The Forgotten Technology: Resurrecting Disney's Sodium Vapor Process

🎥The sodium vapor process, invented by Disney in the 1960s, was superior to green screens and allowed for perfect compositing without any artifacts.

🔍Dr. Paul Debevec has managed to recreate the sodium vapor process using off-the-shelf components, bringing back this forgotten technology.

🌈The sodium vapor process enables filmmakers to layer one moving image over another without the limitations of green screens, allowing for more creative and visually stunning visuals.

💡The sodium vapor process uses a beam splitter prism and special filters to block or transmit specific wavelengths of light, resulting in a perfect composite.

🎬Compared to modern green screens, the sodium vapor process offers impeccable compositing, motion blur, and color correction, making it a valuable tool for filmmakers.

What is the sodium vapor process?

—The sodium vapor process is a technology invented by Disney in the 1960s that allows for perfect compositing without the limitations of green screens.

How did Dr. Paul Debevec recreate the sodium vapor process?

—Dr. Paul Debevec recreated the sodium vapor process using off-the-shelf components and a deep understanding of the science of light.

What are the advantages of the sodium vapor process?

—The sodium vapor process enables filmmakers to achieve impeccable compositing, motion blur, and color correction, without any mat lines or artifacts.

Can the sodium vapor process replace green screens?

—Yes, the sodium vapor process offers superior compositing capabilities compared to green screens and provides more creative freedom for filmmakers.

Is the sodium vapor process expensive?

—The sodium vapor process can be implemented using off-the-shelf components, making it a cost-effective alternative to green screens.

00:00In the 1960s, Disney invented the sodium vapor process, a groundbreaking technology superior to green screens.

03:50Dr. Paul Debevec has managed to recreate the sodium vapor process using off-the-shelf components.

07:03The sodium vapor process allows for perfect compositing without any spill, mat lines, or artifacts.

09:56Compared to modern green screens, the sodium vapor process offers impeccable compositing, motion blur, and color correction.