4K scanning: To remaster old footage, film archives use 4K scanners that can scan up to 15 frames per second, capturing intricate details and textures.
Frame-by-frame restoration: Restoration experts manually inspect and repair each frame to remove scratches, tears, and other imperfections.
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Color grading: Colorists use software like Blackmagic Design's DaVinci Resolve to enhance and balance the color palette, often referencing original production notes and behind-the-scenes photos.
Deoldify software: The AI-powered Deoldify tool uses neural networks to colorize black-and-white footage, learning from a vast dataset of color images.
Noise reduction: Digital noise reduction techniques, like waveform analysis, help remove unwanted grain and hiss from the original audio.
Frame rate conversion: To ensure smooth playback, restoration teams often convert the original frame rate to modern standards, such as 24 or 30 frames per second.
HD, 2K, and 4K resolutions: Remastered footage can be output in various resolutions, depending on the intended use and desired level of detail.
Digital Intermediate (DI) process: The DI process involves creating a digital master from the original film elements, allowing for precise control over color, contrast, and sound.
Laser scanning: Some archives use laser scanners to digitize film reels, capturing high-resolution images of each frame.
Palette-based colorization: Colorists may create a color palette inspired by the original film's production design, era, and cinematography.
Image stabilization: Restoration teams use software to stabilize shaky or warped footage, ensuring a smoother viewing experience.
Audio remixing: Sound designers remix and restore the original audio, often using multi-track recordings and Foley techniques to enhance the soundtrack.
Native frame rate preservation: Remastering teams strive to preserve the original frame rate, avoiding frame interpolation or unnecessary conversions.
Decomposition and re-composition: To remove defects, experts decompose the image into layers, repair each layer, and then re-compose the final image.
Metadata annotation: Archivists add detailed metadata to the remastered footage, including information on the original film elements, restoration processes, and output formats.