Motion smoothing, a common television feature designed to enhance the viewing experience of moving images, has become a contentious topic among film enthusiasts and directors. While it aims to create a smoother, more fluid appearance for content displayed on modern high refresh rate televisions, its effect on cinematic content, particularly movies, has drawn widespread criticism. This feature, often marketed under various names incorporating “Motion,” such as Motion Interpolation, attempts to address the mismatch between the frame rate of movies and the refresh rate of televisions. Hollywood films are typically shot at 24 frames per second (fps), while modern TVs refresh at 60Hz or 120Hz. This discrepancy results in a characteristic cinematic look that many viewers appreciate and associate with the traditional movie-going experience.
Motion smoothing attempts to bridge this gap by artificially inserting frames into the 24fps movie content to match the TV’s higher refresh rate. The TV’s processor analyzes consecutive frames and generates interpolated frames to fill the gaps. This process, while intended to create a smoother image, often introduces an unnatural, soap opera-like effect that detracts from the intended cinematic aesthetic. Critics argue that this smoothing effect removes the subtle judder and blur inherent in 24fps filmmaking, flattening the image and diminishing the intended artistic impact. The added frames, being computer-generated estimations, can also introduce artifacts and distort fast-paced action sequences, further compromising the viewing experience.
Renowned directors, including Christopher Nolan and Martin Scorsese, have voiced their strong disapproval of motion smoothing, advocating for viewers to disable the feature. They emphasize that films are crafted with the 24fps aesthetic in mind, and the addition of artificial frames undermines their artistic vision. The interpolation process can significantly alter the look and feel of a film, affecting its pacing, texture, and overall emotional impact. This concern extends beyond contemporary films to classic movies, which were also created within the 24fps framework.
As an alternative to manually adjusting individual settings to counteract motion smoothing, a dedicated viewing mode known as Filmmaker Mode (FMM) has been developed by the UHD Alliance. This mode offers a standardized setting that automatically disables motion smoothing and adjusts other picture parameters to adhere to the filmmaker’s intended presentation. FMM aims to provide viewers with a home cinema experience that closely replicates the director’s original vision. By activating FMM, viewers can ensure that the film’s artistic integrity is preserved, enjoying the movie as it was meant to be seen, free from the artificial enhancements of motion smoothing.
Filmmaker Mode represents a collaborative effort between filmmakers and television manufacturers to provide a solution to the ongoing debate surrounding motion smoothing. Directors like Christopher Nolan and Martin Scorsese have endorsed FMM, recognizing its value in preserving the artistic intent of their work. They stress the importance of respecting the original specifications of films, including frame rate, aspect ratio, and lighting choices, all of which contribute to the film’s unique character. FMM allows viewers to experience these films in their purest form, unadulterated by the artificial alterations introduced by motion smoothing.
Filmmaker Mode is becoming increasingly prevalent in newer television models from various manufacturers, including LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Philips, and Vizio. While availability might vary depending on the specific model, users can typically access and activate FMM through their television’s settings menu. By enabling FMM, viewers can ensure an authentic cinematic experience, effectively bypassing the often-undesirable effects of motion smoothing and enjoying movies as their creators intended. Checking for and activating Filmmaker Mode is a simple yet crucial step for anyone seeking an optimal home cinema experience, particularly when watching movies filmed at the traditional 24fps cinematic standard.
