Virtual restoration, also known as digital or electronic restoration, has over time assumed a key role in the preservation and enhancement of historical film posters
This material, of great artistic and iconographic value, is often subject to deterioration due to external factors such as exposure to light, humidity, and more or less frequent handling. For conservation and dissemination purposes, in addition to traditional interventions, the need has emerged for digital restoration capable of restoring the works to their original printed condition
Restoration in the various original print formats
In the restoration of movie posters, each format shows characteristic signs related not only to weather damage but also to transportation and folding. Playbills, usually folded in half, often show a single central line of wear, while larger formats, folded in several sections, show several worn lines. Digital restoration of these formats, being printed on a single sheet, focuses mainly on reconstructing missing parts and removing scratches and marks.
Starting with the 140 x 200 cm format (technically called “four sheets”), the restoration process becomes more complex, as the original image was printed on multiple sheets. Traditionally, these were combined to display the poster outside cinemas, but left clearly visible overlaps, inconsistencies and discoloration caused by printing imperfections. Virtual restoration, on the other hand, aims to obtain a continuous image, free of chromatic or visual interruptions; the main challenge is therefore to join the sections perfectly, matching, among other things, the lithographic screen characteristic of prints of the time.
The technique of virtual restoration, initially developed for archival purposes, has proven to be indispensable in many other fields. In the cinematic, television, and theatrical industries, the reconstruction of period settings requires original movie posters to be restored to their initial condition in order to accurately recreate the atmosphere of the era. The museum and publishing sectors also widely rely on this technique for the creation of catalogs and specialized publications, where high image quality and the optimal condition of the artworks are essential to enhance their value
Original image with signs of time
Image after restoration
Digital restoration of film posters includes several techniques to restore images to their original appearance. Among these, the main ones are:
Retouching: removal of scratches, creases, stains and other surface defects without altering the original appearance of the poster
Reconstruction of missing parts: in some cases, portions of the poster may be missing or severely damaged. Virtual restoration aims to digitally recreate the missing parts, using historical documentation and archival images to ensure the authenticity of the reconstruction.
Color reintegration: Virtual restoration of movie posters and playbills is not only a preservation practice, but also a key means of enhancing and preserving film-related cultural heritage. Original posters are more than mere promotional tools, but are true works of graphic art that reflect the taste and style of an era.
Virtual restoration of movie posters and playbills is not only a preservation practice, but also a key means of enhancing and preserving film-related cultural heritage. Original posters are more than mere promotional tools, but are true works of graphic art that reflect the taste and style of an era.
Thanks to this technique, iconic images from the past can be recovered, bringing back details that would otherwise be lost forever. Moreover, these materials can be made accessible to the public, preserving their quality for future generations and allowing enthusiasts and researchers to fully appreciate them.
Digital restoration of film posters is, therefore, an extraordinary opportunity to promote and preserve the history of cinema and the graphic art that accompanied it..
