Jonathan Thompson of the
New Zealand Herald has a fascinating piece concerning the clear downside of high-definition television. Unless you've been blessed with the skin of Nicole Kidman,
every wrinkle and blemish is caught and magnified by high-def, and that can be unpleasant for viewers. Ouch. "In the United States," writes Thompson, "previously unseen spots, blemishes and crow's
feet are prompting outbreaks of fury and talk of legal action against commentators who have ridiculed celebrities over their looks. In Britain stars are scurrying for new makeup products and even
surgical treatments to beat the intrusive lenses of high-definition cameras. 'For the last few weeks in our makeup department we've started experimenting with make-up for HDTV,'" says Kate Gerbeau, a
BBC newsreader. "'One of the big things is we've been using an airbrush to apply the foundation, which looks like a dentist's drill. It's like being a canvas that's spray painted, but the idea is that
it gives a natural, uniform look to the complexion of the presenters.'" Thompson says on-air personalities forced to perform in front of high-def cameras are asking that the cost of botox injections
be added to their compensation. "They are doing so largely as a result of what has happened in the U.S. There," he says, "celebrities ranging from 'Desperate Housewives' actress Teri Hatcher to pop
star Britney Spears have been slaughtered over their 'real' appearance."
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Read the whole story at New Zealand Herald »