's most highly regarded attractions based on guest surveys. Few guests even realize its all from CA despite Disney freely advertising that it is. Not everyone likes everything, but Soarin' is and will continue to be a huge hit for Epcot and WDW. The greatest thing about an attraction like Soarin' is that, if they deem necessary, they can continuously change the film and offer a new ride every 5, 10 or 15 years depending on the need to boost attendance for relatively little money compared to building the infrastructure for an entirely new ride. I guess any movie-based attraction could offer this as well, but its something I can honestly see them doing. Soarin' at DCA really doesn't have that opportunity because of its placement inside a California based park. Different sites in CA maybe, but the Epcot Soarin' has the potential to include any location from around the world.
Originally Posted By ssWEDguy >> Soarin' at DCA really doesn't have that opportunity because of its placement inside a California based park << When they someday develop a new more global film for Epcot, they could use it in DCA. They could just retitle the attraction in DCA to plain "Soarin'"
Originally Posted By CTXRover <<When they someday develop a new more global film for Epcot, they could use it in DCA. They could just retitle the attraction in DCA to plain "Soarin'">> But that would make it yet another attraction inside the park that has nothing to do with the state of CA. The attraction in DCA is an absolutely perfect fit for a park themed to CA. At Epcot though, a film over any state or any country would fit into the Land pavilion.
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom I have to admit it is late. However it is not an IMAX film. IMAX theaters don't have curved screens. Yes you can see the grain in the film, so what. I was trying not to fall out of my seat. Yes the best seats in the house are on the top in the middle. Otherwise you can see the sides of the screen and peoples feet dangling in front of you. I have a DLP tv as well as Sharp Aquos plasma TV and "Soarin" can't even compare to the quality of those pictures. But so what. Its not trying to be the best. Just great. Disney isn't for the "techno" crowd anyway. Its for the Walmart crowd. If you really want to look at incredible technology at Disney look at "Turtle Talk with Crush". The Ability for the screen, voice to do what they do during that show is incredible.
Originally Posted By ni_teach Kennesaw Tom said "However it is not an IMAX film. IMAX theaters don't have curved screens. " This is not correct. The Curved screen is a type of IMAX. The term of IMAX has more to do with the film format than the screen.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss Soarin' is in fact an IMAX motion picture, which uses a 15/70 film format that is projected on an OMNIMAX screen.
Originally Posted By gurgitoy2 "But that would make it yet another attraction inside the park that has nothing to do with the state of CA. The attraction in DCA is an absolutely perfect fit for a park themed to CA. At Epcot though, a film over any state or any country would fit into the Land pavilion." This is assuming that DCA keeps the California theme. Who knows what the park will look like a few years down the line?
Originally Posted By Nobody From post 10: "I have a DLP tv as well as Sharp Aquos plasma TV and "Soarin" can't even compare to the quality of those pictures." Congratulations on your TVs, but if you were to blow up the pixel structure to Soarin's screen size, you'd probably want to go back to IMAX prints. Unless you're suggesting that 87 guests should gather in front of your plasma for an immersive<sp> experience. If that's the case, I stand corrected.
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom Actaully I have thought of raising my sofa about 6 feet in the air and then spray orange and pine bathroom scents for the same experience and no wait. <sar>
Originally Posted By mrichmondj ^^^ It's not the same experience unless you queue up outside your front door for about 60-90 minutes befor you hop on the couch!
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom Look at the advantage of doing this at home. I least I can bring popcorn into my familyroom! Seriously guys, Soarin is a great ride. I just don't think it is as great as some other rides at either resort. I for one like animatronics. I do reach critical overload on movies and TV screens.
Originally Posted By BlazesOfFire I do wish the screen was bigger, but even the way it is, it is an awesome ride and is one of my favorites. I do hope they update the ride sometime to include footage from other areas. Keeps it fresh, but that wont be needed for sometime now! Soarin' has no problem bringing in the crowds!
Originally Posted By danyoung Really? You wish the screen was bigger? This is a HUGE screen, and you're planted right in the middle of it! And you want it bigger? May I ask why?
