As on the first show, Star Wars, we decided to use the VistaVision format for our effects. Since the original live action would be shot in Panavision with only the effects shots in VistaVision, our optical composite printer would need to reduce the VistaVision printing elements to a Panavision duplicate negative. We decided to have an anamorphic lens designed to accomplish this function. The ideal was to use an anamorph that was so sharp that the effects shots and live action would be indistinguishable. Considerable research and time was put into this lens, and, thanks to the efforts of David Grafton (designer) and J.L. Wood (manufacturer), we were able to come very close to achieving this ideal. Line resolution for this lens is actually better than that of the Nikkor lens we use for "flat format" printing. In fact, initially at dailies, George would find some of the composites unacceptable because the image appeared too sharp! We would then have to desaturate to achieve the look he sought. Nonetheless, the amount of sharpness we were achieving with the anamorph gave us more latitude to interpret the image. This is quite an accomplishment for a duplicating system!
The printer we designed around the anamorphic lens also represents a considerable improvement over the technology applied to optical printing in the past. The printing functions were all computer-controlled. A small microprocessor could be programmed to add or delete certain functions considered necessary or unnecessary. This microprocessor could then give us greater flexibility with our printing controls as the job demanded. For example, all the skip print and double print functions were programmed after the printer was up and running. ILM's electronics department, headed by Jerry Jeffress (hardware) and Kris Brown(software), was responsible for these capabilities.
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