2020-12-13, 11:31 AM
I think the lesson to take from all this is that often film credits aren't correct, especially during the transition period where formats like SR/AC-3/DTS were demo'd/previewed in select locations before full rollout.
Reading over at film-tech well cared-for (and lubricate) AC-3 prints run on well maintained projectors will provide good sound reproduction with low error correction as long as the print lasts. A well designed projector in good running order simply will not damage film. Unfortunately the culture of maintaining equipment and good practices in film handling were allowed to slide to the point where prints were considered disposable and there was even a SMPTE expected lifespan of 300 runs per print. This of course was then used to justify the near complete shift to digital projection.
Reading over at film-tech well cared-for (and lubricate) AC-3 prints run on well maintained projectors will provide good sound reproduction with low error correction as long as the print lasts. A well designed projector in good running order simply will not damage film. Unfortunately the culture of maintaining equipment and good practices in film handling were allowed to slide to the point where prints were considered disposable and there was even a SMPTE expected lifespan of 300 runs per print. This of course was then used to justify the near complete shift to digital projection.