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Mirano (Virgil) 3D photography collection
6200
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
USC Libraries Special Collections
Title: Virgil Mirano 3D photography collection
creator:
Mirano, Virgil
Identifier/Call Number: 6200
Physical Description:
6.65 Linear Feet
10 boxes
Date (inclusive): 1935-2018
Date (bulk): 1970-2000
Abstract: The Virgil Mirano 3D photography collection comprises the library of Virgil Mirano (1937-2018), the cinematographer and visual
effects specialist best known for his work on
Die Hard (1988),
Blade Runner (1982), and
Masters of the Universe (1987). The collection contains books, magazines, and promotional material that incorporate 3D images; 3D photography viewers
and glasses; 3D comic books; and Mirano's files on imaging products, services, and events -- all of which document the development
of 3D imaging processes from 1935 to 2018.
An extensive collection of materials related to 3D images from the library of Virgil Mirano (1937-2018), the cinematographer
and visual effects specialist best known for his work on
Die Hard (1988),
Blade Runner (1982), and
Masters of the Universe (1987). From the mid-1970s through the '90s, Mirano manned the still photography labs of three of the largest visual effects
(VFX) houses in Los Angeles. He documented the people and the techniques of a variety of films - images that would serve as
an inspiration for a whole new corps of artists now working in the industry. Mirano did more than just take snapshots of the
crew. He was a master of the camera and printer. For example, Mirano is responsible for the Polaroid of Zhora that Deckard's
Esper machine prints for him in
Blade Runner , having developed a technique of distorting a 35mm image, then adding grain, and converting it to a Polaroid print. Remarkably,
Mirano accomplished this effect in a darkroom without using a computer.
The history of 3D images begins in the 1830s with the invention of the stereoscope. Initially considered a scientific device,
the stereoscope soon entered popular culture as Victorian audiences became fascinated with stereo photographs depicting faraway
lands, colossal monuments, current events, and comic scenes. 3D motion picture technology followed in the 20th century, along
with consumer products such as View Masters and Stereo Realist cameras. These technologies led to lenticular printing and
holography, which generate dimensional effects without the aid of glasses.
[See links under "External Documents" for biographical/historical sources]
The Virgil Mirano 3D photography collection contains books, magazines, and promotional material that incorporate 3D images;
3D photography viewers and glasses; 3D comic books; and Mirano's files on 3D imaging products, services, workshops, and conferences.
The collection material spans from 1935 to 2018, with the bulk of the material created between 1970 and 2000.
Advance notice required for access.
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Manuscripts Librarian.
Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended
to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
[Box/folder no. or item name], Virgil Mirano 3D photography collection, Collection no. 6200, Special Collections, USC Libraries,
University of Southern California
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased from Johnson Rare Books and Archives, May 13, 2019.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
3-D films -- Archival resources
3-D video (Three-dimensional imaging) -- California -- Los Angeles -- Archival resources
Cinematography -- Special effects -- Archival resources
Photography -- Special effects -- Archival resources
Three-dimensional display systems -- Archival resources
Three-dimensional imaging -- California -- Los Angeles -- 20th century -- Archival resources
Books
Comic books
Correspondence
Magazines (periodicals)
Photographs
Promotional materials
Slide viewers (hand held devices)
Mirano, Virgil -- Archives