Holograms on Disc
King Kong CD
2D holographics + stereograms on CD.
Master: Hologram Industries
Pressage: SNA Compact Disc
Conception: Jonathan Eden 1992
Applied Sampler
Dotmatrix designs by Chris Levine + colour stereogram on CD
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
Season’s Greetings
Dotmatrix design on CD
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus ‘YULE 91’
Bassomatic
Go Getta Nutha Man
exclusive collectors edition holographic image CD
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus 1991
U2
All I Want Is.... Holoview Interview CD 3D 001
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
The Beatles
...ask you once again Holoview Interview CD 3D 002
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
The Cure
Lips that speak... Holoview Interview CD 3D 003
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
Sisters of Mercy
Thoughts and prayers Holoview Interview CD 3D 004
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
AC/DC
dirty words...Holoview Interview CD 3D 006
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
The Smiths
Ask me, ask me, ask me Holoview Interview CD 3D 008
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
Kiss
and tell, Holoview interview CD 3D 009
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
Depeche Mode
speaking only Holoview Interview CD 3D 011
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
Sting
In the tale Holoview Interview CD 3D 012
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
Iggy Pop
More blah Holoview Interview CD 3D 013
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
Pink Floyd
Full of secrets Holoview Interview CD 3D 014
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
New Order
Newspeak Holoview Interview CD 3D 015
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
Iron Maiden
Maiden Over Holoview Interview CD 3D 016
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
Simply Red
For Your Babies Music CD with dotmatrix design 1992
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
Skid Row
Youth Gone Wild Music CD with dotmatrix design 1992
Metallica
Stand Up And Shout Interview CD with dotmatrix design
- no credits
David Bowie
Buddha of Suburbia Music CD with dotmatrix design 1993
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
Rush
Roll the Bones Music CD with dotmatrix design 1991
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
Hothouse Flowers
Isn’t it Amazing Music CD with dotmatrix design
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
The B52s
Is that you Mo-Dean? Music CD with dotmatrix design
by Chris Levine 1992
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
Prince
Money Don’t Matter 2 Night Music CD with dotmatrix design 1992
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
Prince
Diamonds & Pearls Music CD with dotmatrix design 1991
Marc Almond
The Days of Pearly Spencer ‘Limited Edition Holographic CD’
No.02625 with dotmatrix design. ‘Dufex Print’ cover
Mastered by Nimbus
Danny Rampling
Love Groove Dance Party volumes 1 & 2
Music CDs with dotmatrix design. Mastered by Nimbus
The Jesus and Mary Chain
Far Gone and Out Collectors Edition Holographic Disc
Warner Music Uk Ltd 1992
Lisa Stansfield
Set Your Loving Free Arista Records 1992
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus
QFX
Freedom 2 Dotmatrix design with 3D CG panel
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus 1996
Cher
It’s a Man’s World
Reprise Records 1996
Mastered by Nimbus
Steel Heart
Sticky Side Up Limited Edition Holographic Disc
Mastered by Applied Holographics and Nimbus 1992
HOLO COVERS
Prince
Diamonds & Pearls Music CD with colour stereogram on sleeve liner Hologram by HOLOGRAFX 1991
Cinematograper: Glen Gustafson
Holographer: Sharon McCormack
Marc Almond
Childstar Music CD in cardboard packaging with embossed hotfoil hologram lettering Released by Some Bizarre 1995
The Cult
Some Temple CD sleeve black plastic with embossed hologram label
Mike Oldfield
Hibernaculum Music CD ‘Featuring Exclusive Moviegram Sticker’
Hologram by Spatial Imaging 1994
Mike Oldfield
Tattoo Live at Edinburgh Castle EP CD with hologram on sleeve liner Computer generated hologram by Spatial Imaging 1992
Wet Wet Wet
‘Morning Music CD with ‘DiHO Holomovie’ by iC (& Spatial Imaging) on sleeve liner 1996
Boyzone
Father and Son Music CD with hologram on Sleeve liner
‘Holomovie’ by iC Holographic/Spatial Imaging 1995
A Retrospective of House 91-95
Triple CD with cardboard sleeve and hologram label
Holographic design by Chris Levine Hologram by Spatial Imaging
Client: Total Record Company Ltd.
Back Street Boys
We’ve Got It Goin On Music CD with hotfoiled holographic stereogram on cardboard cover Holographer unknown
Client: Zomba Records 1996
Global Chillage
The Irresistible Force Music CD with dotmatrix hologram label on sleeve liner. Hologram design by Chris Levine 1994
Spacehog
In the Meantime Music CD with dotmatrix hologram insert Hologram design by Chris Levine 1996
Suzanne Vega
Book of Dreams Music CD with photopolymer hologram on sleeve liner Limited Edition 4292
Hologram by Polaroid Client: A&M 1990
Enigma
MCMXC a.D embossed hologram label on sleeve liner
Virgin Schallplatten GmbH 1991
UB44
LP with embossed hologram on cover
Hologram by Optec Design (Advanced Holographics) 1982
Dave Clark’s Time
LP, with embossed hologram (of Laurence Olivier) hotfoil stamped on cover
Hologram by light Fantastic 1986
Doctor Who
LP with embossed hologram hotfoil stamped on cover
Hologram by light Fantastic 1986
Client: BBCEnterprises
Guns N’Roses
Don’t Cry 12” with embossed colour hologram sticker on sleeve
Holographer unknown
Client : David Geffen 1991
Stevie Nicks
The Other Side of the Mirror LP
‘Limited Edition includes FREE hologram’
Colour stereogram sticker by Applied Holographics CFC
Client: Modern Records 1989
Nina Hagen
Freud Euch RCA 1995
Hologramm from: star shop claus cohnen, hamburg and chromagem, youngstown/ohio.
Siegfried & Roy
Magic Stars
Music CD with embossed hologram on sleeve liner
G.I.B. Music & Distribution GmbH 1996. Holographer Unknown
SAT 1 Hologram Dance Vol.1
Music CD with animated 2D/3D hologram cover
Client: KOCH International 1995
Hologram Dance Vol.2
Music CD with full colour CG embossed hologram cover
Hologram produced by AD 2000 Inc
Client: Koch InternationalManufacturer: Tedco (USA)
Garbage
Only Happy When It Rains
Vinyl record 45rpm
Dot matrix hologram on sleeve, designed by Chris Levine
Client: Mushroom records 1995
AD INFINITUM
Telstar 7" vinyl disc with 2D/3D embossed hologram by Light Impressions on the sleeve
Factory Records FAC 96 released in March 1984
Wikipedia states that this is the first record with a hologram on the cover,
but that credit should go to UB40's 'UB44' released in September 1982
HOLODISCS
Holodisc
Hologram of girl undressing on photopolymer disc
Manufacturer: Craig Newswanger/Applied Corp.
Spiderman Skydisc
Photopolymer hologram on embossed hologram on metal disc in CD case (no label)
Manufacturer: Polymer hologram by Skybox International
Youngblood Skydisc
Photopolymer hologram disc in CD case
‘Limited Edition’ 0808 of 6,000
Manufacturer: Polymer hologram by Skybox International 1995
Batman Skydisc
Photopolymer hologram disc in CD case
Limited Edition’ 008903 of 10,000
Manufacturer: Polymer hologram by Skybox International 1994
Spiderman Skydisc
Photopolymer hologram disc in polythene sleeve (no label)
Manufacturer: Polymer hologram by Skybox International
Dimension Disc
holographic diffraction foil on plastic disc in cardboard packaging
© Loncraine Broxton & Partners Ltd. 1981
Made in England
Assorted holographic ‘Spinners’ on metal discs.
Manufacturer(s) unknown
See Deez
A metal spinning disc with 3 outer rings & 3 inner rings of interchangeable holographic patterns.
HOLOS ON VINYL
Nearer 3D
Silver vinyl 45 with 2D/3D hologram on reverse side to music
Hologram by SEE 3 Holograms Ltd. 1984
Pressing by Orlake Records
Client RAK Records
Help a London Child
Silver vinyl 45 with 2D/3D hologram on reverse side to music
Hologram by SEE 3 Holograms Ltd. 1985
Design by Chris Levine/Holographics
Pressing by Orlake Records
Client: Capital Radio 194
Warrior
Fighting for the Earth vinyl 12” with embossed hologram ‘label’ incorporated in manufacturing process
Hologram by SEE 3. Pressing by Orlake Records
Styx
The Best of Times vinyl 45 with holographic diffraction design
by Mike Foster 1980 (no credit on label)
Styx
Paradise Theatre vinyl LP with holographic diffraction design
by Mike Foster 1980 (no credit on label)
Client: A&M Records
Split Enz
True Colours vinyl LP with holographic diffraction design
‘Holographic Grading Process by Michael Foster
Laser Graphic Design by Mick Haggerty’ 1980
Client: A&M Records
Megadeath
Anarchy in the UK 12” single with holographic diffraction design
1988 Capitol Records, Inc.
Split Enz
One Step Ahead 7” Laser Etched Single
Mushroom Records Pty Ltd. 1981
Manufactured and Distributed by A & M Records
Holography uncredited: presumably by Mike Foster
In 1980, Mike Foster, a pioneer of embossed holography, decorated some LP records for A & M Records with holographic diffraction grating designs. These albums, Paradise Theatre by Styx and True Colours by Split Enz, mark the beginning of a relationship between holography and the music industry that continues to this day. In neither case was this new type of picture disc announced on the LP cover and you would have had to look at the small print on the record label to see 'Holographic Grading Process by Michael Foster' and probably been none the wiser for that.
More obvious was the album cover produced in 1984 for the British group UB40 by Advanced Holographics in Loughborough. This featured a 5.75" square embossed hologram showing a 3D image of the letters UB carved out of polystyrene to look like stone and the numbers 44 hovering in space on the picture plane. On the inner sleeve was an explanation of the holographic process and instructions on how to light the hologram.
Around this time, my company, SEE 3, devised a process for incorporating 2D/3D holograms into picture discs and undertook a few commercial jobs, including one with Chris Levine - "Help a London Child" for Capital Radio. When my partner, Nigel Abraham, went to work at Applied Holographics, he and Chris developed some of the first CDs incorporating dotmatrix and 3D holographic images.
Chris says of this period: "The work I did with Nigel Abraham and Applied in the area of Holographic CD's was most interesting. I always felt it had so much further to go in terms of the kinds of holograms to be used, that is not just the 2D dot Matrix that was available at the time but other more sophisticated techniques. Developing full surface images could be very exciting too, particularly for DVD movie releases with animated holograms mastered direct from movie footage. Some of the music releases we produced were very effective as holographic designs but it was the very beginning of digital input to holographic origination and I was learning more each time about the design process and how to get effective results each time we did a project. To work with it lucidly as a medium meant having a good understanding of how the image, or a pixel on screen, would translate into the final holographics with its light reactive properties. This only became apparent by trial and error as I designed the CDs. On some I hit the mark and others I put down to invaluable experience. The response was generally good and they sold well. Releases I worked on include two for Simply Red, David Bowie, Skid Row, Cosmic Baby and the B 52's."
Chris Levine also collaborated with Spatial Imaging to make holographic stereograms for CD covers, notably Mike Oldfield, Wet,Wet,Wet and Boyzone, making a visual link between music videos and record packaging in the form of animated holographic images.
In the United States, Sharon McCormack produced a superb holographic stereogram of Prince with two lady friends for the cover of his 'Diamonds & Pearls' CD, and Polaroid made the first photopolymer image to grace a CD cover for Suzanne Vega's 'Book of Dreams'.
Not all of the holograms on discs in my collection are musical. In 1981 a British toy company called Loncraine Broxton introduced a new product to the market. Their 'Dimension Disc' was made of metal with an embossed holographic grating applied to it and, when you spun it, a kinetic 3D pattern was produced. Several other companies produced these 'spinners', just another in a long line of optical toys, stretching back to kaleidoscopes and beyond.
In the late 1980s, Patrick Boyd returned from a trip to the States and showed me a most amusing little holographic novelty. The Holodisk showed an attractive kneeling woman who , as you turned the disc, could be observed slipping her robe from her shoulders. Tantalisngly though, just as you were about to get a glimpse of her uncovered body, the sequence started again. Craig Newswanger gives the background to this product:
"I was working with Chris Outwater who had spun off ADD from Disney. Later it became Applied Holographics, in ’88 I think. The original idea came from thinking about the infamous non-hologram, Princess Leia. How to make a freely viewable 360 degree hologram? This was mid-1986. At the time we did not have a real use for the idea but then at some point we started working with a toy design company in New York that had done some work with Hasbro. At the time I believe Kevin and Rick Rankin were working with me. The toy company was called A.G.E. We made a number of holograms for a prototype toy playset with various characters and vehicles and so on. Ultimately the toy industry bit the dust with the stock market dip in ’87. I shot a number of subjects, models for general interest but “Rita” was by far the best idea. My original name for the image was “Mobius strip” but no one really appreciated the joke so it became “Lovely Rita” since the model's name was Rita. It was fun to watch guys follow the hologram around on a turntable and try to out run it to see a bit more skin but alas they were never satisfied. I think that is the magic of the image. It was a perfect tease.
Every so often I get an email from someone who has tracked me down to find more images or another Rita but now the best source of images are comic shops since we did a number of images of super-heroes for comic companies. These were mass produced by Polaroid. I worked with my friend, Bill Molteni at Polaroid. The best images were Batman and a number of Spiderman Holodisks. Some were 2” disks on comic covers and standalone 5” disks that were sold separately."
Another great holographic product with a much too short lifespan. It seems to be a while since a record came out with a hologram on it and I haven't seen any holographic toys for a while either. But I expect something new is just around the corner - it usually is with holography. Watch this space...
Jonathan Ross