Opinion: Wonkavision?
One of my favorite authors (then and now) is Roald Dahl. If you are between the ages 9 and 55 you have probably read one or more of his sci-fi/fantasy books such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. And if you were deprived of this great reading experience you probably have seen one of the film adaptations (1971 & 2005). Personally, I prefer the first with the legendary Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka.
Everything in the wonderful world of the Wonka Confectionary is totally amazing – edible plants and tea cups, rivers of chocolate, multi-flavored gum, Everlasting Gobstoppers and … wait for it … Wonkavision!
Many of the fantastic confections are no longer things of dreams or movie props but available at most candy stores. But Wonkavision still seems to elude the grasp of science.
For those unfamiliar with Wonkavision it is the transmission of material items via television lines. For instance, a giant candy bar in the studio could be pysically transmitted to individual TV units. It involves the use of a camera-like device that breaks the item into atomic particles that travel the airways and re-combine in/on the host TV units. The view can then “reach into” the screen and take the transmitted candy bar and enjoy! How great is that?
The concept is one that has existed for centuries if not millennia, but fruition remains beyond human reach. Some theaters have experimented with sensory stimulation such as smells (using scent cartridges), high tech sound, moveable seats and even climate control. To my knowledge, none but the high-def sound and some 3D productions have been widely successful. So, would Wonkavision be a winner?
I am torn as to whether this is a good or bad thing. While I would love to be able to access that cheese-laden piece of pizza at midnight or grab a cold one from the cooler on game day, it could definitely become a problem. The cost and the addition to the current obesity problem , not to mention the potential environmental impact from all those atoms flying through space, are just a few of my concerns. But the convenience and access to products does make me continue to dream. I think I will leave Wonkavision in the movie – at least for now.
What do you think?