Grading & Restoration

Deluxe Digital London specialises in digital re-mastering and restoration, offering archives the ability to optimise content value and simultaneously digitally preserve for the future.

We are privileged to service some of the biggest and most prestigious film archives in the world and in the last few years we have delivered in HD, 2K and 4K for Television, DVD, Bluray and theatrical release in 35mm and Digital Cinema.

Our approach involves assessment of the film element to review the best workflow and technology to use. This will be followed by any bench work required and an Ultrasonic film clean. We will then scan or telecine the element on the optimum technology dependent on suitability and budget.

Our colour grading is non-linear and can operate out of our HD monitor grading suites or our theatrical grading suites. Digital restoration is delivered through our Restoration Department, initially on an automated scene-by-scene pass through HD DVNR, removing dirt and sparkle on low filter settings, followed by a frame-by-frame despot to remove larger film artefacts such as chemical stains, scratches, and large film dirt. The finished pictures are then transferred to the desired data, film or video tape format.

Our digital restoration services are constantly being developed as technology moves forward. At DDL we’re firm believers that optimum technology alone doesn’t guarantee success; it must also be harnessed by experienced and skilled operators. Our aim is always to improve the image without compromising content.

Film Assessment, Scanning and Telecine

Grading SuiteOur scan and record department will always assess the original film elements supplied on a Steinbeck and/or film bench to ensure the optimum element is used for acquisition and to assess the best scanning technique, to ensure best and most efficient transfer for the element.

The film to data scan will then be either pin registered or real time depending on element, transfer, resolution and budget (see Scan and Record section for more details).

 

  • 2 x Arriscan pin registered film scanners
  • 2 x Spirit 2K Real time Telecine (2K/HD/SD)
  • 2 x Ursa SD Telecine

Baselight colour grading

DDL operates the Baselight colour grading systems, utilising both the Baselight 4 and the Baselight 8. Both systems are operable in 2K, HD and SD, we operate a full HD Grade 1 monitor grading suite and also a full Digital Intermediate theatre with a full size silver screen, at 5.5 metres wide.

HD DVNR

As a reel time and automated restoration tool, we believe the HD DVNR is the most refined and proven system available. It enables us to apply an automated system for the concealment of scratches, dirt, dust and sparkle prior to more detailed digital manual restoration on the MTI. Operating in 2K/HD/SD, in conjunction with our MTI, it adds the perfect component part to our overall digital restoration workflow solution.

MTI Correct

The “MTI Correct” system is a world renowned digital restoration tool, covering automated or manual frame-by-frame restoration. We use the MTI for detection and removal of film artifacts such as chemical stains, frame dirt, punch holes, scratches, flicker and negative sparkle. The MTI works in 4K/2K/HD/SD resolutions.

Film, Data and VT Deliverables

DDL are able to fulfil any delivery requirement whether it be a direct 35mm film out, data archiving to data drive, Firewire, LTO etc. or a straight forward SD or HD tape delivery (all formats available)