The atmosphere in the theater immediately heated up. They had practically watched this magnificent building rise before their eyes on the Internet. Many critics had called it "the Milan Cathedral of film history." Seeing it in person on the big screen now, they could hardly contain their excitement.
The Gothic castle looked even grander through the camera: symmetrical from side to side, lavishly decorated. Nearly every material gleamed with a faint magical radiance, forming a striking contrast with the ordinary buildings of Massachusetts in the background and instantly drawing people into a fantastical atmosphere.
As the students' little boats gradually drew closer to the castle, the anticipation mounted. Then, when the Great Hall appeared, another wave of gasps and screams erupted—its atmosphere disappointed no one. This was the magical world they had wanted to see!
In truth, the actors had not participated in the post-production work after filming wrapped, nor had they seen any previews. So when the interior of the Great Hall appeared, they, too, let out small cries of surprise.
The camera was truly a magical thing: it could make something tiny look huge, and something huge look magnificent. The practical set had already been beautiful, but on camera, it took on an even more fantastical and gorgeous quality.
Everything also felt more lived-in, as though a group of wizards had truly been living in this ancient academy for thousands of years. The sense of immersion was off the charts.
The professors' entrance triggered an even greater series of exclamations: the beautiful and intelligent Wanda, the kind and gentle Ancient One, the inscrutable Schiller, and the familiar Hippopotamus Goddess. Each displayed distinctly different traits, and each had an incredibly stylish entrance. The children in the theater kept screaming, too excited even to eat their ice cream.
When it