Chinatown, Los Angeles 1930s in color [60fps, Remastered] w/sound design added

I colorized, restored and created a sound design for this video of Chinatown, Los Angeles 1930s, we can clearly see what is happening in broad daylight, Panoramic shots of streets near downtown Los Angeles, 1935-1937. Around the Union Station grounds, at the intersections with Aliso Street, Avila Street and Clara Street.
Video Restoration Process:
✔ FPS boosted to 60 frames per second
✔ Image resolution boosted up to HD
✔ Improved video sharpness and brightness
✔ Colorized only for the ambiance (not historically accurate)
✔added sound only for the ambiance
✔restoration:(stabilisation,denoise,cleand,deblur)
Please, be aware that colorization colors are not real and fake, colorization was made only for the ambiance and do not represent real historical data.
B&W Video Source : University of Southern California Digital Library
Join this channel to benefit from exclusive advantages and also to support us: / @nass_0

[@NASS_0]

Like And Share Please!

[@bennri]

Do you have some of Pasadena pre 1940? My 98y.o. friend would love to see

[@zainnf826]

Would love to see old Richland, MI If able!

[@donaldharlan3981]

🫣 so fake, photo shopped.

[@J-ellO]

@@donaldharlan3981 SAID THE BEER BELLY ARMCHAIR BIG MOUTH

[@donaldharlan3981]

@@J-ellO photoshopped MY videos? 🍺 H-ellnO

[@AriaSuperBass]

6:11 View of City Hall in downtown L.A. -- the skyline sure has changed!

[@petuniasevan]

I love seeing these videos. My mother was born and raised in LA in the 40s and early 50s, and I was born there in 1963. I used to show her videos like this before her diagnosis of Alzheimers. I miss being able to talk with her about the places we knew.

[@craigdixon4113]

Yup, I was born in ‘63 too. Mom born in Sunland, CA. Later moved to LA. In the Rampart Area. Many memories of that place. Keep showing these videos to your Mother, I feel She’ll remember. Thanks!

[@markbass7145]

The beginning is Ceser Chavez Ave , The building @2:30 is 900 Avila St and still exists, The big clearing @6:00 when you can see city hall is the constriction site for Union Station.

[@nwicconsultants6640]

Thank you so very much!!! Was trying to pinpoint the location as best I could with city hall as reference but too much has changed. Did not think any buildings from that time were still standing in that area until you pointed out the 900 Avila address. Appreciate you input....was pulling out head hairs that I can't afford to lose! lol😁

[@kevinclancy4532]

It was Brooklyn ave in the 1930's

[@nwicconsultants6640]

@@kevinclancy4532Thanks...good to know. I saw Cesar Chavez st. there and figured a few names had changed through the years.

[@markbass7145]

@@kevinclancy4532 Thank you

[@richardhenry968]

Thank you so much!!! Question - is the film reversed? I don’t think so because the signs seem to be in the right direction - or are we approaching from the other direction that can be seen when you “look around” Apple Maps under 900 Avila?

[@johncox2284]

The opening scene shows a Type A LARY streetcar approaching a "Shoo Fly" track, or temporary cross over to divert cars away from track work being done. You can ride one of those cars today at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, Ca.

[@earlt.7573]

So neat to see footage of work crews doing construction, laying RR tracks. Love seeing all the old trucks and equipment. You did a great job with the sound / audio effects.👍

[@NASS_0]

thank you very much

[@renatoamaral2029]

​@@NASS_0You are very good in what you do! 👍👍👍

[@Daweisstebescheid]

I wish I had such high-quality, restored video footage of my hometown.

[@haineshisway]

Glad you're watermarking your vids - so many other channels just ripping them off as if THEY did it.

[@PierPeterVinylSound]

The watermarking spoils completly the video.

[@NASS_0]

thank you very much ;))

[@NASS_0]

sadly =(

[@haineshisway]

@@ErikThomasMusic As long as they link to his KZbin channel, that's fine. What's not fine is the idiots on KZbin that steal his content and call it their own, as if they did the colorizing and sound effects. I've called out any number of them and when you do, they just lie - the I report the channel to KZbin and they'll take the video down.

[@luigivincenz3843]

@@NASS_0 LOve your work. Protect it. I know how it feels. Some guy stole my images for his Walmart selling account and from then, I watermarked my name microscopic on the image for evidence so the online platform will believe me,

[@robbaur3911]

The temporary track to get the trolley over to the other rail is called a shoo fly track! Some of the equipment like air compressors for the jack hammers are pulling power from the overhead trolley lines!

[@rrrarch]

The shoo fly was built so they could construct the overpass over the street that would carry the tracks for Union Station across this road. Union Station opened in 1939. I believe the book "Last of the Great Stations" shows a photo of the shoo fly in use with the concrete overpass structure under construction.

[@SummerDream3r]

It's surreal to see, in vivid color, the humble workers who laid down the infrastructure of what would become one of the world's largest metropolises. Precious historical footage. Stunning remaster! 👍

[@frebnewman6403]

And they are rolling over in their grave upon seeing what it turned out to be.

[@drscopeify]

@@frebnewman6403 Why? Los Angeles is a very nice city just very expensive.

[@dudefrombelgium]

​@@drscopeify The expensive part makes it a problem because that causes poverty.

[@JoseMorales-lw5nt]

To think that within this same era, a young college student was making headlines at U.C.L.A. The student, you ask? Just a future Hall of Famer named Jack Roosevelt Robinson...❤

[@The1313jeff]

I would 100 hundred percent want to live in California back then . Then live there nowadays! No question!

[@bbartky]

I was at LA Union Station on Monday, 18 March 2024, and there is an exhibit about the original Chinatown that existed where Union Station is now. (The current Chinatown was relocated nearby.) Lots of neat photos of the people and buildings from the late 19th Century through World War II.

[@gregmctevia5087]

As a native Angelino your video presentations of old Los Angeles have special meaning for me. I haven’t lived in LA since the mid 60s but much of old Los Angeles was still in existence at that time, especially the buildings and even the automobiles.

[@Moscow4K]

Почему такое впечатление, что город был заброшен длительное время и возрождается? Откуда столько много столбов без проводов? Какие-то пустыри и заброшенный вид? Все дороги вдруг сразу ремонтируют?

[@SnipzSmooth]

@@Moscow4K Schreib doch bitte in Englisch!

[@Moscow4K]

@@SnipzSmooth Why does it seem that the city has been abandoned for a long time and is being revived? Where do so many poles come from without wires? Some vacant lots and an abandoned view? Are all roads suddenly being repaired at once?

[@Porsche996driver]

6:10 City Hall in the background. I just want to check out those trucks wow very utilitarian and steel front wheels lol. Yes I’ve been through this area of Chinatown many times even as a kid with my mom in the early 1970s.

[@Ric-Roze]

Everytime I watch your videos NASS it's like taking a time machine back to the past. Your work is fantastic. Thank you.

[@NASS_0]

Thx ;)

[@vintage_life]

So quiet and peaceful

[@jasonm950]

No bloody gangs.

[@varrick1226]

No one waving a phone around or talking in front of you too lol....

[@SKARKIBANEZ]

That"s edited sound man -_- ARE YOU THAT MUCH !DIOT OR WHAT?

[@drysori]

@@jasonm950 Ganglike groups of Mexican descent appeared in the West region in the 1890s. • The first Los Angeles Mexican American gangs likely formed in the 1920s. Don't forget the zoot suit riots of the early 40's.

[@MischievousImp540]

The film location is East Cesar E Chavez Avenue. The building on the Left with the arched windows still stands today at the Junction with North Vignes Street.

[@bert23337]

The nice looking building to the north of it at 2.36 doesn't appear to have enjoyed a long life

[@steveb9151]

Because of the choppiness of the movement, and the dirty scratchiness of the prints, you always felt very distant from the people when watching these old films. Now, we are right there with them. Great restoration!

[@johncornell3665]

Another wonderful video. Thanks so much for showing these!

[@NASS_0]

Thx!!

[@matrox]

03:22 Thats a 34' Ford coupe' with the suicide doors!!

[@WAL_DC-6B]

Notice the semaphore STOP-GO traffic light/signals starting at 0:09. These were pretty much unique to the Los Angeles area, and they would be all gone by 1956.

[@JSFGuy]

Ayeeee.... I've been through there a few times recently, let's see what has changed.

[@NASS_0]

Hi bro!!

[@JSFGuy]

@@NASS_0 🙋🏻

[@Marta-o9j9j]

Смотришь и понимаешь, что все эти люди на видео уже ушли в вечность! 🙏🎷

[@ketherwhale6126]

It would be nice if there was a split screen or inlay of the exact district on the exact angle today, as a comparison. Wild times.

[@J-ellO]

Nass, The sound you inserted into this film is incredible. I felt like I was right there with the road crew, may be riding on the trolly as it took a turn up the street and one of the men gesture. I love your work it is amazing.❤

[@NASS_0]

thank you so much

[@HB73.]

Totalement bluffant,,on s'y croirait. Vraiment incroyable de voir ça. Bravo NASS!!

[@NASS_0]

Merci!!!

[@XXtheJUMPoffXX]

Life seemed so calm & pleasant back then

[@CapitalGainzz]

Agreed, simple life. But WW2 would start 9 years later.

[@shadykatie100]

I wish that I could time travel.

[@sdcoinshooter]

@@shadykatie100take me with you

[@BB-gd5pk]

Yes. No diversity and crime and gangs to enrich us all.

[@MegaNostromo]

Great video Thanks! I like to see the original too

[@vintagepipesnightmares]

We are nostalgic for those times because the movies never show the cruel reality. This shows that the reality was different than we knew

[@johntsan742]

@2:30 that landmark building still stands today in all it's glory. It's on Avila Street before Cesar E Chaves Ave. One more time capsule restored. Great job NASS. Thank you.

[@NASS_0]

thank you so much!!

[@BillColeExperience]

Good find. I search these old films/photos for locations and was coming up dry. Avila is no more than an alley. What an ugly hole Los Angels is.

[@dedwin8930]

Born in Pasadena in 47. Not that long after this! Thanks so much to see what my parents were dealing with!!

[@bennri]

Wish my father were still alive to see these videos

[@ChechiDLR]

I'm so glad someone recorded these videos, all those people left us a portal to the past and it's truly awesome to see these people and the landscape of that time.

[@jaminova_1969]

Thanks for showing us your "Magic Window" time-machine NASS!

[@NASS_0]

thank you very much ^^

[@CAROLDDISCOVER-1983]

Watching people from almost a hundred years ago. It is nice and relaxing. But I can't help but wonder what troubles some of these people had under the surface.

[@atleeriksen8514]

Fantastic trip back in time.Thank you for doing this.

[@NASS_0]

Thank you

[@shaunwest3612]

Great video nass, incredible footage, beautiful work👌😀👍

[@NASS_0]

thank you very much ;)

[@onemanband3579]

You do a lot of work to keep us happy, thank you!

[@NASS_0]

Thx!! ^^

[@stevehein7884]

really great a blast from the past in living color

[@LaurenMirandaG]

Really interesting and I love the sound effects that you came up with to bring the scene to life!

[@NASS_0]

hi thank you so much

[@markodjuric4282]

A tram in Chinatown?

[@goodhumourwagon]

Tramatown...

[@mwj5368]

I don't see a lot of litter along the roadsides like I do today. In fact, I didn't see any except one moment some looked like it hadn't been cleared yet but maybe from construction. Thanks again for another great adventure into the past! You are a very talented restorer!

[@Nazir-WalkAroundTheCity]

Extra video Regards from Poland

[@NASS_0]

thx!!

[@BrianPlace-y2z]

Just brilliant! You are a time-traveller, indeed...

[@NASS_0]

yeahh! ^^

[@xray606]

I'll never criticize modern day L.A. street workers for being lazy, ever again.

[@richfarmer3478]

Looking for Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway but can't find them.

[@HugoBrown]

Amazing footage and to think of that part of town now, so much change, I love the footage cause we get up and close to see the faces of the workers, I wonder what life was like for these men, I can only imagine it was tough and hardwork toiling in the hot california sun. What also amazes me how finel;y dressed thesed labourers are, compared to the tradies now days, not a hi vis shirt / jacket in sight hehe. I also for some reason found the little red No Parking LAPD sign funny. Shout out & props to all the uncles in this video for helping the city progress and the back breaking hard work!!! As always thanks for sharing the video but also giving for us a look into the lives of the people in that time. I always wonder what it was like for the average person in those days. Often the years before the war are partly glamourised by the movies and the stars of that era.

[@PontiacS.]

4:52 that A.A.Jowdy building might be the one in the opening credits of "Sanford and Son".

[@jimmerhardy]

This is when ditch digging was an occupation. Thanks for ride back in time.

[@endtimefreak]

Excellent restoration footage, very well done.... and thanks for sharing !!! (liked and subscribed)

[@NASS_0]

oh thank you so much! ;)

[@sauletto1]

Wow. You sure are very good at this. Just amazing !

[@eliseolopez2790]

Each lapse of history is precious to me

[@RíCrusader]

6:10 looks to be next to the plaza. The twist is still there now a road. Los Angeles st.

[@danielmassey3157]

Excellent work Thank you kindly

[@NASS_0]

thank you so much

[@hudentdw2]

so surreal, to think these times really existed color adds tremendous feel to the era, well done!

[@NASS_0]

thank you so much ;)

[@lesamisdelacuisineprovenca9534]

LA was still a village in the 30's.... Unbelievable

[@Worldofourown2024]

Looks very economical and simple. Lots of bird song indicating it was still lush and green with an ecosystem. Cute cars!

[@AriaSuperBass]

Chinatown in the '30s? Looking out for Jake Gittes....!

[@bardo0007]

Another clear restoration and daily life from the late 1930's I would think based on the cars.

[@NASS_0]

Thx!!

[@Rocket_Man232]

🔔 Nice. Better colorization than some videos before. But too slow. It looks like about 1.4× would be about right. Just put the Y/T speed at 1.25 or 1.5 and see that for yourself. Too bad that Y/T doesn't offer more video playing speed selections like some others do.

[@earhart1000]

From Spain Bravo!!!👏👏👏👏

[@NASS_0]

thank you very much

[@gamerdaddy8597]

❤ this.

[@stevenrogers8939]

Beautiful and peaceful to watch. Thank you

[@Sonnycorleone162]

Nass, Another great upload. I have been to San Francisco, Chinatown once as a kid. Thanks for taking us back to how it looked like in the past.

[@NASS_0]

Thx bro!!

[@LupeHall]

Amazing video restoration. Thanks NASS😊

[@chrisblay]

A lot of construction going on. They had simpler tools, yet seemed to achieve just as much as today.

[@nadiemequire]

These are absolutely great videos. Spent a lot of time in and around LA.

[@wcryan31]

This is Old Chinatown, which was displaced by Union Station.

[@ih8utbe]

I lived in SF in the 90s. It was very different then. I won't return.

[@joeguzman3558]

Thank you for your time and your work, God bless you

[@NASS_0]

thank you so much

[@renatoamaral2029]

​@@NASS_0You are very talented and blessed. ❤😊

[@eljabito4382]

Great timepiece 👍💯.

[@bernadettealmeida2847]

Thank you so much a piece of history 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@JohnMcaulay-gp6nb]

I dread the day that Nass declares that " We have no more film to be found that we can restore , of an era where restoration is a necessity, to achieve the levels that are our hallmark of excellence ." There must come a day when all film of restorable quality, to the level of restoration we all love and admire, has been restored. I dread that day.

[@NASS_0]

Thank you for your comment, you're right it's starting to be difficult to find.

[@ronpalmer1371]

Excellent as usual 👍🏻

[@renatoamaral2029]

A+ restoration! Great job! ❤😊

[@philbateson7966]

Great video again, thanks😊 Would be great if you could split screen the same drive then and now side by side? (if feasible!) Great stuff👍👍

[@NASS_0]

thank you very much

[@luigivincenz3843]

the ZZ TOP car on the image is a darn great eye-catcher :)

[@Bluedex2011]

This is awesome, I like the quality and color. I tried to colorize a film using Photoshop, but for some reason the color red intermittently spreads across people and objects.

[@NASS_0]

it's not easy ;)

[@السعوديه-ذ4ب]

جميل❤

[@aravanegas1369]

Mi Abuelita es de 1936 increíbles

[@secpac58chichi]

wonder how much an acre on the beach in Malibu was then ?

[@tino6846]

I think that was Jake Gettis driving that car

[@nthdegree1269]

So amazing to see! Wonderful work you do.

[@NASS_0]

thank you very much

[@AndreiChrisso]

amazing :)

[@Bright79-111]

When trees used to be green.

[@rainscratch]

Excellent content as usual. To reduce the dominating purple color try adjusting hue and/or reduce saturation - this should improve that issue.

[@NASS_0]

thx ;)

[@Me97202]

This is the closest thing to time travel.

[@NASS_0]

Thx!!!

[@uncitoyen_8614]

Beautiful town, L.A. 😁

[@carylichtman-w6x]

It would be informative if you could name the streets/avenues. Also if possible some information on what we are seeing.

[@t.slothrop756]

A fair number of commenters on his videos supply the location/street names.

[@Demue]

not a single smartphone in sight

[@briancalifornia1]

It was probably not even recognizable today

[@dr.skipkazarian5556]

Great work. Out of curiosity, does the smog particular to L.A. (clouding and coloring) affect how you restore these street scenes? Thank you again.

[@NASS_0]

thank you very much!

[@peteg2715]

Reminds me of the movie 🤠

[@varrick1226]

Simply amazing. I'm sure Hollywood would hire you and your expertise to do something like this.

[@NASS_0]

x)

[@renatoamaral2029]

​@@NASS_0you are very talented. ❤😊

[@NASS_0]

Thx!! ^^@@renatoamaral2029

[@drgwdrgw]

Right at the start, the large business on the left side is the Kerckhoff-Cuzner Lumber Company which occupied the NE corner of Macy and Alameda where, in not too many years, the Post Office Terminal Annex would rise.

[@HaydenBrewer-v4j]

I’ve lived in SoCal all my life so this whole vibe feels so familiar to me- I would know this was California even without seeing the title. Those palm trees and bright sun!

[@太郎丸-y4t]

この時代の車のエンジンのかけ方が今とは違うかもしれないでござる🏯

[@f.w.2054]

Before the freeway!

[@TruthyToo]

Forget it Jake...

[@MacXpert74]

Very nice! The color came out really good on this one.

[@jaminova_1969]

I guess YT doesn't like URL's but check out the CA Historical Society for more history on the demolition of Chinatown and construction of LA Union Station. Unfortunately, crime is out of control in California these days, but the restoration of Union Station is really very beautiful!