A Multispectral Scanning and Post-Processing Workflow for Historical Film Colors

Metadata

Publisher: SMPTE
Doc Type: Journal Article
Content Type: Original Research
Abbreviated Title: SMPTE Motion Imaging Jour.
Volume: 135, No. 4, pp. 34–42
Abstract: A multispectral digitization workflow that uses a uniform distribution of spectral bands across the visible spectrum can significantly improve results and provide reliable documentation of heterogeneous archival color film stocks. It also enhances versatility for innovative renderings compatible with future projection technologies. Reducing subjective interventions in film digitization remains a cornerstone of restoration ethics. Multispectral scanning directly leverages the information embedded in historical film stocks, enabling a robust, material-based technology that respects the unique properties of each film element. An integrated multispectral digitization and post-processing chain supports physically accurate rendering of scans by including measurements from various cinema projection illuminants. The goal of this workflow is to represent the color appearance as it would have been perceived on the cinema screen. Building on more than a decade of research into the technology and aesthetics of historical film colors and scanning, we have integrated this knowledge into a practical solution.
Publication Date: 2026-07-01
DOI: 10.5594/JMI.2026/GWFJ9049
ISSN: Print: 1545-0279 | Electronic: 2160-2492
Link: https://doi.org/10.5594/JMI.2026/GWFJ9049
Author(s): Barbara Flueckiger
Giorgio Trumpy
Keyword(s): Digitization, Multispectral Scanning, Film Color, Color Science, Cultural Heritage
Copyright: © 2026 SMPTE

Bibliographic Reference(s)

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C. Blot-Wellens, “The Digital Statement Part II: Scanning for Preservation,” J. Film Preserv., 108: 19–33, Apr. 2023. EXTERNAL
G. Fossati, From Grain to Pixel: The Archival Life of Film in Transition. Amsterdam, Netherlands:Amsterdam Univ. Press, 2018. EXTERNAL
B. Flueckiger, “Investigation of Film Material-Scanner Interaction,” Report, 2018. EXTERNAL
R. Gschwind, “Simulating and Optimizing the Colour Reproduction of Photographic Materials,” in Colour Imaging Systems. Royal Photographic Society: 4–12, 1986. EXTERNAL
Deutsches Institut für Normung, “Empfehlungen zur Digitalisierung von kinematografischem Film,” DIN SPEC 15587, 2019. EXTERNAL
G. Trumpy, “Chromatic Callier Effect and Its Repercussions on the Digitization of Early Film Colors,” J. Imaging Sci. Technol., 63 (1): 10506-1–10506-11, Jan. 2019. EXTERNAL
H. G. MacPherson, “Suggested Classification of Carbon Arc Terminology as Applied to Pictures,” Int. Projectionist. 17 (8): 18, Aug. 1942. EXTERNAL
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D. Pfluger, “Spectra of Projection Light Sources Used for Analogue Cinema Projection,” Report, 2023. EXTERNAL
CIE, Colorimetry-Part 1: CIE Standard Colorimetric Observers, 2019. EXTERNAL
G. Trumpy, “A Multispectral Design for a New Generation of Film Scanners”, in Proc. SPIE 11784, Optics for Arts, Architecture, and Archaeology VIII, 117840Z:8 July 2021. EXTERNAL
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Barbara Flueckiger and Giorgio Trumpy; A Multispectral Scanning and Post-Processing Workflow for Historical Film Colors, MIJ 2026, Volume 135, Number 4 (pp. 34 to 42); SMPTE, 2026. Available at https://doi.org/10.5594/JMI.2026/GWFJ9049

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Barbara Flueckiger and Giorgio Trumpy; A Multispectral Scanning and Post-Processing Workflow for Historical Film Colors, MIJ 2026, Volume 135, Number 4 (pp. 34 to 42); SMPTE, 2026. Available at https://doi.org/10.5594/JMI.2026/GWFJ9049

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<span class="citation">Barbara Flueckiger and Giorgio Trumpy; <cite>A Multispectral Scanning and Post-Processing Workflow for Historical Film Colors</cite>, MIJ 2026, Volume 135, Number 4 (pp. 34 to 42); SMPTE, 2026. Available at <a href="https://doi.org/10.5594/JMI.2026/GWFJ9049" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.5594/JMI.2026/GWFJ9049</a></span>

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Barbara Flueckiger and Giorgio Trumpy; A Multispectral Scanning and Post-Processing Workflow for Historical Film Colors, MIJ 2026, Volume 135, Number 4 (pp. 34 to 42); SMPTE, 2026
doi: 10.5594/JMI.2026/GWFJ9049
url: https://doi.org/10.5594/JMI.2026/GWFJ9049

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<li>
Barbara Flueckiger and Giorgio Trumpy; <cite id="bib-10-5594-jmi-2026-gwfj9049">A Multispectral Scanning and Post-Processing Workflow for Historical Film Colors</cite>, MIJ 2026, Volume 135, Number 4 (pp. 34 to 42); SMPTE, 2026
<span class="doi">10.5594/JMI.2026/GWFJ9049</span>
</li>