In October, the Pordenone Silent Film Festival hosted the world premiere of OMNIMAGO GmbH’s stunning restoration of SONG. Die Liebe eines armen Menschenkindes (1928), directed by Richard Eichberg and starring Anna May Wong in her first leading role. Commissioned by the Filmmuseum Düsseldorf, this ambitious project culminated in an extraordinary viewing experience that captivated audiences and critics alike.
The restoration process, completed over several months, involved complex technical challenges. OMNIMAGO’s team meticulously scanned and compared a decomposing black-and-white nitrate negative alongside a sepia-toned release print, both provided by the Filmmuseum Düsseldorf. Advanced SCANITY technology allowed for high-resolution digital scans, preserving critical details that were then graded, digitally tinted, and enriched with newly crafted intertitles that match the style of the original era. Determining the authentic projection speed of 21 frames per second added another layer of accuracy, ensuring that modern audiences could experience SONG as it was meant to be seen.
The result, a “magnificently restored version,” garnered enthusiastic praise. Festival critics highlighted the restoration’s clarity and visual beauty, describing it as “gorgeous to look at” with a vividness that makes viewers “almost feel the fresh air” of its luminous scenes. In addition, OMNIMAGO added new German subtitles, allowing for even broader accessibility to this important piece of cinematic history.
This premiere represents a significant achievement in silent film restoration and reinforces OMNIMAGO’s commitment to preserving and reviving cinematic heritage with unparalleled precision.
