Discuss Metropolis
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Interesting short example of colourization of this classic
posted by genplant29STAFFMOD on September 1, 2020 at 12:19 PM
I just stumbled upon this 2 mins., 52 secs. "Metropolis (1927) - DeOldify Restoration Demo. Based on Deep Learning" video that I find very interesting, and that I think also others here will like to see.
As a general rule, I'm not a fan of colourizing old b&w films (or t.v. shows), though when done well it can be very appealing and really bring out details (including background scenery, props, costume components, etc.) that you normally just don't much notice when watching b&w.
Colourization never looks 100% natural, but if gone about subtly (unlike how it was being done, very fake-looking and rather garish, during the '80s and into the '90s), where the tones are left with evident basis in sepia intentionally remaining, the result can come out pleasingly and looking quite credible - sort of "antiqued". Subtlety is the key.
Regarding the linked example, it's been done to a now 93-years-old film (on at least that particular scene thereof), and though the look is somewhat gauzy (due not only to the great age, but also in considerable part because of the specific lighting, and the chalky makeup, that was used for best result with the b&w film stock), I like that the colourization enables the actors and set details to "come to life" in a new way, that, meanwhile, also adds some real dimension. (Compare the left-screen regular b&w set details to the right-screen details, and you easily notice the stuff in the right side's background, though the similar background miscellany on the left side you really don't pay any attention to it being there.)
The presented scene (including in original b&w form) is absolutely impressive and amazing that something so innovative and complex was able to be created for the screen way back in 1926 (the movie's premiere was on 10 January 1927, therefore filming and production took place in 1926). Not to mention it's artistically beautiful, and everything's so masterfully composed. This movie will always rightfully retain its lofty position in cinematic history as a true artistic masterpiece and technical marvel for the ages.
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Reply by Benton12
on September 2, 2020 at 8:55 AM
Gen, you can see the face of the Robot much clearer in the colorized half of it.
Reply by genplant29
on September 2, 2020 at 7:34 PM
Colourization certainly has come a long, long way from how it used to look back during the '80s and into the '90s (possibly to even more recently than then), as before the insides of people's mouths would always look black or grey, and light clothing would always be rendered as pastel (baby blue, soft pink, etc.), plus anywhere in dark areas tended to just remain looking overly black (no nuancing, or varying tones) and decidedly flat. The end result was always obviously artificial/unnatural/unconvincing looking. The technology (which continues to evolve and improve) sure has dramatically advanced since then.
Reply by catmydogs
on September 2, 2020 at 8:26 PM
I’m usually against colorization, myself. Imagine if a classic like The Third Man was colorized. The horror! The short clip of Metropolis looks decent, though. For that matter, I love the 80’s rockified colorized version of Metropolis, one of my first silent film experiences, which led me to become the film buff I am now. :)
Reply by genplant29
on September 2, 2020 at 9:07 PM
@cat, I, too, am a fan of Giorgio Moroder's '80s recut and rock-soundtracked version. I went to see that in a theatre back when it came out - which felt amazing to be doing for a silent film! Great soundtrack that version has, by the way! I have and was listening to it, most recently, just the other week! ("Cage of Freedom" is one of my very favourite tracks.)
I agree that there are some b&w films that just wouldn't seem, look, or be right to colourize, particularly any noir, as they were created to emphasize the shadows, darkness, and a sinister, ominous, stark sort of mood, therefore would wind up with their vibe not seeming right. Various comedies or dramas could, I think, "work" with it though.
Reply by catmydogs
on September 2, 2020 at 9:35 PM
On a flip note, some colored films might benefit from being decolorized. Chinatown, for instance. It’s a good “noir” film but really needs to be in black and white. :)
Reply by Rudd-12
on September 3, 2020 at 9:16 AM
I love my black and white movies. There is nothing like it and I generally encourage people to embrace their beauty. But that is impressive. we've come a long way, eh?
Reply by genplant29
on September 5, 2020 at 12:39 AM
I very much agree, Rudd. Something about b&w film has a special "magic" to it. The studios certainly did master the fine art of creating mood and effect - even drama - via light and shadow captured on b&w.