Criterion plans to do a 10-film Bollywood boxset

[raghuuvir]

Originally Posted by yoloswegmaster420

The versions used for Awaara and Sangam on the Criterion Channel are unrestored, though it is presented in it's correct AR. Meanwhile, Shree 420 looks to be restored but it doesn't seem to be very detailed. Does anyone have any information about the restorations for these films?

There isn't any real "restoration" that takes place for Bollywood films. What these Indian studios simply do is apply egregious amounts of DVNR, amplify the colours beyond their saturation point and boost the contrast way above the adequate levels. In the end, the images look like an overprocessed mess that looks nothing like the intended (theatric) look of the film.

These studios take the term "restoration" for granted. The term actually denotes that the look and sound of the film should be transported back to their original state. Sadly, the result of the manipulation, mutation and degradation that is carried out in the name of restoration is a far cry from the worldly criteria of the term.

[ravenus]

Producers here should learn from the RD Bansal company, which restored the Satyajit Ray films in their possession to amazing quality, and then licensed them to Criterion and Artificial Eye. Indian companies like Prasad are capable of great restoration if given the necessary time and funds.

[blu ray 4k]

Arrow video remaster Bollywood classics for Blu ray & 4k uhd

Head of Arrow Video, Francesco Simeoni Twitter

https://twitter.com/Frangipane13/sta...584521729?s=20

[yoloswegmaster420]

Criterion Channel is going to add 5 films by Bimal Roy next month (Do bigha zamin (1953), Devdas (1955), Madhumati (1958), Sujata (1960), and Bandini (1963). Does anyone know if these films have been restored?

[raghuuvir]

If I am not mistaken, Shemaroo had re-mastered Do Bigha Zameen, Devdas and Sujata in the past. I don't think I have ever seen a reworked version of Bandini, though.
A YouTube version of Devdas exists, but it is a bit of a trimmed version.

Devdas (1955) - Hindi Full Movie - Dilip Kumar - Vyjayanthimala - Suchitra Sen - YouTube

I also found Do Bigha Zamin on a Shemaroo upload.

Do Bigha Zamin - Balraj Sahni - Nirupa Roy - Hindi Full Movie - YouTube

Sujata has been uploaded by various other companies

Sujata 1959 B&W With Eng Subtitles - Dramatic Movie | सुजाता | Nutan, Sunil Dutt | HD. - YouTube

Sujata (1959) Superhit Classic Movie | सुजाता | Sunil Dutt, Nutan - YouTube

I also found a scratchy and edited (trimmed) version of Madhumati by Shemaroo.

Madhumati (1958) (HD) - Dilip Kumar | Vyjayanthimala | Pran - Hit Bollywood Movie With Eng Subtitles - YouTube

Its a pity most of these uploads are trimmed, cropped and badly worked upon.
I do not expect any diligence from the folks at Criterion Channel. Judging by the past record, some broadcasts of the older Hindi films might be re-done versions; while some may not.

[raghuuvir]

If we were to judge these movies beyond their technical presentations, it is evident that these have a lot of value among movie connoisseurs. Criterion may have witnessed some decent response from the Raj Kapoor movies that they had brought out last month, which is why Bimal Roy films are also seeing the light of day. Now, only if that would motivate someone to carry out serious restorations of these films. Or will this just remain a distant dream?

[yoloswegmaster420]

Wouldn't it be up to Shemaroo to decide if someone else is allowed to carry out different restorations?

[rs3771]

Originally Posted by raghuuvir

If we were to judge these movies beyond their technical presentations, it is evident that these have a lot of value among movie connoisseurs. Criterion may have witnessed some decent response from the Raj Kapoor movies that they had brought out last month, which is why Bimal Roy films are also seeing the light of day. Now, only if that would motivate someone to carry out serious restorations of these films. Or will this just remain a distant dream?

Really? Criterion brought out Raj Kapoor movies last month?

[raghuuvir]

On their streaming platform called the Criterion Channel.

[ravenus]

It may be that Criterion is putting out different Indian movies on their streaming channel to get a bead on what is generating response to mark potential titles for a possible physical release.
As for restorations, it depends in each case who the distribution rights-holder is, and who owns the film elements (and what state they are in). Criterion are primarily a US company (with small presence in the UK). If Shemaroo owned both the film elements and distribution rights to the Raj Kapoor / Bimal Roy films, they would not object to a Criterion restoration since the deal would mostly mean that they get access to the restored master to make their own release for other territories (either immediately or after the license period) or use it for streaming.