The cyan dye movement was conceptualized through technology
described in a Dolby patent, which was donated to the film industry. In 1998 the
Dye Track Committee, led by Dolby staff and including representatives from film
stock companies, film labs, film distributors, and exhibitors, was formed to lead
the conversion movement.
Until recently, analog soundtracks were placed on film by a
silver application procedure that used millions of gallons of water a year and
tons of chemicals, some caustic and hazardous. For nearly a decade the Dye
Track Committee worked to coordinate a change from the silver addition process
to pure dye cyan soundtracks and with theatre exhibitors to equip theatres with
the required red light readers to play back the cyan dye soundtracks on
projectors.
“The huge success of the cyan movement is due to the
dedication and collaboration of many individuals in the film industry, and we
are proud to be among a group of distinguished colleagues that are receiving
this special award this year,” says Dolby’s Allen. “It has been a pleasure
being part of this industry change.”
Dolby Laboratories has won ten Academy Awards for various achievements
in the film industry.