Arriscope (lens)
In 1989, Germany's Isco Optic developed a line of Anamorphic Lenses especially for Arriflex, which were given the moniker Arriscope. ArriScope and ArriVision are a form of the CinemaScope/Panavision process with an aspect ratio of 2.39:1.
Use
ArriScope was first used on the production of Body Snatchers (1993), the second remake of the Don Siegel sci-fi thriller. In the 1980s, ArriVision was used for a number of 3-D feature films, including Friday the 13th Part III (1982), Amityville 3-D (1983), and Jaws 3-D (1983).
Popularity and Drawbacks
In general however the lenses never became popular for anamorphic films because they are very heavy and had breathing problems. Arri have sold most of them to India and are not even renting them out any more. The current market for PL mount anamorphic lenses is being serviced by Vantage Film (makers of the Hawks lenses), Elite and Joe Dunton Company.
Specifications
- Film gauge: 35mm
- Direction of travel: Vertical - four perforations - 24 frame/s
- Aperture Dimensions: 0.864" x 0.732" nominal
- Aspect ratio: 2.39:1