A new way to restore film and videotapes
At Alive Studios we are always looking for ways to improve how old memories are preserved and restored.
Over the past year we have been developing a completely new restoration process called Realism™. This uses a carefully trained AI diffusion model designed specifically for historic film and videotape.
The goal of Realism is simple:
to bring out the natural detail that already exists in the original footage, without creating artificial artefacts.
Earlier AI tools often tried to invent detail. While this sometimes made footage look sharper, it could also introduce textures or patterns that were never present in the original film.
Realism takes a different approach.
Instead of “inventing” detail, it focuses on recovering the authentic detail already captured on the original film or tape, producing results that feel much more natural and true to the moment that was filmed.
Great restoration starts with a great transfer
No amount of software can compensate for a poor transfer. That’s why the most important part of the process is capturing the original footage as cleanly as possible.
Cine film scanning
For cine film we use a professional stop-motion film scanner.
Unlike older telecine systems, this photographs each individual frame of film as a separate high-resolution image. By capturing every frame individually we can extract the maximum possible detail from the original film stock.
Before scanning, every reel of film is carefully cleaned to remove dust and debris.
This ensures the cleanest possible starting point for the restoration process.
Video tape transfer
For videotapes and camcorder formats we use broadcast-grade equipment, including a Blackmagic Teranex processor and UltraStudio 4K capture system.
This allows us to extract the cleanest signal possible from the original tape before any restoration work begins.
As with film, all tapes are cleaned and inspected before transfer.
The Realism™ restoration process
Once the footage has been captured, Realism can begin its work.
Our AI diffusion model has been trained to analyse the structure of historic film and analogue video images. Rather than simply sharpening the picture, it works to:
• recover natural detail
• reduce noise and artefacts
• improve clarity while maintaining the original texture of the film
• avoid the artificial look often associated with AI enhancement
The result is footage that looks clearer and more detailed, while still feeling authentic to the original recording.
Realism™ is now used on all orders
We’re pleased to announce that Realism is now part of our standard workflow.
This means the new restoration process is now applied to:
• all current projects in progress
• all new orders placed from today onwards
Customers who have previously used Alive Studios may therefore notice an additional improvement in quality compared with earlier transfers.
See the difference
Below is an example taken from a Super 8 film scan, showing how Realism can reveal natural detail that was previously difficult to see.
You can also watch a short video example here:
Making the process simple
Alongside improving our restoration technology, we also try to make the process of digitising your memories as simple as possible.
We offer:
• Free Royal Mail collection and delivery
• A simple online ordering system
• Klarna at checkout, allowing you to spread the cost if you wish
Preserving memories for the future
Many people still have boxes of cine film or videotapes stored away at home. These recordings often contain moments that were never transferred properly or only exist on ageing media.
With modern scanning technology and the new Realism™ restoration process, it’s now possible to see those memories clearer than ever before, while keeping them faithful to the original film.
If you would like to learn more about digitising your film or tapes, we would be very happy to help.
Alive Studios
Professional film and videotape digitisation
https://www.alivestudios.co.uk
