BARBARA BROADCAST FILM RESTORATION COMPARISONS- BEFORE and AFTER!!

This latest project and one that is almost complete has taken longer than usual, partially due to the overwhelming success of The Opening of Misty Beethoven campaign and release. Also, I spent quite a but more time that i expected on digital film restoration, not that it was in terrible shape, but my OCD kicked in hard and when dealing with these 35 mm blow up internegatives, there are thousands of instances of scratches and dirt, etc. With these Henry Paris films, the original processing and blow ups were done at the same lab, which is known for it’s sloppy handling and inconsistent transfers, etc. This is going back to the 70′s. Anyway, since I was taking Barbara to Blu, I wanted her to look as good as she can and while it took a bit longer, the results speak for themselves. Those long drives to the film lab, being totally engulfed in the restoration of the pix and track, and immersing myself into every detail of this project, will prove to be the key to Barbara. I intend on posting the final details of both Barbara packages, the official release and pre-order dates, as well as answers to many FAQ’s I have been getting.

Without going any further, I just wanted to post some of these screen grabs from the standard DVD version of Barbara Broadcast(VCA/Hustler), that has been circulating and sold for the last decade or so. I will also post the brand new screen grabs from the fully restored version of Barbara Broadcast for DVD/BLU from Distribpix Inc. The comparisons between the 2 are simply incredible. As usual, the color, clarity, grain and of course aspect ratio are all corrected. If this does not convince anyone that it is essential to upgrade to the new versions, I am not sure what will. It is UNCUT, and now each frame is in the proper aspect ratio, where before you did not even get the entire frame, it was cropped and masked at the wrong ratio and clips much of the frame. I am not sure why they would have even done that, in many cases it is to save money and or lack of knowledge on the part of the transfer/authoring house.

While you are looking through the before and after shots, please keep in mind that none of this amazing restoration work would not be possible if it were not for the tireless efforts and commitment to dedication on the part of Process Blue Labs, in Bridgeport, CT. Thank you so very much Ryan and Joe!

I hope you enjoy these comparisons.

old version, standard transfer, incorrect framing, a fake copyright added on after the fact as well.

New Version- HD GRAB, color correction, digital restoration.

Old versions, wrong aspect ratio, although color looks rich, it is not even close to accurate. The dining room was very bright, as this film was shot at nights. Also, Zebedy Colt’s suit is dark grey, but it is really light grey!

HD Grab, color is on point, grain is very rich(super16mm), and of course we can see the 1.85:1 proper framing.

Old VCA version, same old song and dance, improper aspect ratio.

New HD grab, look at how nice his facial colors are represented. Alan Marlow, a Metzger stalwart, as a friend of Tony’s

OLD VCA version. I think the fact that the entire film is presented in the wrong aspect ratio is most bothersome- this is very close to a square??

AAAH, finally, the way it was shot and meant to look. Bringing a film or scene back to life, is such a satisfying feeling, although it can be very unrewarding at times, as people tend to overlook the hard work.

Grab from VCA DVD, wrong aspect ratio, very dark, sort of flat. What bothers me the most, is that for 10 years, no one complained about the framing, but if I go ahead and do that, holy shit, the fans go fucking nuts!!LOL.

Brand new HD grab from Distribpix Inc. I must say, very accurate color, (thanks to Joe and Ryan at PB), correct framing, detail, and totally director approved.