We all know that the eventual evolution of the home theatre experience is headed to High Definition. The stores sell widescreen plasma and LCD TVs almost exclusively, major TV Hits are being produced in Widesreen and recorded in surround sound. Its not just about Theatrical Release viewing anymore. Its widely expected that within the decade, square TVs will be as trendy as 8Track players are today. Even the super high quality that DVD delivers is being replaced in this Civil War of Next Gen DVD Formats.
So what does this mean for us? Clearer pictures, Finer Details, digital sound. But is it TOO clear?
Some TV types say big-screen HDTV could lead to the end of the extreme close-up as we know it. Others predict hi-def fears could soon be reflected in artists’ contracts.
When “Good Morning America” debuted in high-definition last year, host Diane Sawyer, 61, noted that viewers will now know when she’s stayed up too late the night before. “They will see it right there,” Sawyer said, indicating the puffiness under her eyes.
Dissolve to the TV industry’s behind-the-scenes pros, who are developing new ways to help the talent keep up appearances in today’s hi-def world.
“The grain structure of film allows a softness that HD video tends not to have, posing more challenges, especially when it comes to capturing female faces,” says Stephen McNutt, director of photography for the Sci Fi Channel’s “Battlestar Galactica.”
“We seem not to care about seeing men in a rougher, more edgier way,” he explains, “whereas females, we’re used to seeing them in a softer, more appealing way. So there’s a little more filtration needed, and you have to approach it from a different standpoint.”
If you have ever encountered a celebrity who is on set, the makeup they wear looks completely out of place in person, but VERY appealing on TV. Many of their physical imperfections are magically washed away with a molehair brush and stage cosmetics. But will HD reveal THAT makeup instead?
Will this higher definition change the face of makeup on tv (get it??.. see what I did there???)
