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"Zao Chun Er Yue," also known as "Early Spring," is a 1963 Chinese motion picture. At the 25th Shanghai International Film Festival, a restored version of this classic showcased how digital technologies can rejuvenate such cinematic treasures. Directed by Xie Tieli, the film depicts a young woman entangled in a love triangle. It explores themes of love, class struggles, and societal changes. Upon its release in 1963, "Early Spring" received critical acclaim, securing its place as a notable film in Chinese cinema history.
Now using 4K restoration technologies, this renowned work has undergone a remarkable transformation, offering audiences a refreshed viewing experience. Scratches, dirt, and color fading have been skillfully eliminated, while the film's resolution and visual clarity have been significantly enhanced. Advanced color grading techniques have also brought the director's intended vision to life, accentuating the film's palette and tones.
A comparison of "Early Spring" before and after 4K restoration. / CGTN
A comparison of "Early Spring" before and after 4K restoration. / CGTN
The interest in restoring old footage and films has surged in recent years. "The Eternal Wave" is another film classic that has been restored. Originally filmed in black and white during the 1960s, it was upgraded to a colored, 4K version in October 2022. The remastering effort for "The Eternal Wave" was a collaborative project between China Media Group and China Film Archive. Over 100 technicians dedicated more than seven months to enhance over 160-thousand frames, conducting extensive research on the era to ensure accuracy in every detail.
In addition to government initiatives, independent technicians and artists are also contributing to reviving images of the past. Game developer and artist Hu Wengu, known online as DGSpitzer, has utilized machine learning to colorize, upscale, and enhance centuries-old video clips of Beijing and Shanghai. His work serves as an example of how new technologies empower individuals to revive old videos with captivating quality.
As 4K technologies and other advanced techniques continue to expand the possibilities of restoring cinematic gems, get ready to relish old classics with unparalleled experiences.