Prioritization of 4K Releases

This page outlines the criteria for prioritizing content for a 4K release.

General Rule

Priority for a 4K release is given to content that was originally acquired or produced in a high-resolution format that can be remastered to achieve a high-quality 4K presentation.

Specific Considerations

Source Material

Content shot on 35mm film or a digital equivalent with a resolution sufficient for a high-quality 4K presentation is considered a strong candidate for a 4K release, even if it was originally released in a lower resolution format (e.g., standard definition). This is because the high-resolution source material allows for a significant improvement in image quality when remastered for 4K. Content shot on lower resolutions (e.g., standard definition) with no high-resolution source material will not be prioritized for a 4K release. Upscaling such content to 4K may not result in a significant improvement in image quality.

Availability of Resources

The decision to release content in 4K will also consider resource availability. Restoring and remastering content for 4K can be time-consuming and expensive.

Examples

A film shot on 35mm film, even if it was originally released on VHS (standard definition), would be a strong candidate for a 4K release. A television show produced on 35mm film but originally broadcast in standard definition would be a priority for a 4K release. A television show entirely produced using standard definition video cameras would not be a priority for a 4K release.

Notes

This is a general guideline, and exceptions may exist based on specific circumstances. Technological advancements may lead to improved methods for upscaling lower-resolution content in the future.

Additional Considerations

'Archiving: Even if not released in 4K currently, high-resolution source material should be preserved for potential future releases. 'Fan Demand: High audience demand for a particular title in 4K may influence the prioritization process.