2024-08-13 04:24:16
Fans received great excitement when films like Devadootan and Shathikamm were released in remastered versions. A remastered 4K version of Manichitrathazhu will be released on August 17. It is very pleasing for movie lovers to be able to view old films in enhanced visual quality. However, many may be curious to know what remastering is and what processes are involved behind it. Preparing a remastered 4K version from an old film converted from film to digital typically costs around ₹4.5 lakhs. The cost will increase if a version is to be prepared for theatrical release. It is reported that it cost ₹1 crore to re-release Shathikamm in 2023 in this manner.
Digital Remastering
The transition of Malayalam films completely from film to digital occurred around 2011-12. Before that, after a film was shot and editing was completed, its first copy or negative print was taken on film. Positive prints were created by copying from this negative print to other films. These are what made it to theater screenings. Negative prints were usually kept in labs. In the early days, films were copied to tape cassettes like VHS for viewing on TV. However, this had less clarity. Later, systems came along to copy films in good clarity using DigiBeta cassettes and digital formats. However, all of these have been recorded in the usual way using digital conversion machines. With the advent of digital, it has been possible to see images captured from films in significantly better quality to some extent. However, there are many shortcomings to this as well.
Different Stages
4K remastering is a process that takes a lot of time through various stages. The initial stages are all done in film labs. The first stage is film restoration. In this, the negative is converted to digital using a film scanner. This conversion is done at the highest quality. The next step involves correcting any deficiencies in the digital file obtained with the help of various video editing software. Issues like scratches and dust in the images are cleaned up. The amount of work done depends on the quality of the negative obtained. Once frame-by-frame work is completed, color correction is done. Sometimes the colors in the film images may have faded, and there may be variations in color across different scenes. All of these will be resolved, and adjustments will be made to suit the film. Then comes the tasks of upscaling and enhancement. If there is a need to make changes to the film using graphics, that will be done as well. Overall, the quality of the film will be maximized. Along with this, work to enhance the audio quality and resolve any issues will occur in parallel. Each scene requires meticulous attention, so it may take months to complete a film. If remastering is done only for use on digital platforms without theatrical release, it will involve some reduced work. However, that too can only be done after taking considerable time.
Why Remaster?
In addition to being able to view old films in better quality through remastering, there are other issues as well. If film negatives are not properly preserved, they will deteriorate. Reports suggest that approximately 75% of the negatives of films, including major successes in Malayalam, are now unusable. To prevent film prints from deteriorating, precise temperature-controlled rooms and regular inspections are necessary. Due to disruptions in the operations of labs during the COVID-19 pandemic, many films have reportedly deteriorated without proper arrangements. Previously, it was common practice to take films, clean them, and run them, as well as make copies. This practice has also declined, leading to the deterioration of the film. If images are copied and remastered from negatives, even if the films are later lost, the films will remain preserved in good quality as digital files. Through remastering, high-quality images will also be able to be seen by future generations with clarity. Regardless of how much time has passed, films can be seen in the same visual quality. Moreover, this will greatly benefit those who study and research films, allowing for a precise understanding of the details within the films. Currently, some prominent companies in Malayalam are making efforts to remaster their hit films.
The Future of Film Remastering: Trends and Innovations
As technology continues to advance, the realm of film remastering is opening doors to new possibilities that promise to enhance the cinematic experience for audiences worldwide. The excitement surrounding the release of remastered classics, such as the upcoming Manichitrathazhu 4K Remaster, indicates a growing demand for high-quality visuals that modern technology can offer.
Transformative Technology
The transition from traditional film to digital has been marked by the advent of sophisticated scanning techniques. With the utilization of advanced film scanners, studios are now able to convert original negatives into pristine digital formats with incredible detail. The future is likely to see further enhancements in scanning technology, enabling even greater clarity and preservation of color accuracy. Innovations in artificial intelligence may also play a crucial role in the restoration process, allowing for more efficient color correction and defect removal.
Preservation and Sustainability
Preserving cinematic heritage has become increasingly essential, especially for films that have historical significance. Reports suggest that a significant portion of film negatives in Malayalam cinema are deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. As awareness grows, studios may seek to collaborate with preservation experts to ensure that these invaluable assets are archived correctly. The integration of remastering with archival practices can save legendary films from being lost to time.
Expanding Accessibility
With the rise of digital platforms, remastered films are more accessible than ever. This trend opens up possibilities for audiences around the globe to experience classic cinema in high definition. In the future, film studios may focus on simultaneous global releases of remastered versions, thus making classic cinema a shared experience across cultures. Furthermore, educational initiatives and screenings may utilize these high-quality versions to foster a deeper understanding of cinematic history.
Enhanced Viewer Engagement
Future trends in film remastering may also see an intersection with interactive technologies. Virtual reality and augmented reality might offer viewers an immersive experience, giving them an option to explore the film’s universe beyond the screen. This could enhance viewer engagement and create a new paradigm in how we consume films.
Cultural Impact
As remastering becomes more mainstream, it will likely influence contemporary storytelling techniques and visual aesthetics. Filmmakers may take inspiration from the clarity and detail of remastered films, leading to a new wave of visually potent cinema that pays homage to its roots while pushing creative boundaries. The integration of traditional cinematic techniques with modern technology can result in a fruitful dialogue between the past and present.