THE DEF GUIDE
WORDS Katie Kasperson
In this month’s guide, we talk 4K restoration – diving into the technical elements and creative consequences of this labour-intensive process D uring much of the 20th century, old films were cleaned using a variety of techniques – including
Paul Dean, head of grading and scanning, Cinelab: Restoration at 4K provides the ability to unlock the images in the way the director and cinematographer originally envisioned, but were unable to fully present to the viewer due to the limitations of the technology available at the time. We can now delve into the shadows and experience the full dynamic transitional range, from light into dark, organically inherent in the film, therefore enhancing the atmosphere and mood as originally intended by its creator. Def: What tools, technologies and techniques exist to make 4K restoration possible? How has restoration evolved over the years? AR: The primary source is the film itself. The ability to produce better results in contemporary restoration practices lies in the power of downstream digital applications and restoration software. It does of course initially require the skilled efforts of film technicians to physically
appetite to see more detail – sharper, crisper, cleaner images – has sparked huge demand in the restoration and redistribution of movies, artwork and documentaries from our past. Film allows us to do this in a way no other standard-definition video- based medium can. Film continues to act like a time capsule, preserving both art and history for the future. Content from well over 100 years ago that’s preserved in film is capable of reproducing high-definition and even ultra-high-definition images today. Walter Plaschzug, founder, DIAMANT- Film: 4K restoration can bring a film – in its original and authentic look – back to the screen. The federation of film archives has published well-defined criteria for the correct restoration approach of historic films. Following these guidelines leads not only to proper preservation, but also a viewing experience comparable to what the original viewers saw in the cinema.
gently dusting or brushing – but not necessarily restored. It wasn’t until the advent of modern technology – digital scanning in particular – that films could not only be returned to their original formats, but improved for an even sharper, more saturated look. This is the case with 4K restoration. Today, tonnes of movies are getting a makeover, as efforts to digitise film stock increase. We hear from industry experts at DIAMANT-Film Restoration, Cinelab Film & Digital and Kodak about the benefits, challenges and processes involved in 4K restoration. Definition: How does 4K restoration enhance the viewing experience? What are the benefits? Antonio Rasura, technical director, Kodak: As display and projection technology in homes, mobile devices and public venues develops, the
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