The majority of classic content shot on 16mm film now looks dated and old by today’s high definition standards. But content/rights owners can maximise these assets by restoring and re-mastering them for digital distribution.
We have worked with ITV Global Entertainment on various restoration projects, including classic series Sharpe’s Rifles and Poirot. ITV commissioned JCA to digitally re-master the 1993 hit show, Sharpe’s Rifles, for HD broadcast and Blu-ray DVD release. Staring Sean Bean, Sharpe’s Rifles is the first of the Sharpe television dramas about a British sergeant in the Peninsular War.
JCA was briefed to restore and enhance the 1993 “original negatives” for HD viewing. Originally shot on Super 16, this process included the complete recreation of post-produced visual effects and subtitles, as well as preparation of the original negatives through scanning, conforming, grading and restoration. Not forgetting to mention the final delivery of the project.
In terms of results, we were able to take the colour deeper whilst removing dirt, scratches and damage. We re-graded the film scene-by-scene with both best-of-breed technologies and hands-on techniques, meaning we could stay true to the original vision of the film-makers.
With the advent of HD formats, many popular classic series now look drab and dated. But they do not have to be kept in the content attic; they can be restored to their former glory. Content owners such as ITV Global Entertainment are increasingly unlocking these hidden treasures and public nostalgia along with it, all using content they already possess.
