Message from Allen Daviau

2 April 2008

Today’s cinematographers go to great lengths to insure that all of the richness, range, and detail of their original images reach the home screens of the viewers. Throughout the photo-chemical laboratory processes and the full range of digital manipulations, the cinematographer who cares wants to ensure that every step taken is in the best interest of the look of that motion picture.

This has been the case for some time, but with the real arrival of a High Definition television system and the subsequent enlargement of the home image size, the responsibility has a greater intensity. We, and all of the technicians who work with us, want you to feel all of the power of those images that so many people, in front of and behind the camera, fought to achieve.

I think that you would be very pleased with the intensity and precision of our efforts. In return, we make an important request of you. Please be very sure that your home viewing screen is capable of displaying all of the quality that has gone into the motion picture that you are viewing. You may own a very high quality system, but if it has not been properly calibrated, you would be shocked at how much you are missing.

Starting with the quality of your incoming signal, be it from an antenna, cable, satellite dish, or disc, it should be capable of delivering everything in the original master. The adjustment of your display device should be done to insure that it is accurate in terms of contrast, brightness, color temperature, and color intensity.

Unfortunately, the manner in which displays are adjusted at the factory is to ensure that it gets attention in a store, surrounded by many other screens. It has not been adjusted to display the qualities that the filmmakers considered important. If you have these adjustments made properly, your enjoyment of those images will greatly increase. You will be seeing what we intended you to see, and all of us, the creators and the audience, will be very much happier.

It is well worth your time to be certain of your investment.

-Allen Daviau (view Allen Daviau’s profile on IMDB)