Since the very first motion picture was recorded, close to one hundred years ago, celluloid based film has been the medium of choice for all Hollywood moviemakers. Due to recent advancements in technology however, a new format has emerged and is challenging its longevity. High-definition digital video has finally reached the quality standards set by film, but still possesses the efficiency of videotape. The new technology seeks to modify every aspect of the motion picture industry, changing the way movies are produced, distributed, and exhibited. Many questions and arguments are raised about the proposed change, but parallel quality and a major discount in costs proves that digital cinema will take the motion picture industry by storm and completely revamp the way movies are experienced.
             Before Hollywood began to look at digital video as an option for its blockbusters, the new medium was used to make movies by many independent filmmakers. DV, the digital camcorder format, is inexpensive and produces a high-resolution picture, providing these independents with the opportunity to create a professional quality movie on a somewhat low budget. Many of the major film festivals are now featuring independent movies shot digitally, and independent producers also stand to gain ground on the major studios in the theaters. Though DV does produce a high-resolution image that satisfies independent moviemakers, until recently it has still been inadequate to the quality and clarity of film, and hasn't "won acceptance from [Hollywood] directors and cinematographers" (Sabin).
             It was through the combined effort of Lucasfilm, Sony, and Panavision that a camera, capable of capturing video at a quality similar to that of the traditional 35-millimeter film camera, was invented. High definition digital video is the solution to the inadequacy of the DV camcorder format. With one of his companies assisting in the creation of the hi...