team_negative1

We are always constantly running tests on film clips, as you know.

1) The tools we are testing out, are for registration purposes. This is one test. As you can see, it still requires some work.

2) The color calibration is also preliminary, and is being altered also.

So, yes, this is only a brief initial test and experiment.

We have multiple sources that we are integrating with the LPP, and the results have been excellent.

In fact, its going to easily help the clean up of Reels 1 and 6 by an order of magnitude. They still need some work on the dark scenes, starfields, and dust and smoke scenes.

We will continue to post intermediate steps as we progress.

Team Negative1

Here is an improved version of the HSV method using the bunwarpJ plugin, which can access up to 32bit color images.

There are less artifacts in this version. It does take awhile to render, at about 1 frame per 30 seconds.

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https://vimeo.com/124862437

Password : OT

Here's one sample frame:

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Original : http://imgur.com/2xzoGow

HSV with LPP colors :

http://imgur.com/qAysREX

And the original LPP:

http://imgur.com/RWRJgvY

Team Negative1

We are interested in all aspects of Star Wars on film regardless of origin.

The film grain and color are the unique features we are trying to preserve.

Of course, later on we will move on to other movies like the Raiders of the lost Ark trilogy. (Edit : And not to forgot the fourth movie, which was also on film).

Team Negative1

Thanks for the recommendation, and the appreciation. For anyone that still has questions, feel free.

The interview starts about 20 minutes in.

Team Negative1

For the record, we don't need any other sources or scans from anyone else. We are using our own machines, and doing the restoration to the highest quality and standards that can be reached with our resources.

For those that haven't heard our interview:

==========================

Check it out here :

http://www.theexpandedfandomverse.com/2015/01/episode-023-mr-black-and-team-negative-1.html

Team Negative1

You can get our releases on usenet as binaries, and from other torrent sites that aren't private.

The reason we use those is due to keeping the content in a single accessible site. File sharing lockers tend to go down, and most of the files are too large to post as single ones.

Hang in there, once you get the invitation, you will have access to more than enough material.

Team Negative1

It's not just about the original trilogy only,

We don't mind about the SE versions or the Prequels.

In fact we want to preserve the film versions of those also, because of their historical importance.

Team Negative1

Here is an early test of about 20 seconds, with the Eastman as the initial source, and the color replaced with the LPP:

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https://vimeo.com/124710964

Password : OT

We will post more of the 10 minute clip once done.

There is some red color channel that doesn't look registered quite right.

But otherwise, the colors look much better, than manual correction.

Team Negative1

We already have several prints and are in the process of restoring them:

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http://originaltrilogy.com/forum/topic.cfm/team-negative1-star-wars-1977-35mm-theatrical-version-release-details-and-updates/topic/14590/

We have already released a Grindhouse of Empire Strikes Back

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http://originaltrilogy.com/forum/topic.cfm/Team-Negative1-The-Empire-Strikes-Back-1980-35mm-Theatrical-Version-Release-Details-and-Updates/topic/16108/

http://originaltrilogy.com/forum/topic.cfm/Team-Negative1-Return-of-the-Jedi-1983-35mm-Theatrical-Version-Release-Details-and-Updates/topic/16712/

The other movies will be released once they're done.

Team Negative1

Just for testing purposes, if anyone wants to experiment on the Red Reel 5 that was posted earlier. We got some decent results, for some frames using the method of replacing HSV channels as described here:

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http://originaltrilogy.com/forum/topic.cfm/THX-1138-preservations/post/762178/#TopicPost762178

http://originaltrilogy.com/forum/topic.cfm/THX-1138-preservations/post/762179/#TopicPost762179

Doing full video clips has shown there is still some new artifacts, but the color replacement looks good.

Team Negative1

A few more test shots:

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Note the increased pixelation on the right hand wall that was not evident before.

There could be other post processing steps done afterwards.

For Reference, here are the LPP frames:

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Team Negative1

Thanks for the Heads up on the HSV method to replace some shots.

(NOTE TO MODS: These should probably moved to the Technical forum, but we wanted to point out some early tests.)

The results look good, but there are artifacts introduced when you convert them to video, so there are still issues.

We have been experimenting with them.

We used Raw Red Eastman frames, with the LPP

for the Hue/Saturation levels:

Pictures were created in ImageJ, registered with TurboReg, and then using the native HSB (which is the same as HSV) to copy and replace channels.

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And now, back to THX 1138, (Which was the Cell number that Leia was in).

Team Negative1

Check your PM Harmy.

Team Negative1

Star Wars is what started this all off, even though the prints of Empire Strikes Back were first.

And that had always been our main goal. The other movies are secondary in interest, and done for the sake of completion.

We all have our favorites, and Star Wars is there at the top the majority of the time.

Again, this is also considering the state of the prints we have now. Although we do have a superior print of Empire Strikes Back, we only have so much time and resources to dedicate to restoration.

Return of the Jedi is in very good condition, and should not take as long to restore.

We think everyone has had enough of Empire Strikes Back to keep them satisfied with what we have released for awhile, so thats not going to be a priority.

We have some interesting developments with Star Wars, and will post something shortly.

Team Negative1

Yes, that is correct. There will be a Grindhouse release after we are finished restoring it. No timeframe on when that will be. It could be a few weeks after, or a few months. Though the Grindhouse releases are very watchable, and ready to go, we want people to experience the restored versions first for Star Wars and Return of the Jedi.

Team Negative1

Yes, it would be interesting to know, but pretty sure its the SE verrsion.

Team Negative1

We have no issues with the current scan. The alternate Reel 4, has slightly more contrast, but thats about it.

Any improvement over the current one will be subtle. There's only so much you can get out of 8mm, and this is pushing it as it is for us.

Team Negative1

We're close to posting our version. Note, that if you adjust the colors, by decreasing the red and adjusting the contrast, you get a very pleasant looking picture for most of the film.

Team Negative1

We haven't really updated the first post, however our goals remain the same.

To release the highest quality preservation from multiple 35mm scans. With the original stereo soundtrack, the Spanish soundtrack, and the mono soundtrack.

These will maintain the integrity of the film, with the minimum amount of alteration. Basically dust and dirt cleanup, stabilization and color correction.

All original flaws and artifacts will be preserved. There may be a more fully restored version afterwards depending on demand.

Team Negative1

Thanks for answering, no rush. Just checking back on it.

Team Negative1

Everyone has pretty much the same sources, some people have different scans of the prints though, of course only speaking about Star Wars.

We are not using anyone else's scans, and don't need them. Ours are more than adequate for now and future proofing.

Team Negative1

What is your question. The completed versions are what we are working on first.

Team Negative1

Now that Star Wars is out there. Is there any news or updates on this one.

Team Negative1

We will definitely be releasing the Grindhouse, Test, and Preview versions of all the films, afterwards also.

We think it's important to preserve the history and intermediate steps taken with all of them.

Also, they're fun to watch, and useful for other edits.

Team Negative1

The option is to watch them when they are completed after Star Wars. That has been the plan for the last few years. We only have so many people that can work on it in their spare time. After -1 left the team, we have reorganized and added more people and lost some.

The Empire Strikes Back project was done on the side and released as a thank you to the community.

We will continue what we have planned, and know that the community will be excited with the completed projects. Since this the only major 35mm restoration being actually released, it needs to be handled with the care we have given to it.

Team Negative1