cinema, Olfactory art & design

In Glorious Smell-O-Vision! scented documentary

Posted by tammyburnstock on

In the scented documentary In Glorious Smell-O-Vision! (2020), Tammy Burnstock dives deep into the enigmatic world of Hans Laube, the Swiss inventor and unsung hero of scented cinema. Laube’s groundbreaking Smell-O-Vision! technology debuted with the lavish Hollywood film Scent of Mystery in 1960, a production that boasted cinematic royalty, Elizabeth Taylor, as its star. Yet, despite its pioneering nature, Scent of Mystery remains both the first and the last film to employ Smell-O-Vision! Why?

Burnstock’s investigative journey into this question uncovers a poignant narrative of scientific ambition, setbacks, and ultimate redemption. In Glorious Smell-O-Vision! is not just a historical revelation but is also a firsthand sensory experience and testament to the future of scented storytelling. Audiences are enveloped in an aromatic tapestry, reliving the seminal scents from Scent of Mystery and savoring new bespoke fragrances representing 1950s NYC and Spain’s exhilarating Running of the Bulls. In homage to the Cinerama Roadshow spectacles of yesteryears, the documentary is paired with the scented short animation A Tale of Old Whiff (1960).

In Glorious Smell-O-Vision! movie website
Length: 61 mins | Number of scents: 7
For scented screenings, whether intimate or grand, please contact Tammy Burnstock.

An illustration of Hans Laube and his Smell Brain.
Hans Laube and his Smell Brain. Illustration by Nadia Roden.

Exhibited at:
Ritz Cinema, Sydney, Australia
Classic Cinema, Melbourne, Australia

Previews:
DOCUTAH International Documentary Festival, St. George, USA
Swiss Film Festival, Virtual
Duo Multicultural Arts Centre, New York, USA (friends & family)

Press:
Monaghan, Peter. “Any Day is a Good Day for Smelling Movies.” Moving Image Archive News, May 6th, 2020. URL.

Carmen Laube, Tammy Burnstock and the Smell Brain.

Carmen Laube (left) and Tammy Burnstock (right) standing proudly in front of the last known Smell Brain that Carmen's father made.
In a movie theater, an illustrated Hans Laube greets the audience.
The audience mesmerized by "In Glorious Smell-O-Vision!"
Close-up of two perfume bottles of key fragrances in the scented documentary. On the left is New York City in the 1950s, and on the right is the Run of the Bulls in Spain.
In a movie theater, the audience is cued to smell fragrance number four in their documentary goodie bags.
Each audience member receives a goodie bag filled with 7 fragrances (some edible) and a scent menu to accompany the experience.
The New York City premiere of the documentary.
Tammy Burnstock and Jocelyn Fullerton during the post-experience Q&A at the Ritz Cinema.
Tammy Burnstock and Jocelyn Fullerton during the post-experience Q&A at the Ritz Cinema.