2010 (1984) restoration, a proposal

[Cannikin]

This is one of my favorite films, for various reasons (the primary one probably being that I watched it at just the right age and it imprinted on me at just the right time). I've got a copy of the 2009 blu-ray release but the transfer on there is in pretty rough shape: dust, scratches, image shake... pretty sad. I contacted Arrow and Shout! and begged them to do a restoration but they both said it wasn't anywhere in their near term plans (and I've got an open email out to The Film Foundation).

Which leads to me to my only remaining option: doing it myself. What are the chances a lone individual could go to MGM, acquire a license, pay for a (preferably) 4K scan, do the restoration and color grading themselves, then actually package it up and sell it? I found another thread where folks mused on the financials of doing this. Estimates for the licensing fee were all over the place, but disc production had some solid numbers: $5,000 for 1,000 discs, or $8,000 for 2,000.

I wonder if anyone like Arrow or Shout! would actually distribute a restored movie completed by someone else? That would definitely cut down on costs. I wouldn't even necessarily be in it to make a profit: I just really want to have a pristine copy of this film, and also the experience of doing the restoration.

Am I out of my mind or is this actually somewhat feasible? Is money the only obstacle? Let's say I had a wealthy benefactor who would be willing to help foot the bill...does that change the equation?

[RCRochester]

Originally Posted by Cannikin

This is one of my favorite films, for various reasons (the primary one probably being that I watched it at just the right age and it imprinted on me at just the right time). I've got a copy of the 2009 blu-ray release but the transfer on there is in pretty rough shape: dust, scratches, image shake... pretty sad. I contacted Arrow and Shout! and begged them to do a restoration but they both said it wasn't anywhere in their near term plans (and I've got an open email out to The Film Foundation).

Which leads to me to my only remaining option: doing it myself. What are the chances a lone individual could go to MGM, acquire a license, pay for a (preferably) 4K scan, do the restoration and color grading themselves, then actually package it up and sell it? I found another thread where folks mused on the financials of doing this. Estimates for the licensing fee were all over the place, but disc production had some solid numbers: $5,000 for 1,000 discs, or $8,000 for 2,000.

I wonder if anyone like Arrow or Shout! would actually distribute a restored movie completed by someone else? That would definitely cut down on costs. I wouldn't even necessarily be in it to make a profit: I just really want to have a pristine copy of this film, and also the experience of doing the restoration.

Am I out of my mind or is this actually somewhat feasible? Is money the only obstacle? Let's say I had a wealthy benefactor who would be willing to help foot the bill...does that change the equation?

Have you contacted Warner Bros? They are the ones who own this.

[mikesncc1701]

All I can say is I'd love a 4K of this. It has always had the monumental task of living up to the artistry of 2001 and I think it's unfairly compared to it. Of course it's not 2001, but it is a damn good follow up film and adaptation of the book. The scenes with Bowman are fantastic and that final shot of the monolith on Europa as it cuts to black still gives me chills.

"All these worlds are yours except Europa. Attempt no landing there. Use them together. Use them in peace".

Also David Shire's soundtrack to this is fantastic.

[harry o]

Saw it on its opening week back in london, 84 !

[SpaceBlackKnight]

TBH, I wouldn't be surprised if Warner had started work on a 4k HDR right around the time the 4k of 2001 came out, but are probably finishing it up now due to delays from YOU-KNOW-WHAT.

[Cannikin]

Originally Posted by SpaceBlackKnight

TBH, I wouldn't be surprised if Warner had started work on a 4k HDR right around the time the 4k of 2001 came out

[scififan73]

I would definitely upgrade this to a uhd. Also, pretty much anything with Roy Scheider is worth watching.

[Cannikin]

Contacted Matt Patterson on Twitter (works at the Warner Archive) to see if I can plant some seeds! He had an interview recently with Films at Home:

Matt Patterson on His Time With Warner Archive | The Films At Home Podcast - YouTube

[Cannikin]

Originally Posted by Cannikin

Contacted Matt Patterson on Twitter (works at the Warner Archive) to see if I can plant some seeds!

Well crap, he's not there any more! Got caught in the last round of layoffs.

But, I got a new response from Shout! Factory:

2010 is near the top of my wish list (would love to do a 4K version with bonus features), but we've never been able to license it. Last time I checked with acquisitions, Warner Bros. actually controlled the video rights to the film, not MGM, and didn't want to sub-license it. I will ask them again, though, as it never hurts to ask.

At least someone is thinking about it!