MUMBAI: The 1962-made David Lean’s classic Lawrence of Arabiai has been restored in 4K version. The restoration work was accomplished at Colorworks.
The before-and-after clips of the film was recently screened by Grover Crisp, executive vp, asset management, film restoration and digital mastering for Sony Pictures Entertainment. He explained that the “emulsion was cracked” and “the negative is badly scratched” on the original.
The film, starring Peter O‘Toole in the title role, depicts Lawrence‘s experiences in Arabia during World War I, in particular his attacks on Aqaba and Damascus and his involvement in the Arab National Council. Its themes include Lawrence‘s emotional struggles with the personal violence inherent in war, his personal identity, and his divided allegiance between his native Britain and its army and his newfound comrades within the Arabian desert tribes.
The restored version of the film will be released on Blu-Ray later this year. A theatrical rerelease is also being planned.