When we sit down to watch a movie we enjoy not only the story line but the colorful vista, special effects and the wonderful characters displayed on the screen in the front of us. However, much of what we view on the screen today, took years to develop and at the time were seen as some of the most important event is movie history. Let’s take a look at just a few of these events.
1903 The Great Train Robbery
Not only did the Great Train Robbery open up an entirely genre in movies, the Western, it also was the first time that different camera position and acceleration editing were use in a dramatic story for the big screen. Prior to this movie, shots were done from a stationary angle. The different camera positions used for this movie made the movie come alive with movement and gave audiences a more exciting movie experience.
1918 Cupid Angling becomes the First Color Feature Film
Although color had been used in shorts, Cupid Angling was the first time that color was used in a full length features film. Audiences were actually heard gasping at the vividness of the color in this movie that replaced those old grainy black and white reels. It would change the way audiences viewed movies from that day forward.
1927 The Jazz Singer
Most movie enthusiasts know that the Jazz Singer was the first time that dialogue was part of a feature film ending the silent film era forever. This marked a unforgettable journey for viewing audiences as they were no longer forced to read the dialogue but, could sit back and watch and listen to all the action.
1928 Steamboat Willie
In 1928 Disneys first animated cartoon hit the big screen, making the big screen a whole new experience for young viewers and beginning an empire of movie making for the Disney company that is still thriving today.
1939 The Wizard of Oz and Gone with Wind
Audiences were stunned and amazed in 1939 when the Wizard of Oz started out in black and white and suddenly turned to stunning rich color when Dorthy landed in the Oz. The introduction of technicolor was as stunning to audiences as the story line of this wonderful movie. Later that year when Gone with the wind also hit the big screen with done completely in technicolor audiences became engaged not only in the story of Scarlet and Rhett but were mesmerized by the spectacular vistas before them.
1950s House of Wax
Movies tycoons seeing a waning audience due to the advancement of television, decided to shake things up a bit by introducing 3D viewing in the house of wax. While audiences enjoyed the experience it would take several more years before 3D films gained their place in the mainstream movie experience finally fully reaching it’s potential with Avatar.
There have been several other big events in movie history that has shaped the way we view movies today, but these early advancements are considered the most important because they not only paved the way for movie moguls to think outside the box, but opened up many new jobs in the film industry and paved the way for many of the greatest actors and actresses of the day.