In the world of film restoration, a debate is raging over the remastering of classic movies for modern viewing platforms. Dan Best, the general manager at Park Road Post, acknowledges the controversy surrounding this practice, noting that technology is constantly evolving and viewers now expect higher resolutions.
Traditional home video releases, once suitable for tube TVs and 1080p video, are now being scrutinized in the era of OLED screens and 4K smart TVs. Restorations are being pushed to meet the increasingly high standards of today’s audiences.
However, not everyone is pleased with the results. John Burdick, a veteran in the industry, has faced criticism since his work on “Titanic.” He understands that some fans are disappointed that beloved films like “Aliens,” “True Lies,” and “The Abyss” no longer look the way they remember from the VHS or DVD eras.
“People love these movies, which I think is great,” Burdick said. “And they take that love to heart. So when the movie suddenly doesn’t look like they remember it looking, or the way they think they remember it looking, or it just doesn’t look the way they think it should, they get upset. What can you do?”
Adding to the controversy is the use of artificial intelligence in the restoration process. Some dissenters are not only unhappy with the appearance of these remastered films but also wary of A.I. technology being used in the process.
Burdick clarifies that the use of A.I. is often misunderstood. “It’s not the same A.I., conceptually. It’s more like, this piece of negative looks kind of cruddy, and we can use some software to improve it, carefully.”
Despite the backlash, the industry continues to push forward with remastering efforts to cater to the demands of modern audiences. As technology advances, the debate over the authenticity and quality of remastered films is likely to persist.
