Circle-Vision 360° is a film technique, refined by the Walt Disney Company, that uses nine cameras for nine huge rounded screens arranged in a circle. The cameras are usually mounted on top of an automobile for scenes through cities and highways, while films such as The Timekeeper use a static camera and many CGI effects. The first film was America the Beautiful (1955 version) in the Circarama theater, which would eventually adopt its current name of Circle-Vision in 1967.
By using an odd number of screens, and a small space between them, a projector may be placed in each gap, projecting across space to a screen. The screens and projectors are arranged above head level, and hand bars may be provided for viewers to hold or to lean against while standing and viewing the film.
"Canada 67" - Directed by Robert Barclay. Description from the Expo'67 Guide book: "You're on centre stage for the RCMP Musical Ride... on centre ice for hockey... on the track at the Stampede! CIRCLE-VISION 360o surrounds you with all the fun and excitement of Canada's most thrilling events and its scenic beauty. And then, take your chldren to the Enchanted Forest...see exciting new communication services for the future... all in the Telephone Pavilion!" (source page 178 Official Expo 67 guide book. Maclean-Hunter Publishing Co. Ltd.)
Sponsors
The Telephone Association of Canada
Notes: This is one of the rarest Circle-Vision movies, for it has been unseen since 1967. The film was the inspiration for "O Canada" now playing at Epcot.
Location: Telecom Canada Pavilion, Expo 86, Vancouver
Formal Name of Attraction
"Telecom Canada"
Film Shown
"Portraits of Canada/Images du Canada" -
Sponsors
Telecom Canada
Notes - Elements would be repurposed into later versions of Epcot's Canada film.
Other[]
A system substantially similar is in use at the site of the Terracotta Army exhibit at Xian, China. The narrator of Wonders of China is the famous Chinese actor Keye Luke (1904-1991), most remembered for his role as Master Po in the television program "Kung Fu".
