The Digital Bits; "Grain is supposed to be there!"

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http://www.thedigitalbits.com/mytwocentsa155.html

To many of us, this isn't anything new, but to some, and I know you're out there, this could clear some things up.

Executive summary:

People new to Blu-ray have been complaining to thedigitalbits of picture "noise" on catalog films on Blu-ray. What they are seeing is actually film grain. Having never seen older films in a theater, they don't realize that. Film is shot on photochemical stock, so a film frame is comprised of tiny silver particles, and that is not a defect on the disc. However, many people expect older films to look as clean as modern ones.

This is probably going to be the main point enthusiasts and studios must explain to consumers. Currently, in response to feedback, studios are often applying excessive digital noise reduction to catalog films (and sometimes new releases) to remove grain, or refraining from releasing them altogether.

Last paragraph:

This isn't just a Blu-ray issue, it's going to affect ALL high-definition presentations of older films, if we allow it to. Film enthusiasts (and those at the studios who actually CARE about and respect the integrity of older films) need to really start educating people on this subject - new Blu-ray consumers, friends and family, fellow studio employees. FILM IS SUPPOSED TO LOOK LIKE FILM. Older titles on Blu-ray are NOT supposed to look perfect, as if they were shot today on video! The Blu-ray presentation should replicate, as closely as possible, the best original theatrical experience of the film. THAT'S the goal. I'll tell you right now, this is an important issue, just as anamorphic enhancement and presenting films in their original aspect ratios on DVD were before it. As we did with those issues, you better believe it's something the staff here at The Digital Bits will take up as a crusade with the Hollywood studios if it becomes necessary. So you studio folks... let's just say that you'd better get this one right, or you'll definitely be hearing about it from us in the months ahead (and, we suspect, from many others as well).

There's a lot more to the article, but the whole article can't be posted due to copyright issues. It's worth a read.