the film history buff’s alternative to doomscrolling

despite my immense adoration for wikipedia, sometimes it just doesn’t fully cut it when investigating the history and processes of motion picture film. instead, i turn to film atlas, self-described as:

“an interactive guide to every motion picture film format, soundtrack, 3-D and color process ever invented.” (filmatlas.com)

this site is an absolute treasure trove of information, that currently encompassing 178 essays ~ but wait! do not let the word essay deter you, as they are adorned with ample visual imagery and interactive components, such as a lineage feature that maps preceding and succeeding related innovations.

one aspect of film atlas' interactivity that i love in particular is the emphasis on hyperlink-enabled navigation; as not only are the relevant articles for terms within the actual write-up hyperlinked, but also the metadata that appears at the top. for example, under location, i can click on united kingdom and be brought to a page with all of the essays on formats, soundtracks and color process developed in the uk. perhaps a simple excitemnet, but i just love being provided numerous means for exploration ~ one of the very same reasons why i love traversing through wikipedia!

film atlas is a collaboration between fiaf (the international federation of film archives) and the george eastman museum.