One often hears film recording referred to in many different ways. Sometimes it is called scanning-to-film, or video-to-film, or digital-to-film, or even the term transferring-to-film is used. Quite simply though, it is the process of recording digital data, in the form of images, onto motion picture film stock. At Central, we use only true film resolution film recorders, recognized by the motion picture industry as being capable of accurately producing HD, 2K or 4K resolutions (2000 and 4000 lines) on film. If you really care about your final image quality it is important to understand that there is a difference between a true film resolution film recording system and one that is not. After all, you are going to be projecting your image on a BIG screen, and you need all the resolution you can get – with as few compromises as possible. Today, there are only a few qualified film resolution recorders acknowledged by the motion picture industry. Recording machines like the Celco, Lasergraphics and the ARRILaser® were originally designed for Visual FX work, and were required to record images on film with a high enough resolution that they could actually be inter-cut with the original camera negative film images without any noticeable difference. At Central, we use the ARRILaser® and Lasergraphics systems for their superior resolution, as well as their subtlety of color and contrast matching ability. Some companies with proprietary film recording systems may produce “acceptable” results when compared on small projection screens like those used in film laboratories for watching dailies. However, the real test of a film resolution-capable system comes when you project the film the same size that your audience will see it – between 25 and 60 feet across. A true film resolution system will maintain its resolution up to and beyond a 60-foot wide projection. Which is why when comparing tests from different companies, we encourage you to judge the differences on a screen that is at least 25 feet wide. For Digital Intermediates and Visual FX – true film resolution is even more important. In a DI process, you want to take advantage of all the resolution and color available in the intermediate format (usually HD, 2K or 4K). And for Visual FX, resolution is key to inter-negative matching, grain and color consistency. If you would like to see examples of true film resolution recording, contact one of our Digital Film Specialists at 604.879.5800. |
