I'm still on the fence about this article, but it does irritate me.
I am confident that a non-film archive stored as data is (or will be) better for preservation. We just need to find the proper container for the data (e.g., LTO, non-spining hard drives, spinning hard drives) in order to convince the film die-hards.
One thing that's interesting is Thelma Schoonmaker's concern over film restoration; specifically, how the movie may purposely look different than how the filmmaker intended, assuming s/he cannot participate in the restoration process. With the industry moving toward ACES for archival, there is no way to "lock in" the look that was created (or intended) by the filmmakers. It raises the question whether movies should be altered as restoration technology improves. With ACES, restorers may be tempted to make the movie look "better" than what was initially created. But should they be allowed to do so? It's a slippery slope. Improving sound or removing scratches seems like a worthwhile exercise. But is that different than turning a black and white movie into color?
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Beloved 20th Century Movies - and Their Distinct Aesthetic - Could Be in Danger
November 22, 2012
Source: The Atlantic
Written By: Daniel Eagan