This
picture tends to reinforce my idea that the objects are spinning
in flight. I have re-examined the footage (in slow motion and
digitally enhanced ) and am of the opinion that they are spinning
clockwise. They also seem to be rocking slightly in what is otherwise
a smooth and rapid forward flight. I went through hundreds of
frames to isolate these ones. But most of the others also suggest
the same shapes and movements to me. The video I was given was
supposedly an analogue copy of the original.
Addendum 31/10/97
In William Bryant`s "Speed of bols"
analysis (on Crop Circle writer Ilyes' Homepage
) he says:
"Furthermore, motion 'blurring'
of the appropriate amount MAY, in fact, be present in the video
imagery and MAY simply be misinterpreted as a non-spherical object
shape. This effect may be observed in the Patrick Wilson analysis
of object shape based on image enlargement."
I have replied to this as follows:
"I stand by my analysis. I have
a colour desaturated version of the movie that I did , SLOWED
DOWN to half speed. It is absolutely clear that the objects are
spinning and are not wholly spherical. I am sorely tempted to
make this available as a Quick Time Movie for download at my
website. In virtually every frame I have looked at, the BOLS
(as they are somewhat misappropriately called ) are pretty obviously
a quite complex shape. As it so consistent an appearance I very
much doubt this is an artefact of motion blurring . I wish Mr
Bryant could see for himself. It is so far rather speculative
to know exactly what shape they are, although I feel my ideas
are a good approximation. regards
Patrick"
Addendum 12/1/98
Having
attended the recent "Media Show" in London, I had the
opportunity to see the very latest in Computer 3D Graphic applications
in action. The fore-runner applications in this field are the
likes of Microsoft' SoftImage (Jurrasic Park2 etc.) and Lightwave
(Titanic etc.). Used with skill and time these sort of programs
are only now just beginning to produce animated effects which
are virtually indistinguishable from live action. ie.seamless
integration of computer generated graphics.
Considering this, I still feel however
that the Oliver's Castle video is somewhat of an enigma, for
allthough it has been suggested that it was constructed artificially
in a Bristol Studio, I consider the film to have a 'seemlessness'
which has only very recently become possible to render.
I remain impartial and hasten to add
that I make no clear judgement as to the authenticity of the
video. All I hope to achieve by my analysis is to draw attention
to the intriguing nature and behaviour of the so-called 'Light
Balls' which only becomes clear on close examination of the video.
The politics of the matter and it's reflection on the larger
Crop Circle Community per se is not a matter on which I can sensibly
comment.
Addendum
1/2/99
The controversy continues...
Crop Circle officianado Colin Andrews (pictured
left looking reverentially up at something...?) has recently
announced that a Mr John Wabe has confessed to making the video
at 'First Cut Studios' in Bristol, UK. He says there is a video
taped confession where all is revealed as to how and why the
video was produced. Can't wait to hear the details of how Wabe
did it! However Mr Andrews is, so far, keeping rather mum on
the juicy details. Yesterday, in my impatient enthusiasm, I 'phoned
British Telecom to get "First Cut Studios" number.
Unfortunately, it would seem that they must be an ex-directory
outfit. (since BT have no record of them) Ah well... here are
some links to the various announcements and statements flying
about at the mo' .
