At MusicalExpert, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What is a Movie Screen?
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
A movie screen is a large projection screen which has been designed for the purpose of showing movies. These screens come in a range of sizes, with a shape which is designed to accommodate the 16:9 aspect ration commonly used for movie filming. Depending on the style of a movie screen, it may be a permanent or temporary installation, with some movie screens being designed specifically for mobility so that they can be rented out to customers as needed.
The purpose of a movie screen is to provide a surface to project a film upon. Movie screens are designed to provide a reflective base so that the image will show up clearly and crisply when it is projected. They are typically white or gray, so that they do not interfere with the colors of the film, and the reflectivity of the screen may be adjusted for special environments.
Vinyl is the material of choice for modern movie screens, and the vinyl is typically perforated so that speakers can be mounted behind the screen. In the case of a fixed screen, the movie screen is firmly mounted in place. Pull-down or electric screens can be retracted when not in use, either by hand or with a motor. Inflatable movie screens have inflatable frameworks which are designed to be erected on location, and deflated to pack the movie screen down for transport. Inflatable screens are ideal for outdoor film festivals and movie screen rentals, since they are easy to transport and set up.
When installing or setting up a movie screen, there are some important considerations involved. The distance between the screen and the projector is important, as are factors like light pollution and seating arrangements. The screen's surface may also need to be warped slightly to create the best visual image.
With a basic flat movie screen, when an image is projected, light hits the center of the screen first, taking longer to reach the sides. Sometimes, this is not a problem, but for especially large screens and theaters, some patrons may see a visual distortion. To correct this, some theaters use horizontal curve movie screens which form a wide C-shape, allowing the light to hit the middle and the sides of the screen at the same time. Sophisticated theaters use a torex screen, which is like a giant bowl, ensuring that light hits every point on the screen at the same moment and eliminating distortion.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a MusicalExpert researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a MusicalExpert researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Learn more...AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Movie screens are a surface in a theater onto which a film is projected.]()
By: Artem FurmanMovie screens are a surface in a theater onto which a film is projected. -
![Most movie screens are white or gray so they don't interfere with the color of the movie.]()
By: serdarerenlereMost movie screens are white or gray so they don't interfere with the color of the movie. -
![When installing or setting up a movie screen it is important to consider the distance between the screen and the projector, as are factors like light pollution and seating arrangements.]()
By: gstockstudioWhen installing or setting up a movie screen it is important to consider the distance between the screen and the projector, as are factors like light pollution and seating arrangements. -
![Projectors project images onto movie screens.]()
By: Noel PowellProjectors project images onto movie screens. -
![Film is traditionally used on movie projectors.]()
By: donatas1205Film is traditionally used on movie projectors. -
![Most film projectors include a spooling system, lamp, lens and audio system as main components.]()
By: drxMost film projectors include a spooling system, lamp, lens and audio system as main components. -
![Patrons at early movie theaters, including nickelodeons, often watched 'pictures' on mutoscopes, which were a type of hand-cranked flipbook.]()
By: JuulijsPatrons at early movie theaters, including nickelodeons, often watched 'pictures' on mutoscopes, which were a type of hand-cranked flipbook.
Discussion Comments
I love it when a movie theater frames the movie screen with curtains. There is something so elegant about it and it makes seeing the movie feel like an event.
It's a pretty old fashioned tradition though and not one that seems to be around much anymore. None of the megaplexes in my area have curtains.
My neighborhood has a summer movie series and they use a blow up movie screen to show movies in a big parking lot.
Its a lot of fun and they pick great movies to show. Before I went this summer I had never seen an inflatable movie screen but it is a really clever idea.
There is a draw back though. One night it was incredibly windy. Even though they tether the movie screen at all the corners it was blowing around and rippling pretty bad. It made it hard to watch the movie. Besides that one might though it's always been great.
If you have a projector just about anything can be a movie screen. Let me tell you guys about one of the coolest things I have ever been a part of.
When I was in high school my friends and I got an idea for a pirate drive in movie theater. It worked like this. One of my buddies had a digital projector that you could hook up to a dvd player. Together we built a pirate radio transmitter. We told all of our friends to gather on a certain level of a very large parking garage that we knew would be empty and vacant all night.
We projected the movie against a large concrete wall and then broadcast the sound over everyones car radios on a frequency that we had figured out was clear. It was just like a drive in movie but it was with all your friends and you could watch anything you wanted. It was lots of fun. I've always wanted to do something like that again but it's hard to find the time.
Post your comments