Warner has announced plans to undergo major restorations of a number of its classic catalog titles in anticipation of future next-gen release on Blu-ray and HD DVD.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the studio has extensive plans in the works to create 4k restorations of some of its biggest vault titles. That's a quite a step up from today's more commonly-used 2k resolution, which is standard for most catalog remasters.
Among the classics cited by Warner for pending re-issue include 'Bonnie & Clyde,' 'Cool Hand Luke' and the Dirty Harry films 'Sudden Impact' and 'Magnum Force.'
Also on the list was 'Blade Runner,' which Warner has already slated for high-def release this coming October in a new 'Essential 25th Anniversary Edition.'
"When you are doing restoration, you want to re-create a new element to support the title for years to come," Chris Cookson, president of Warner Bros. Technical Operations and chief technology officer of the Warner Bros. Entertainment Group, told the Hollywood Reporter.
"It is critical that you retain as much of the original information that the filmmaker created as possible. Unless you are willing to work at 4k, it is inevitable that you will lose a great deal of the information that was created and included in the (original) finished film," he added.
Aside from 'Blade Runner,' no formal release dates ave been announced for any of Warner's other listed 4k remasters. However, the studio says it is eyeing an eventual cross-format bow for all on Blu-ray, HD DVD and standard-def DVD.
We'll certainly keep you posted as more news comes in on Warner's restoration plans for its classic titles, and all of the studio's new Blu-ray and HD DVD release announcements.
