What is film grain? And why it’s important in movies?

One topic that has come up a lot this year is film grain. Today we're going to talk about it and why it's important. This is also our weekly digital code giveaway video so stick around until the end to see how to enter.
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[@ungraduatedmedia]

I’ve learned so much about film grain and 4k restorations. I’m one who “appreciates grain” but I want the highest level of clarity and detail. So I sort of fit in the middle. I now realize grain “is detail.” Yet, too much of it would take away the ability to “see detail.” So its gotta be done right. That’s why I don’t mind a little DNR. Just my 2 cents… Great vid my man!

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

I think like you. DNR does serve a purpose. You do want to clean up some grain if you can just not at the Sacrifice of the detail. But i’m with you. I don’t want to see a blizzard either lol. Thanks for the compliment buddy I truly appreciate it.

[@aaronclick6388]

If it was shot on film, I like and want a natural level of grain. I want it to retain the look that the filmmakers came up with. If it was shot digitally, I prefer that grain isn’t added back in, but if that’s how they released it originally, I’m okay with that. Basically, I like the home video release to honor how said movie was originally released. The Empire Strikes Back is my favorite sequel of all time!

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

That’s my exact feelings too. I don’t want something removed that was there. I appreciate how other feel about that but I would prefer it to be as the director intended when it came out. Empire is a great sequel and is somehow better than original.

[@SNOWLOVEd]

Grain is always needed for all those older films and are shown how they were filmed

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

I agree! It’s very necessary.

[@MrSmellyPotato23]

I appreciate both grain and the clean digital look. I like the way a movie like Point Break looks with that nice layer of grain. It really takes you back to the time period. Then I like how a movie like Crank looks and how clean and crisp it looks. I'm going to say my favorite sequel might be LOTR the Two Towers. I saw all three LOTR movies in theaters this past week, and they are all masterpieces of cinema

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

I agree my friend. sits a case by case situation. If it’s shot on digital there’s no need to add grain in. Just leave it as it is. I saw those when they came out on the big screen and really didn’t appreciate them at the time air wasn’t until last year that I truly appreciated how incredible that trilogy of movies is. True masterpiece of a trilogy!

[@MrSmellyPotato23]

@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia I'm glad you like the LOTR movies. I love how it felt that the cast and crew were fully committed to those movies, and by filming them all together, the quality felt consistent unlike other sequels that have many years between them

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

@MrSmellyPotato23 It feels like a trilogy should where one movie ends and the next begins. telling a complete story with fully developed characters.

[@TheOriginalFuzz]

Good video John! Great topic! Personally, I'm fairly flexible with grain. I like the filmic look, but I can also appreciate grain management when done well. And I don't mind a nice clean look if we're not sacrificing too much in other areas (detail, waxy appearance, etc.).

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

Thanks Fuzz! I appreciate you checking out the video. It really comes down to personal taste. I know some films I have liked the changes while others I didn’t. I don’t think anyone is wrong

[@TheOriginalFuzz]

@@LetsTalkEntertainmentMediaYeah I totally agree man. I feel like I can legitimately understand all sides of the discussion... because I've had different preferences myself that have varied depending on the film.

[@extofer]

I think I fall in the same category as you. I grew up in the 80s and consider film grain to be cinematic for films back in the day in much of the same way 24fps is cinematic. It is interesting though that too much of it can sacrifice detail and too little can also sacrifice detail due to DNR. There should be a happy medium with it where it doesn’t distract but only enhance the experience. For newer movies, I just go with whatever presentation they’re first shown in. if it’s digital and clean then fine. If it’s grainy, I just assume that’s how the filmmakers wanted it to look like and I’m satisfied. I don’t think I’ll ever budge on 24fps though. I hope that never changes. I’ll happily be the old man yelling at the sky if it does.

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

That’s exactly how I fell. the 24fps had to stay. I’ve never been a fan when they change it because it’s to distracting and not cinematic to me.

[@RougeOne2006]

Film Grain is preservation of older films and sure it can be distracting in more older Blurays but their 4Ks still have those grian in and it preserves the original film's nature and 35mm prints

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

There’s definitely a fine line. It can be distracting if they don’t clean up some of the grain. But you don’t want to eliminate it all.

[@RougeOne2006]

@@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia yeah If you don't like it Walk out the door and just turn around now cause your not welcome anymore

[@hednik]

I like both. But after watching a few videos about this and a really good one yesterday, I come to realize it's not as simple as the grain lovers make it out to be.

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

Exactly! It’s not that simple at all and even when it goes into the restoration process (A video for another day) there’s so many factors that go into these that I do feel guilty sometimes criticizing them because some of the stuff is really out of their hands.

[@jorge32081able]

Im a 80's baby so i don't mind grain on a older movie. Also my favorite sequal is Terminator 2.

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

It gives you that Nostalgic feeling! T2 would probably be my favorite sequel too.

[@lunamoth5164]

This is interesting, I remember when they started adding the grainy filter to simulate it for movies shot on digital cameras when they started. I thought it was weird because while digital cameras weren't at their best quality yet it was an exciting technology to build on and had a lot of benefits. I remember when CD's were big in the 90's and people talked about missing the warmth of vinyl and my Dad didn't because it was just the music clearly, no hisses or pops. The grain filter made it look unnatural like a repeating sheet of grey scratches. While it got better I think I prefer going forward the most vivid color they can get. For my favorite sequel I might go with Horrible Bosses 2 it built off their personalities and theme of the first one and kind of upped the energy. It's actually one of the few movies I would have liked a third were maybe they were the bosses suspecting people coming after them like they did in the past and them on the defense now. Anchorman 2 was so funny and had some great weirdly sweet moments but the only thing that bothered me was separating him and Veronica even though it led to a triumphant ending. What's a movie you would like a sequel to?

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

I actually really liked horrible bosses two loll. I remember people hating it but I still rewatch that every time I watch the original. Anchorman 2 I always enjoyed. It’s not he original but it’s still really funny and the characters still have great chemistry. The legacy sequel I always wanted was Ace Ventura. I think Jim can still do that role and it would be funny to see where he is 30 years later lol

[@jambou8580]

So many sequels could fall into the top spot for me. I’ll throw out Infinity War. I still have fun with it and think it will hold up well over time.

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

I agree that’s a masterpiece and to follow it up with Endgame is really incredible.

[@stuartgeorge2324]

Great video john 👍🏻

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

Thanks Stuart I really appreciate you checking it!

[@AX5Terminator]

My favorite sequels of all time is Aliens, Teminator 2 Judgement Day, Spiderman 2, The Dark Knight and Toy Story 3

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

That’s a great list. I love all of those movies!!

[@sunshine23]

The Empire Strikes Back is my favorite sequel. Terminator 2 and Aliens are really close behind it.

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

All 3 movies I consider all time classics.

[@Namesbondjamesbond]

Literally every james bond film after casino royale 2006 Excellent franchise

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

It’s one of my all time favorites!

[@masterofthefresh]

I remember the first time I really noticed it was when I got Ghostbusters on blu-ray back in 2009. I thought it made the movie look bad but over time I grew to love it. Sometimes I think it can be too much. One example is Ti West's The House Of The evil. He shot that on 16mm and at times It's so bad you can barley tell what was on the screen when it was during a dark scene. But the alternative is something like Predator that was DNR'ed to death. That looked awful with everyone looking like wax. So I'd take grain any day of the week.

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

That Predator Blu ray was terrible lol. Ghostbusters even on 4K has that grain and it’s just how that film is. Ghostbusters 2 actually is a better looking movie overall. Just not as good lol.

[@021om6]

Great topic! 👍 absolute grain lover here 🙋‍♂️ 35mm film over digital all day long! A light level of grain is the line to not cross anything where its completely gone is just artifical and throws me off. I'd probably say the Reservoir Dogs 4k transfer is probably the best combination.

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

I love that transfer too and didn’t expect it to look as good as it did. I agree when you remove all grain your changing the image to much especially from how it was intended to be seen.

[@021om6]

@@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia This is why I absolutely love the new 4k format and how it has revived all these catalogue movies. It has brought back a fresh enthusiasm to collecting again and watching all these movies that has been restored in the correct way has brought so much joy. Thankfully most 4k restorations have been phenomenal and we are so lucky to have this technology. I never thought I'd see these movies looking so good. Yes unfortunately directors like James Cameron has a different outlook on what 4k restoration means let's hope he stays in the minority. All the boutique labels have been doing a wonderful job and has brought in new life into our beloved hobby!

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

@021om6 You said it best my friend! I look forward to just watching these movies again when they get upgraded nThey have never looked and sounded better. It really is the boutique labels that really do deserve the most credit. They put the most love and care into the releases for the most part. I would even say overall the studios haven’t been that bad. Sometimes they just get to greedy for their own good.

[@021om6]

​@@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia I've been surprised with the studios as most part they have been doing a great job especially Sony I cant deny they have released some superb 4k movies! Obviously Disney is another story lol

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

They’re on opposite sides lolll. Sony definitely competes with the boutique labels more then any other major studio.

[@carloschavez1574]

Breakin’ two electric boogaloo! Just kidding 😂 I love Rocky II

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

Loll both are right answers hahahaha

[@ricogomez4020]

Now the SMOKEY & THE BANDIT 4k has film grain which I never seen before on commercial tv telecast, VHS, laserdisc, dvd and blu-ray. The 4k doesn't look like I remember seeing it. Looks nice but. My favorite sequel of all-time is: STAR TREK 2: WRATH OF KHAN.

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

I didn’t expect that to be your favorite sequel of all time. I’m actually really do for a rewatch.

[@ricogomez4020]

@@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia That movie has it all. The villain, hero, touching ending, uplifting ending, comedy, good FX, drama, music score. Only thing missing are sexy babes.

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

@ricogomez4020 They probably could if put some in lol

[@EVILDEADN1996]

Evil dead 2 The blend of Horror and humor was an excellent idea as a whole

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

It was genius and a risk. Essentially a remake of the original but still its own thing. It’s iconic.

[@Shayne_S05]

Catching fire is my favorite sequel of all time. Thanks for the giveaway

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

Always my friend. I appreciate you entering

[@emmanuelmonjaras2234]

Top Gun Maverick favorite sequel

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

It’s so good and really had no business being that good

[@tommasanderson]

I mean my favorite sequel would be Toy Story 2 an excellent sequal saw it when it got re released in 2010 in 3D

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

I’ve always felt like Toy Story 2 was the best of the Franchise. I saw it in 99 when it came out and on every rewatch I still feel that way.

[@mutiger2001]

I do not mind grain but what I mind is this most of this community obsession with grain, and sadly most do not know what it is. There was another video put out that was good on regarding what grain is. I would also argue that the grain we see in 4k blu rays today are not the original grain and a digital grain overall.

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

You’re absolutely right! Thats why I say they’re still using some DNR on the images to eliminate some of the grain. I’m with you and hate the obsession over the grain because it’s an argument over opinion. No one is right or wrong. People like what they like but it’s stupid to argue about lol.

[@WAHOO0120]

Dune Part Two as a whole!.

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

It’s a great film!!

[@CaliforniaLovenIt]

My favorite sequel would be top gun maverick I'm surprised no-one else said it actually lol

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

So am I. Thats gota be the best legacy sequel we have gotten. The never that good.

[@johnducharme2653]

The Dark Knight

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

Great choice John!

[@444chroma]

Grain is natural it's not something you want to fight. I avoid releases that are marred by DNR. With a good TV and D65 white point the grain falls into place and you can enjoy the most detail

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

I couldn’t agree more. I understand why some people don’t like it and it can be distracting but I think it’s needed if it was always there.

[@Youknowwhatremarkable]

My favorite sequals are always the austin powers films

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

They do have good and very underrated sequels.

[@BrianBedard]

Empire Strikes Back

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

One of the rare times where the original is better then the sequel

[@Rusty-dy5iy]

T2 Or Terminator 2

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

That’s my choice buddy!!

[@808physicalmedia9]

Hey John, are you going to review Godzilla x Kong: the new empire 4k uhd?

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

I’m on the fence. I haven’t seen the movie and definitely need too and i’m hearing its reference quality. I’m just not the biggest fan of the series.

[@SeanSodaPop]

Grain is always welcome to all classic films but dnr it or remove it removes the way it was ment yo be seen in

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

I would rather it be there then not if it was there originally.

[@GottaFindThemAll]

T2 i mean it's terminator 2!

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

This is my choice.

[@BluRayCollector18]

My favorite sequel has to be Aliens from the original alien It's an excellent change from the original film while it's a Horror film and bringing in comdry and action and still an great actions. Plus the performances from the acting and score along with the Directon by James Cameron Plus it's 4K removed the original grain in the film which sucks! Its was filmed with grain not Ai!

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

I agree with you on both Aliens is one of the best Sequels of all time. It actually stands alone. Even though I love the original a little bit more lol. I also prefer that previous blu ray.

[@BluRayCollector18]

@@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia I agree I still kept my copy still and avoided the 4K transfer after renting the 4K digital stream and it look lkke s

[@Billhowrude00]

Sigh dnr and ai useage in those Cameron's 4Ks were so bad I decided not to buy or get them at all. Not even digitally even. Even if i got a digital copy i got rid of it. It hurts to remove grain from the film

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

I respect that! I think you would have been happy with the Abyss but definitely would have been let down overall.

[@NostalgiaOneByOne212]

Man those 3 films were ruined on 4K (apart from abyss) true lies and aliens were ruinted especially from Aliens which is really unfortunate from the ai and DNR used in the films

[@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia]

If all three came out looking like The Abyss I don’t think there would have been any controversy.