Thursday, 26 April 2018

Experimental 1080p video footage offers an uncannily sharp snapshot of 1992 in Japan

Good-Night TOKYO was video recorded in 1992 using an experimental high-definition digital camera with features that didn't become standard on consumer devices for 20 years: 1080 lines and 60 frames per second. The world depicted is clearly from decades ago, but is recorded with a sharpness and starkness that signifies the present day. It seem uncannily contemporary. It's a weird artifact which reminds me how carefully composed period films and shows have to be, because the real world is in truth empty of old things and overstuffed with the new.

It doesn't say in the video description, but this is perhaps a trade pitch for Japan public broadcaster' NHK's high-definition LaserDisc specifications.