arsclist "Dickson Experimental Sound Film" Premier at Edison NHS

[Jerry_Fabris@xxxxxxx]

Press Release:

     U.S. Department of the Interior
     National Park Service
     Edison National Historic Site
     Main Street and Lakeside Avenue
     West Orange, New Jersey  07052

     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
     CONTACT: Jerry Fabris
     (973) 736-0550, ext. 48


     RESTORED HISTORIC SOUND-FILM TO PREMIER AT EDISON NHS

        WEST ORANGE, NJ - Throughout the day and once during the evening on
     Saturday, June 1, 2002, Edison National Historic Site will premier the
     newly restored "Dickson Experimental Sound Film".

        Made as an experiment during the mid-1890s at the Edison Laboratory
     by William Kennedy Laurie Dickson, the brief motion picture is the
     oldest piece of sound film known to exist, and perhaps the only
     example that survives from the 19th century.  The image portion of the
     film has been available for decades, but without its sound.

        Working in collaboration with the Library of Congress, Edison
     National Historic Site recently recovered and repaired the audio
     soundtrack - a wax cylinder phonograph record.  With funding donated
     by filmmaker George Lukas's Skywalker Sound company, film editor
     Walter Murch synchronized the sound and picture elements.  The
     restoration is now available for the public to view.

        Premier screenings are scheduled during the day at 10:30 am, 11:30
     am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, and 3:45 pm.  The daytime viewings are
     presented as a part of Edison Heritage Day, a Town of West Orange
     event commemorating the work of inventor Thomas A. Edison.  An evening
     screening will take place at Edison National Historic Site during the
     Black Maria Film and Video Festival, an outdoor event beginning at
     8:00 pm.

        All of the events are free of charge.  For further information or
     directions call (973) 736-0550, ext. 42.



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