"3-D Holographic Technology"...?

Recently creating a buzz in the blogosphere, Musion Systems (which bills itself as "The World Leader in 3D Holographic Projection") has released a technology called "Eyeliner," which, according to Musion, has been used "in a variety of applications including life-size holograms of Madonna (Grammy Awards), Gorillaz (MTV Awards), and Sir Richard Branson (Virgin Digital Launch)."

However, fans of the Haunted Mansion have been enjoying the heart of the "Eyeliner" system since way back in 1969 - the "Pepper's Ghost" effect of reflection. Technically, Musion Eyeliner has nothing to do with holograms at all, let alone true three-dimensional effects. The effect is actually most similar to the high-definition "Black Widow Bride" character recently introduced into both Mansions, though Eyeliner involves projecting the character onto some sort of foil screen that produces the interactive reflection.

Still, it's nice to see some nineteenth-century technology applied in the twenty-first century marketplace, even if it's more lights and mirrors than high-tech holographic wizardry. As Haunted Mansion fans know, there's nothing wrong with lights and mirrors. It's what you do with them that counts.

RIP.