While scientists debate its very existence, Walt Disney Productions unveils their own interpretation of The Black Hole: an ambitious, expensive project which breaks new ground in concept, technology, and ultimately, audience-appeal.
A black hole is the grave marker of a dead star, the round ball of nothing into which a star collapses when it has burned itself out. Here, our laws of physics cease to operate; time slows and finally stops at its periphery, or event horizon. Some astronomers believe that matter may separate and finally be annihilated in its grasp; others suggest that a black hole is the path to another part of our own universe, or to another, as-yet unknown dimension within whose boundaries an endless number of new universes may exist. (There is nothing to prove that the laws which rule our own universe even exist once inside a black hole.) A more ominous theory implies that black holes inhabit the centers of galaxies, completely devouring entire suns, planets and space debris, ever-expanding to a point at which one might conceivably consume an entire universe. Ours, for example.
Black holes are unknown quantities; all theories are merely speculation. But our fascination with them is an actuality which Walt Disney Productions hopes to seize upon with The Black Holea multi-million-dollar special effects extravaganza which weaves a plot of space exploration, mystery and obsession with power around the ever-present threat of the black hole itself.
In preparation for over five years, The Black Hole was conceived by the late Winston Hibler, its original producer, as a science fiction epic entitled Space Probe One. Upon his death, Ron Miller (Disney's executive vice president in charge of production and creative affairs) took the reins of the project, subsequently expanding the importance of the black hole concept and altering the title accordingly. To fully complement the realistic concept of space outlined in the script, Miller surrounded himself with four heavyweights of the special effects field, Academy Award winners all: Peter Ellenshaw, production designer and director of special effects; Eustace Lycett and Art Cruickshank, special photographic effects; and Danny Lee, special visual effects. Their unique vision of the universe in all its splendor is an added plus in Disney's concerned bid for polish and perfection.
