Ok, so I just compared the final 4K77 DNR release with Harmy’s 2.7 and I have to say that I think a combination of certain elements of it to a Despecialized 3.0 would be perfect, but I’m inclined to lean towards 2.7 being superior for noise, color, and lighting.
While I noticed insane improvements in Tatooine shots, Death Star shots or Falcon interior shots were either drastically blown out or too green/dirty. Plus, even though it’s DNR, the backgrounds still seemed to be fuzzy and constantly moving.
Curious to know what others think. I for one am happy to not have 4K resolution if it means a drop in other aspects.
That’s kind of you to say.
As for me, having just watched the “DNR” version, I’ve got to say it’s my favorite version so far. There’s a lot that Williarob improved in it over the standard 4K77 release aside from just the grain reduction, of course. The brand new color correction looks excellent. Very much the look I was going for with 2.7, and not always quite achieving. There are a few scenes, such as the Jawa/Canyon scene, where I was probably overly ‘anti-green’, and this new release strikes a nice balance. The contrast is generally excellent, though there are likely more limitations in that department for a scanned print compared to blu-ray as source.
I think it’s got a well-balanced grain profile. For standard, non-composited shots, I think it’s just the right amount of grain remaining, and a surprising amount of detail in the print. It’s true, of course, that the composited shots are softer and grainier, but it reflects the original look of the film, and that will always be the interesting trade-off compared to newer restorations of films with digitally recomposited elements.
But, taking that into account, the “DNR” release is great for its consistent look, throughout.
The “Vader in Death Star hanger walking to the Falcon” scene is a great example of how murky and weird the “Death Star Green” coloring is in the 4K version.
I think that’s just the nature of the technicolor coloring. I’m not sure if you’re familiar with Despecialized 2.5, but Harmy attempted to put a lot of that style back into the movie. And in turn I kind of erased most of it in 2.7. 😃 I think the DNR release is a good compromise, but also probably works better as the grading can be brought out naturally from the print by adjusting the curves/levels, which isn’t the case when applying changes to a non-technicolor print.
Some of the ‘murkiness’ is also probably due to this being a composite shot, and grainier on the film print.
In any case, there will definitely be people that prefer the strictly neutral grading (I was like this, but I’m coming around 😃 ).