Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


8

Strange Movie Facts, Take 1

Discover lists 20 little-known cinematic tidbits

Share

(Newser) – Did you know film’s been around since 1887? Or that an IMAX projector is so bright, if aimed upward it could be seen from space? Discover lists 20 little-known movie facts:

  • Thomas Edison’s firm made the first motion-picture camera in 1891—but didn’t invent a projector.
  • The mechanical shark in Jaws was tough to use, so Steven Spielberg had to settle for scenes from its perspective.

  • “Audio illusions” account for many sound effects. Crunchy snow is made from cornstarch on ice; flapping gloves sound like flying birds.
  • Crowd noise is called “walla,” and can be generated by a group of people saying just that over and over.
  • A large buttered popcorn can deliver 1,600 calories.
  • The inventors of IMAX were a group of young Canadians who won over investors by renting out and decorating classy offices.

The first celluloid film was developed in 1887.
The first celluloid film was developed in 1887.   (Shutterstock)
A large popcorn can contain 1,600 calories.
A large popcorn can contain 1,600 calories.   (Shutterstock)
One of the first color techniques involved projecting black-and-white film through red and green filters.
One of the first color techniques involved projecting black-and-white film through red and green filters.   (Shutterstock)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
OFF THE GRID
11.24.09
Murdoch and Microsoft: The Mice Are Trying to Roar
11.23.09
Books Are Bad for You
8 comments
VIEWING:
 
shonangreg
Jun 3, 09 5:52 PM CDT
Walla. Walla. Walla. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+3
drlarrymitchell
Jun 3, 09 7:05 PM CDT
Waka, waka, waka. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
-1
SPH
Jun 3, 09 7:44 PM CDT
Walla-Walla is in Washington state...... Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
-3
IN RESPONSE:
Collusive
Jun 3, 09 7:55 PM CDT
please apply your second amendment rights to your face.
Vote up! Vote down!
-5
IN RESPONSE:
Mr.C
Jun 4, 09 12:25 AM CDT
? what does that mean?
Vote up! Vote down!
-1

View all 8 comments »

LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 

Related Newser Stories

11 Stories

AO SCOTT

 A Look Back at 
 Movies of the '00s 

Which films will be remembered, and which ones deserve it?

Nov 14, 09 11:50 AM CST
(Newser) - The shifting sands of entertainment technology make a look at the past decade's movies a tricky proposition simply because standing the test of time means something different almost daily. "The possibility of a digital, on-demand afterlife guarantees at least a theoretically universal long-tail immortality to blockbusters and curiosities alike,... More »

MORE ABOUT:
entertainment • Steven Spielberg • independent film • film • Coen brothers • Joel Coen • Ethan Coen • Joel and Ethan Coen • movies • film criticism • indie film • 2000s

(Newser) - The first authorized biopic of Martin Luther King Jr. will be a Steven Spielberg production. The filmmaker's DreamWorks studio has obtained the rights from King's family, NPR reports. No word yet on whether Spielberg himself will direct or who will play the main role (Denzel? Jamie Foxx?). King’s children... More »

MORE ABOUT:
entertainment • Steven Spielberg • film • DreamWorks • Martin Luther King Jr. • civil rights movement • biopic • Dexter King • American history

 Spielberg 
 Strikes Huge 
 Universal Deal 

Universal Studios to distribute up to 6 films a year

Oct 14, 08 10:29 AM CDT
(Newser) - Steven Spielberg is returning to the Hollywood studio where he made his classic blockbusters Jaws and ET.  Spielberg's DreamWorks, backed with $1.4 billion in new financing, has struck a seven-year distribution deal with Universal for as many as six new releases a year, according to the Hollywood Reporter.... More »

MORE ABOUT:
David Geffen • Steven Spielberg • Universal Studios • Jaws • DreamWorks • Stacey Snider • Paramount • E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial

11 Stories


Technology 
TwitterFollow @NewserTech on Twitter

 
Steven Spielberg • film • Jaws • Thomas Edison • IMAX

from our news partners