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VistaGlide was a robotic, motion-control VistaVision camera dolly system that allowed an actor to play two or more parts in a single scene, with a computer controlling the pan, tilt, focus, zoom and the split line during each pass.

It was developed for use in Back to the Future Part II and Back to the Future Part III where several instances of multiple characters or other selves are shown side by side – therefore enabling the actors to seemingly interact with themselves, walk around themselves, and even pass objects between themselves.

It should be noted that not all scenes involving one actor portraying multiple characters or other selves were done using the VistaVision VistaGlide camera. Some shots in Back to the Future Part II and Part III were done using bluescreen technology.

Shots using VistaGlide[]

References[]

"Feature Commentary with Producers Bob Gale and Neil Canton, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3", Back to the Future DVD boxed set.

See also[]

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