Some very impressive printing technology has recently been developed, combined with computer software to create interference patterns (for the printer) from photos, animated sequences, and 3D (CAD) models.
Thus, synthetic holograms are now reality. And they appear to be superior to analog holograms - more control, wider viewing angles and greater depth.
See the short videos below of brilliant, white light viewable, full color holograms created from CAD models. Over 10 inches of depth.. so the actual hologram will be much more impressive than the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9QR3qaK_Cs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AVAzGQMxEg
Above from:
http://www.zebraimaging.com/products
Rabbit holes:
http://www.rabbitholes.com/
Rabbit Holes enables anyone with an interest can have a custom hologram created. Yes, they are expensive, though damn impressive!
Video of some Rabbit holes animated holograms:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocQTQIlRN1Y
Below is a video of their printer in action - it appears similar to a lightjet printer. Three lasers slowly embed the hologram into the photographic emulsion. And, as lightjet technology, this will assuredly remain a specialized and expensive printing technology. A large holographic emulsion prior to printing is very expensive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVk5-6thgC4