Key Takeaways:
– Michael Mohan, director of the horror film Immaculate, expressed concerns about the overly dark streaming quality of his movie.
– Other filmmakers, like William Brent Bell, experienced similar issues with their releases on streaming platforms.
– The dark look that most films and TV shows now aim for might only look good in a Dolby Theater or on a perfectly calibrated 4K TV, not for average home viewers.
– Both theatre exhibitions and streaming services need to improve how they handle darkly shot movies.
– It’s important for home viewers to properly calibrate their screens.
Modern cinema and TV shows are seemingly caught in an aesthetic trap. With most films and shows leaning towards highly stylized dark tones, many viewers and directors alike have voiced concerns about the unfavorable dark look when streamed.
Darkening Dilemma in Streaming Services
Earlier this week, news of audiences complaining about the overly dark streaming quality of the Neon-produced horror film, Immaculate, surfaced. The movie, which was directed by Michael Mohan, faced severe criticism for appearing ‘comically dark’ in screen captures shared by viewers. Responding to an aggrieved viewer, Mohan admitted the unintentional darkening of the film on streaming platforms and expressed regret over having no control on compression specifications of different platforms.
Mohan isn’t the only discontented filmmaker. Notably, horror director William Brent Bell voiced similar grievances, stating a darkened release of Orphan: First Kill.
Cinematic trends: Too dark?
There is a markedly dark trend in Hollywood. Movies and shows are increasingly being shot in lower light conditions, inherently limiting viewer enjoyment for those who lack optimized viewing conditions such as a well-calibrated 4K TV or a Dolby Theater.
This underlying darkness, while presenting a certain cinematic appeal, can often cloud the storyline and lead to a subpar viewing experience. A stark example was the release of Solo: A Star Wars Movie, which was shot so darkly that even with an improvised theatre exhibition, it was hard to discern what was happening onscreen.
The mainstream’s ‘dark fascination’ isn’t just restricted to films. Many television shows have also joined the trend. House of the Dragon, for instance, aired an episode that left viewers squinting at their screens, trying to follow the plot.
The Battle to Lighten up the Screen
Television plays a huge role in publicizing films and series. With most of the public viewing movies and shows on streaming platforms, it is vital to consider their viewing conditions. Major streaming platforms need to take into account the varying light levels in which content is shot and optimize it for average home viewing.
On an individual level, viewers can also mitigate this issue by calibrating their screens properly. Using appropriate settings like the Dolby Vision Bright and a gamma around 1.8 can enhance viewing experiences. However, the responsibility of providing a satisfactory streaming quality rests majorly on the platforms.
In conclusion, while the stylistic choice of shooting in low-light proves aesthetically pleasing for some, it can also isolate a significant portion of the viewers who lack the perfect viewing conditions. To combat this dichotomy, a balance needs to be struck that accommodates both artistic intent and viewer enjoyment.
As viewers and film enthusiasts, what are your thoughts about this growing ‘dark’ trend? Let us know your opinion and any 4K settings tips in the comments.
Source: JoBlo.com
