Key Takeaways:
– Disney lost the rights to the independent film 28 Days Later, but Sony now owns the rights.
– It is speculated that the film, shot with old digital technology, may undergo a restoration for modern digital media.
– There are differing opinions as to whether the visual quality of the movie should remain untouched or improved.
– The final decision about the film’s look will come with the full approval of director Danny Boyle.
Sony Acquires Rights to Danny Boyle’s Film
Sony recently acquired the rights to 28 Days Later from Disney, sparking interest among movie buffs. Previously available for streaming on Hulu (or Disney Star in Canada), the film, directed by Danny Boyle, has since disappeared from the platform. This change of ownership also gives Sony the rights to reissue the film – an aspect that’s led to active speculation among fans and film critics alike.
How Old Digital Tech Influenced the Film’s Look
28 Days Later, a horror flick from 2003, is acknowledged for its visuals, filmed using nascent digital technology. The Canon XL-1 camera, with a standard definition resolution of 720×576, was employed for the shoot. This resolution has crafted a unique aesthetic that’s been consistent from DVD releases to Blu-ray disc; they display mere upconversions.
In essence, the film has a particular look due to its filming technique, which may not cater to the expectations of fans hoping for 4K quality. Despite this, there are rumours that Sony, along with Boyle, Alex Garland, and original Director of Photography Anthony Dod Mantle, might be planning a restoration to enhance the film’s appearance on digital platforms. This concept, however, remains speculative.
Should the Original Look Be Maintained?
Digitally shot movies, like 28 Days Later, have often faced hurdles while being transferred to 1080p or 4K qualities. Nevertheless, successful enhancements have been witnessed in the past. For example, Criterion managed to refine Spike Lee’s Bamboozled for a Blu-ray release while remaining true to the original aesthetics.
Though Sony might repeat a similar feat to improve 28 Days Later visually, a significant question arises – should it even be done? The film’s current visuals align with its overall tone. Thus, a change might result in backlash from fans loyal to the original.
Then arises the issue of the director’s vision. Danny Boyle is likely to have a say in the film’s final look, considering his integral role in its creation. If a restored version is released, loyalists might show negative reactions, similar to reactions from James Cameron’s 4K transfers for Aliens, True Lies, and The Abyss. This scenario could turn the restoration into contentious revisionist filmmaking.
Restoration or No Restoration?
The case of 28 Days Later raises an essential question about movie restoration: should a movie’s original look be preserved, or should digital improvements be embraced for a potentially sharper visual experience? It’s a subjective topic that, perhaps, only time can answer as per the eventual look of the restored 28 Days Later, if it happens.
What’s your take on the potential refurbishing of Danny Boyle’s film? Do you favour retaining the original look, or does the idea of a refined version excite you? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
