Bullet-time

Bullet-time is a concept introduced in recent films and computer games whereby time is slowed down so that the observer can see the bullets flying through the air. It is also used to stop action at a dramatic point, and move the camera around the frozen scene. The effect is achieved by a set of still cameras surrounding the subject which are activated simultaneously. The pictures in the still cameras are then displayed consecutively and spliced into movie frames.

The first example of this effect can be found in the obscure 1981 action film Kill and Kill Again. It was also later used in a commercial by the Gap[?]. Popularized by the film The Matrix, bullet-time has become a bit of a phenomenon. It is also used in computer games such as Max Payne[?] and Enter the Matrix.