So, I’m currently learning all the new tools in DaVinci Resolve 17, and I’d like to get a second opinion on what looks best.
I’ve come up with two ways to go about with the color grading for this film. The first is a version somewhat similar to the color grading I did for Episode II (but not completely), and the second is a grade I’ve been experimenting with using the new HDR color wheels.
I’m not sure which one to go with, so here’s a still I took from the opening Count Dooku confrontation. I decided on this one because it features skin tones and lightsabers while also placed against a dark background. This should hopefully give an estimate as to what the rest of the film could look like.
Note: I have placed the images under spoiler tags, because I find that the expand and collapse tabs make it easier to draw comparisons between the three.
To give you an idea of the differences, here’s what the blu-ray transfer looks like first:
Now, here’s what the Episode II-themed color grade looks like:
Finally, here’s the color grade I did using the HDR color wheels:
On the one hand, I like the Episode II theme because the yellow tone makes it look more cinematic, but it suffers from having a sepia-toned look that doesn’t really spell “Star Wars” to me. However, I’m not a big fan of the teal-ish look of the HDR version, since it reminds me of too many present day movies. What are your thoughts?