It’s unbelievable and almost insulting that one of the most important films in cinema history remains unavailable in HD. Rumors have spread about a Criterion blu-ray for years, but it seems doubtful that it will ever happen at this point. Perhaps one could assume that this film is deemed too shocking even to this day. Ever since its initial release in 1932, “Freaks” has been the subject of controversy, criticism and censorship. To this day, the uncut version is lost, and will probably never see the light of day.
Nevertheless, I think an HD Upscale, done the same way as my “American Movie” project will be the only way to see this film in high definition, even if artificial. It’s better than nothing. Source is the 2004 Warner Bros DVD. Film will be upscaled in Topaz Video Enhance AI, and regrained and contrast adjusted in Final Cut Pro.
