MIPTV 2019 will be launching the world’s first programme of 8K content screenings on Tuesday, 9 April, in the Palais des Festivals, Cannes.
The industry is rapidly moving forward on new broadcast standards. Major Japanese broadcasters started 4K and 8K transmissions on broadcast satellite from 1 December last year. NHK is broadcasting a full range of programmes 12 hours a day in the very latest 8K Ultra-High Definition standard. On 19 February, Italy’s public broadcaster RAI announced it would start regular 8K transmissions with the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
This is the very first time that such a collection of extraordinary 8K footage has been assembled.
NHK will screen segments from their Two Hour Tour series of city visits (real-world Japanese visitors usually spend two hours at each attraction). The Palais of Versailles (a co-production between NHK and the Château of Versailles) will be showcased. NHK has also looked closely at its archive and MIPTV delegates will see a digitally-remastered 8K version of Hollywood musical My Fair Lady, captured from the original 70mm master.
Also being screened in 8K is music content from France’s Paramax Films including a musical tribute to Michel Legrand, as well as a new film (provisionally titled Music Hole). In addition, 8K footage from Italy’s Magnitudo Film will be available. The USA’s K2 Studios will present Volcanoes, and their Rocky Mountain Express (initially shot for large-screen cinemas) in 8K. Japanese broadcaster Wowow will show clips from locally produced version of Cold Case in 8K.
Director and cinematographer Peter Chang (Golden Gate 3D) will showcase his latest UHD 8K resolution output including Cuba (shot for BBC Earth and Giant Screen Films) and San Francisco Flow. Saint Thomas Productions, which regularly use 8K for their factual and documentary output are just back from filming the spectacular eruption of Anak Krakatoa. NASA TV will also screen 8K footage captured from the International Space Station in 8K.
Kansai-TV will showcase their 8K drama To Make which has won many awards including New York Film Festival Short Film category.
The 8K screenings will take place in the Sony UHD Theatre of the Palais des Festivals, Cannes.
