Sometimes they delete the files and it has to be recreated from scratch. I believe that this is Deep Space Nine’s problem right now.
IIRC someone from the effects team stated most if not all the files still existed, even put out a few sample renders which were beautiful.
That’s good to know. The effects work on that show was very well done. I feel like DS9’s vfx were more quality over quantity whereas a show like Babylon 5 had to take the opposite approach.
Dug up the Trekcore article: http://trekcore.com/blog/2013/05/deep-space-nine-in-high-definition-one-step-closer/
The Nebula class 1080p render is absolutely beautiful. They really put a ton of work into the models and VFX for DS9, it’s a shame CBS hasn’t shown any interest in remastering it.