A long-debated anomaly in a photo from Stanley Kubrick's The Shining, showing what appears to be a person crawling on the floor in the background of a scene with Danny Torrance, is likely explained as a crew member in an unusual position, possibly operating camera equipment or adjusting the set. Film historian John Fell Ryan used behind-the-scenes photos and meticulous analysis of continuity to determine the figure's position and potential actions, concluding it wasn't a ghost or intentional directorial choice, but rather a member of the production team inadvertently caught in the shot.
The 1990 film "The Hunt for Red October" features several notable model ship inaccuracies. While the Typhoon-class Red October model is generally well-executed, its dive planes are oversized and incorrectly positioned. The USS Dallas model also has some issues, including an inaccurate sail shape and incorrect placement of various details. The Alfa-class submarine model, while decent, suffers from oversized propellers. Despite these flaws, the film's model work remains impressive for its time, effectively conveying the tension and scale of the underwater cat-and-mouse chase.
HN users discuss the accuracy of the Hunt for Red October movie's depiction of submarine technology and procedures, with several pointing out inaccuracies but acknowledging the film's entertainment value. One commenter with apparent submarine experience details how the movie's portrayal of sonar, silent running, and caterpillar drive is unrealistic. Others highlight the political context of the film's release near the end of the Cold War and its impact on perceptions of submarine warfare. The discussion also touches on the book's origins, Clancy's writing style, and comparisons to other submarine films like Das Boot and Crimson Tide. A few comments praise the film's sound design and score.
AMC Theatres will test Deepdub's AI-powered visual dubbing technology with a limited theatrical release of the Swedish film "A Piece of My Heart" ("En del av mitt hjärta"). This technology alters the actors' lip movements on-screen to synchronize with the English-language dub, offering a more immersive and natural viewing experience than traditional dubbing. The test will run in select AMC locations across the US from June 30th to July 6th, providing valuable audience feedback on the technology's effectiveness.
Hacker News users discuss the implications of AI-powered visual dubbing, as described in the linked Engadget article about AMC screening a Swedish film using this technology. Several express skepticism about the quality and believability of AI-generated lip movements, fearing an uncanny valley effect. Some question the need for this approach compared to traditional dubbing or subtitles, citing potential job displacement for voice actors and a preference for authentic performances. Others see potential benefits for accessibility and international distribution, but also raise concerns about the ethical considerations of manipulating actors' likenesses without consent and the potential for misuse of deepfake technology. A few commenters are cautiously optimistic, suggesting that this could be a useful tool if implemented well, while acknowledging the need for further refinement.
Matt's Script Archive, established in 1995, is a vast online repository of movie and television scripts, transcripts, and unproduced screenplays. It serves as a free resource for aspiring writers, film enthusiasts, and anyone interested in studying the art of screenwriting. The site features a simple, searchable interface allowing users to browse by title, genre, or writer. While claiming no official affiliations with the studios or writers, the archive offers a significant collection, ranging from classic films to more recent releases and television series.
Hacker News users discuss Matt's Script Archive, a relic of the early web. Several commenters reminisce about using the site in the 90s, highlighting its importance as a resource for learning CGI scripting and early web development. Some note the simplicity and educational value of the scripts, contrasting them with the complexity of modern web development. Others express a sense of nostalgia for the early internet and the community spirit it fostered. A few commenters also discuss the technical details of the scripts, including the languages used and their limitations. The overall sentiment is one of appreciation for the archive as a historical artifact and a testament to the ingenuity of early web developers.
Amazon, having completed its acquisition of MGM Studios, now has full creative control over the James Bond franchise. This includes future 007 films, along with the extensive Bond library. Amazon intends to honor the legacy of the franchise while expanding the reach of the Bond universe through new storytelling across various media, potentially including video games and other immersive experiences. They emphasize a commitment to preserving the theatrical experience for future Bond films.
Hacker News commenters express skepticism about Amazon's ability to manage the James Bond franchise effectively. Several predict an influx of poorly-received spin-offs and sequels, diluting the brand with subpar content for profit maximization. Concerns were raised regarding Amazon's track record with original content, with some arguing their successes are outweighed by numerous mediocre productions. Others highlighted the delicate balance required to modernize Bond while retaining the core elements that define the character, fearing Amazon will prioritize commercial viability over artistic integrity. A few commenters expressed cautious optimism, hoping Amazon might bring fresh perspectives to the franchise, but overall sentiment leans towards apprehension about the future of James Bond under Amazon's control.
Orson Welles's "Chimes at Midnight" (1966), finally receiving a 4K restoration in 2024 from Janus Films, is a masterful adaptation of Shakespeare's Falstaff plays, focusing on the complex relationship between the aging knight and Prince Hal. The film portrays Falstaff not just as a comedic figure but also a tragic one, grappling with his own mortality and the prince's inevitable rejection. This restoration, supervised by Orson Welles expert and longtime champion Peter Bogdanovich, represents the fulfillment of Welles’s own wishes for the film's presentation and will allow audiences to experience this often-overlooked masterpiece in its intended form.
Hacker News users discussed the seeming paradox of Chimes at Midnight, a small, independent magazine achieving significant cultural impact despite its limited readership. Commenters praised the magazine's high production quality, unique content, and focus on in-depth exploration of niche topics. Some highlighted the power of physical objects and the tactile experience they offer in a digital world. Others drew parallels to the early days of the internet and the close-knit communities that formed around shared interests, suggesting Chimes at Midnight taps into a similar dynamic. The potential for small, focused publications to thrive in the current media landscape was a recurring theme, with several commenters noting the importance of catering to a specific, passionate audience rather than chasing mass appeal. A few expressed skepticism about the long-term viability of the magazine's business model, but the overall sentiment was one of admiration and cautious optimism.
Jan Miksovsky's blog post presents a humorous screenplay introducing the fictional programming language "Slowly." The screenplay satirizes common programming language tropes, including obscure syntax, fervent community debates, and the promise of effortless productivity. It follows the journey of a programmer attempting to learn Slowly, highlighting its counterintuitive features and the resulting frustration. The narrative emphasizes the language's glacial pace and convoluted approach to simple tasks, ultimately culminating in the programmer's realization that "Slowly" is ironically named and incredibly inefficient. The post is a playful commentary on the often-complex and occasionally absurd nature of learning new programming languages.
Hacker News users generally reacted positively to the screenplay format for introducing a programming language. Several commenters praised the engaging and creative approach, finding it a refreshing change from traditional tutorials. Some suggested it could be particularly effective for beginners, making the learning process less intimidating. A few pointed out the potential for broader applications of this format to other technical subjects. There was some discussion on the specifics of the chosen language (Janet) and its suitability for introductory purposes, with some advocating for more mainstream options. The practicality of using a screenplay for a full language tutorial was also questioned, with some suggesting it might be better suited as a brief introduction or for illustrating specific concepts. A common thread was the appreciation for the author's innovative attempt to make learning programming more accessible.
Warner Bros. Discovery is releasing full-length, classic movies on their free, ad-supported YouTube channels like "WB Movies" and genre-specific hubs. This strategy aims to monetize their vast film library content that isn't performing well on streaming services. By utilizing YouTube's existing audience and ad infrastructure, they can generate revenue from these older films without the costs associated with maintaining their own streaming platform or licensing deals. This also allows them to experiment with different ad formats and potentially drive traffic to their Max streaming service by showcasing their library's depth.
Hacker News commenters discuss several potential reasons for Warner Bros. Discovery's strategy of releasing free, ad-supported movies on YouTube. Some suggest it's a way to monetize their back catalog of less popular films that aren't performing well on streaming services. Others posit it's an experiment in alternative distribution models, given the ongoing challenges and costs associated with maintaining their own streaming platform. The possibility of YouTube offering better revenue sharing than other platforms is also raised. Several commenters express skepticism about the long-term viability of this strategy, questioning whether ad revenue alone can be substantial enough. Finally, some speculate that this move might be a precursor to shutting down their existing streaming services altogether.
The blog post explores a purported connection between Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells," famously used in The Exorcist, and Morse code. The author analyzes a specific section of the album and argues that the tubular bells play a sequence that translates to "BELLS." While acknowledging the possibility of coincidence, the author speculates that Oldfield, known for his meticulous approach to composition and interest in radio, might have intentionally embedded this message as a playful nod to his amateur radio background, potentially referencing his callsign "G3SWE." The post further links this potential Morse code to a rumored "curse" surrounding The Exorcist, suggesting the message could be interpreted as a signature or playful acknowledgement of the film's ominous themes.
HN users discuss the plausibility and technical details of the claim that Mike Oldfield embedded Morse code into "Tubular Bells." Some are skeptical, pointing out the difficulty of discerning Morse within complex music and suggesting coincidental patterns. Others analyze specific sections, referencing the provided audio examples, and debate whether the supposed Morse is intentional or simply an artifact of the instrumentation. The use of a spectrogram is highlighted as a method for clearer analysis, and discussion arises around the feasibility of Oldfield's equipment and knowledge of Morse at the time. Some express appreciation for the in-depth analysis of the blog post while others remain unconvinced, citing the lack of definitive proof. The comment thread also diverges into discussions about Oldfield's other work and general discussions on musical analysis techniques.
Summary of Comments ( 30 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43660419
HN commenters generally agree that the proposed solution to the photo mystery – identifying a specific extra in a similar pose at a different event – is compelling and likely correct. Some praised the meticulous detective work involved. A few expressed continued curiosity about Kubrick's intentions, wondering if the inclusion was deliberate or coincidental, and if it added another layer to the film's unsettling atmosphere. One commenter highlighted the dedication and resourcefulness of internet communities in solving such mysteries, referencing other examples. Some debated the significance of the find, with some suggesting it demystifies the film while others argue it adds to its mystique.
The Hacker News post discussing the mystery photo from The Shining generated a moderate amount of discussion, with a number of commenters engaging with the proposed solution and offering their own perspectives.
Several commenters expressed satisfaction with the proposed explanation, finding the detective work impressive and the solution plausible. They appreciated the detailed analysis of clothing styles, hairstyles, and the logistics of the event depicted in the photograph, noting how these details aligned with the timeframe and location.
Some questioned the certainty of the "solution," highlighting the inherent difficulty in definitively proving such historical claims based on circumstantial evidence. They acknowledged the compelling nature of the presented arguments but emphasized the possibility of alternative explanations. One user, for instance, pointed out the similarities between the identified individual and another person present at the Overlook Hotel during its opening, suggesting the possibility of misidentification.
A few comments delved into the technical aspects of historical photo analysis, discussing the challenges of verifying old images and the importance of considering potential biases in such investigations. They also touched upon the role of online communities in collaborative problem-solving and the fascinating nature of uncovering historical mysteries.
Several users expressed their continued fascination with Stanley Kubrick's film and its enduring mysteries, with some sharing their own interpretations of the film's symbolism and the director's intentions. The conversation briefly touched upon the nature of "viral" online content and how these kinds of stories capture public attention.
Finally, some comments focused on the specifics of the photograph itself, such as the style of clothing and the expressions on the faces of the individuals depicted. One user pointed out the unsettling nature of the image, regardless of the explanation, contributing to the ongoing intrigue surrounding the film.