Behind The Curtain: An Exclusive Look at How U2 3D Comes To Life
by Tassoula E. Kokkoris

Page 2 (continued from page 1)

Photo by Phil Roewe, courtesy of Pacific Science Center

(above) This is a closeup of Reel 5, with the film title on the left.

Photo by Phil Roewe, courtesy of Pacific Science Center

(above) Projectionist Jenn Bentz has just spliced the end of one reel to the beginning of the next one to make sure that it is covering enough of the cut, and doesn't have any air bubbles under the tape. She also has to verify it is adhered properly so that it doesn't come apart in the middle of the movie.

Photo by Phil Roewe, courtesy of Pacific Science Center

(above) Now the film is set in motion from the Make-up Table to the Quick Turn Reel Unit (otherwise known as the "QT"). The QT prevents the film from wearing out, as it eliminates the need for rewinding.

Photo by Tassoula E. Kokkoris

(above) On the QT, the film rests on large silver discs called platters. In this photo, a platter for a normal IMAX film is displayed next to the taller platter, which is used for U2 3D. The size of the platter depends on the length of the film when it is constructed. U2 3D is six miles long on each "eye." Every 3-D film has a left and a right eye, so if this movie were laid out on a football field, it would reach a total of 12 miles.

Photo by Tassoula E. Kokkoris

(above) This is the right eye of U2 3D loaded onto its platter. At first glance, it resembles a classic vinyl album. Behind it lies the massive projector that will deliver this gem to the audience.

Photo by Tassoula E. Kokkoris

(above) When U2 3D is rotated off the projector to get a good night's sleep, it's protected by a sleeve (like the one shown here) and then covered in cloth until its next showing.

Photo by Phil Roewe, courtesy of Pacific Science Center

(above) Reel heads, which label each part of the film for packing, are kept in order nearby for when it's time to send the film onto its next destination.

Special thanks to the projection team at the Pacific Science Center for their patience and assistance in bringing this special report to light. We appreciate their help, their hospitality and their enthusiasm.