Song of the South

Over more than six months devoted fans spent hundreds of hours restoring a well-worn print of Walt Disney’s Song of the South to be as close to the film makers’ intent as possible.

Even though there was no access to the original negatives or other studio elements some generally-circulating but imperfect assets seemed to offer enough information to possibly eke out a presentable version of the film. (These resulted apparently from the film being public domain in both Japan and Spain.)

So an intense restoration project began largely because the restoration team simply wanted to finally see and enjoy a favorite films as it was intended.

The result of the effort is a version of Song of the South that is more pristine than any version even Walt himself ever witnessed.

That may sound like hyperbole but it’s true.

Here are some of the highlights of this restoration:

1. Full High Definition video

2. Audio noise reduction and repair

3. Shot-by-shot Color Correction

4. Flicker removal

5. Blemish repairs

6. Dirt and Scratch removal

7. RGB record realignment

8. Image Sharpening using both AI and standard algorithms.

9. More visible picture area (less cropping)

10. Stereo-enhanced audio

11. Image stabilization

12. Grain reduction

Since the film has been mistreated and misunderstood since before it was even completed in 1946, the restoration of this beautiful work of art is offered free to all as a public service and as a tribute to Walt’s legacy