Toft video quality

Welcome Guest. Please Login or Register.

Toft video quality

Posted: 4/28/16 at 2:43pm

It seems quite puzzling to me that they still film shows in standard definition while it could do the set design and lightning so much more justice if they do it in at least HD. The Allegiance video recording is just atrocious. I barely feel the thrill I would get I saw it in person while watching it at toft, and I was soaked in tears all three visits to Longacre. I guess the cost would not be too big an issue if the producers really want to immortalize their closed shows.

Updated On: 4/28/16 at 02:43 PM

Toft video quality

Posted: 4/28/16 at 2:53pm

There are various issues at play here.

First - do TOFT do the recordings themselves (and therefore own the equipment), or do they contract it out? I remember hearing they stayed on Umatic until long after that format was dead, buried, and the earth salted. They're not that well funded, and buying new equipment is probably not a priority if they film things in-house.

Second - the masters might be in HD, but their viewing system definitely isn't. That'd mean upgrading the playback hardware (they use standard DVD players with a PC interface), securing the data chains, etc. etc. Their analog digitisations aren't great, either, but I do video work for a living. Most people don't notice most of the problems I do.

Third - What do the contracts say? They might have restrictions on quality.

Fourth - It's an academic archive, not a multiplex. You want HD, 10 cameras, and film-friendly lighting? Buy a ticket for NT Live.

Toft video quality

Posted: 4/28/16 at 2:54pm

Their purpose is NOT for entertainment value...at all.

If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.

Toft video quality

Posted: 4/28/16 at 3:05pm

Dancingthrulife2, you seem to completely misunderstand the purpose of the recordings in the library. It's for research- for academic and archival purposes. Not to recreate the feeling of seeing the show again.

Toft video quality

Posted: 4/28/16 at 3:33pm

I get it that it's for the use of research. But people research lighting and set design as well! To see it in HD is a great way, for example, for a regional theater company to stage the show and can help directors a lot. I'm just disappointed that when they decide how to film the show they leave out certain aspects in terms of what is worth researching.

Updated On: 4/28/16 at 03:33 PM

Toft video quality

Posted: 4/28/16 at 3:37pm

exedore said: "There are various issues at play here.

First - do TOFT do the recordings themselves (and therefore own the equipment), or do they contract it out? I remember hearing they stayed on Umatic until long after that format was dead, buried, and the earth salted. They're not that well funded, and buying new equipment is probably not a priority if they film things in-house.

Second - the masters might be in HD, but their viewing system definitely isn't. That'd mean upgrading the playback hardware (they use standard DVD players with a PC interface), securing the data chains, etc. etc. Their analog digitisations aren't great, either, but I do video work for a living. Most people don't notice most of the problems I do.

Third - What do the contracts say? They might have restrictions on quality.

Fourth - It's an academic archive, not a multiplex. You want HD, 10 cameras, and film-friendly lighting? Buy a ticket for NT Live."

Thanks for your insight. Hopefully one day they'll get the fund to renovate the system.

Toft video quality

Posted: 4/28/16 at 3:50pm

The cost is the main reason more shows are not recorded. Everyone from the cast and crew has to be compensated. If something is released to video, they get a piece of that. It simply is not feasible for most shows to do it. In addition, why would backers of a failed show,after losing their shirt on Broadway,pony up more money to film a failed show .All this would do would be to increase the amount they have already lost.

Poster Emeritus

Toft video quality

Posted: 4/28/16 at 3:52pm

I'm still not following. "To see it in HD is a great way, for example, for a regional theater company to stage the show and can help directors a lot"

So they can copy it? No.

Toft video quality

Posted: 4/28/16 at 4:30pm

neonlightsxo said: "I'm still not following. "To see it in HD is a great way, for example, for a regional theater company to stage the show and can help directors a lot"

So they can copy it? No.

"

Sigh... To study something is not to COPY it, though some would do, but that's the case of plagiarism. There are certain technical skills that can be borrowed but done in a way that can give a show a new life as opposed to repeating it. Also some shows such as this She Loves Me revival have the designs and performances that can certainly benefit generations working in this industry, as well as great case studies for students. I understand that the archive is somewhat limited because of lack of funding as of now, but it would be a miss opportunity if such shows are not "immortalized" well.

← Back to Message Board

View all Videos

Tickets From $59

Tickets From $70

Tickets From $106

Tickets From $60