Process Description

Polavision, an ‘instant’ movie system introduced by Polaroid in 1977, revived the concept of additive color cinematography. Similar to many early additive systems, Polavision recorded a color image on a black-and-white emulsion with the use of a color screen composed of microscopic dyed parallel lines. The film was encased in a special cartridge containing an instant processing reagent. Despite its technical accomplishment and ‘instant’ appeal, Polavision was a commercial failure.		  

Identification Tip

An 8mm film, identical in width and perforation to Super 8, typically encased in a cartridge labeled "Polaroid Phototape." Image often appears dark and murky. As with other lenticular processes, a rainbow banding effect is evident when viewed under reflected light. Seen exclusively on polyester base.