"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.

Haunted Mansion segment to augment "Nightmare" DVD

Disney has reported that they will include a tour of he Haunted Mansion (presumably focused on the seasonal "Haunted Mansion Holiday" overlay) on the new "collector's" version of "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas" DVD, which will be released in standard and Blu-ray versions on August 26.

According to sources at Variety, other extras include an original poem penned by Burton that is narrated by actor Christopher Lee and commentary from Burton, director Henry Selick and composer Danny Elfman. Several featurettes are also packed into the releases, including a behind-the-scenes look at the filming of Nightmare Before Christmas. Burton’s short film Vincent also is included.

The disc will be the first to also include a portable digital version, in Disney's new "Disneyfile" format, for transfer to other viewing devices.

Read the full article at Variety's "Video Business" website here.

(The image of "Oogie Boogie" above is original concept art used in the production of "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas," which was recently sold at the Spring 2008 SR Labs animation art auction. © Disney.)

RIP.