|
The Weilandfilm Theatrical Poster Lightbox
© Copyright 2001-2007 Weilandfilm
Productions
Section 1: Overview
In The Beginning...
A good film is medicine
for the soul. If you find that you're over-enthusiastic
about feature films, home theater technology and the
media associated with both, then you'll most likely
find this project to your liking.
After years of mindlessly collecting posters, it was
the jaw-dropping beauty of the lighted poster box
display that took the presentation of my posters to
another level. Since 1990, I have nurtured a modest
interest in home theater technology and managed to
assemble a respectable armada of audio/video equipment
with a hull-full of software munitions. Replicating
the theater experience at home simply relaxes me and
often swells into a passion that few people can comprehend.
Enter poster presentation. Rarely are theatrical posters
NOT seen garnishing the walls of a home theater. Theatrical
one-sheets add atmosphere and beauty to the at-home,
film experience. But rarely do you see a backlit two-sided
poster ablaze at home. Needless to say, I was very
interested in adding such a theater-style, lighted
poster box to my layout and showcasing one-sheets
of my favorite films.
Two-Sided (Double-Sided) Posters:
Most people are familiar
with everyday posters that are printed on only one
side. The back side is usually white. However, posters
intended for display in backlit poster boxes are actually
printed on both sides. Think of it as strip of film.
 Light
from behind the one-sheet passes through both inkings
and renders a more robust and rich illumination of
the poster art. That's not to say that single-sided
posters aren't used in lightboxes. It's just that
one-sided one-sheets look bland and washed-out when
illuminated from behind.
Though I certainly don't have hard facts to back up
the following comments, it is common understanding
that two-sided theatrical posters weren't commonplace
until sometime in the mid-1980's. That unfortunately
means that most of the movie gems prior to that time
have never had a two-sided one-sheet associated with
them. That being said, the trend of re-releasing old
films to the theater circuit has definitely provided
opportunities to have such two-sided posters made
(e.g. Star Wars: The Special Edition, et al.)
As for finding two-sided posters, it can be both fun
and difficult. New releases seem to be fairly easy
to find via on-line poster shops. And as always, e-Bay
is always an alternative for both old and new posters.
But as time passes, it gets harder and harder to find
that near-mint, two-sided poster of your favorite
film.
That All Makes Sense, But Why Not Simply Purchase
A Poster Lightbox?
If two-sided posters
and ornate poster lightboxes look so cool, then why
not simply buy one?
That's a good question. Here's a better answer: they
are expensive. Of the lightboxes that I've stumbled
upon, the cheapest ones dipped only into the $400
range. The next cheapest, in the upper $700's.
Another reason? I designed my own was because my on-line
search revealed that most lightboxes were simply functional.
They lacked form and beauty. If you like the shiny,
characterless look of machined aluminum or flat black
strips framing your poster -- then maybe they'd fit
your requirements. I wanted something rich and Victorian-looking
combined with a generous dash of ornate trim with
a rustic, antique look. Therefore, building my own
poster lightbox became a reality rather early.
In The End...
After all the planning,
research, grumbling, material acquisition, headaches,
MISTAKES and re-engineering, I finally have a lightbox
that I'm proud to incorporate into my home theater.
If you find yourself in this same situation, hopefully
this workshop will be beneficial to you.
Before you dive into the details, please acquaint
yourself with the Terms Of Use section on this
page. Although I offer this information freely, I
cannot be held liable for any damages resulting from
the implementation of this design. You'll find those
conditions there.
So without delay, let's dive into the design and how-to
behind the Weilandfilm Theatrical Poster Lightbox.
|
