Immaculate’ Director Michael Mohan Addresses Criticism Over Film’s Dark Visuals on Streaming Platforms

Washington [US], May 29 (ANI): Michael Mohan, director of the American psychological horror film ‘Immaculate,’ is facing criticism for the film’s dark visuals on various streaming platforms. Viewers have reported that some scenes appear excessively dark, making it challenging to see what is happening. Mohan responded to these concerns on social media platform X after a user described the film’s visuals as “comically dark” and shared screenshots illustrating the issue.

Mohan empathized with the viewers’ concerns and clarified that the darkness was not an intentional choice. “I know, man,” he wrote in his response. “This was absolutely not done intentionally. We have no control over the compression specs of each platform.” He further expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s a real problem that truly bums me out, and after comparing them all, iTunes is the closest to what we wanted / brighter than the rest.”

The problem highlighted by Mohan is related to the compression methods used by streaming platforms. Compression reduces the file size of a production, allowing it to be streamed more efficiently. However, this process can significantly alter the visual quality, including brightness and color accuracy. Mohan is not the first filmmaker to voice concerns over this issue. In a segment last year for Konbini’s Video Club, renowned director Christopher Nolan, a staunch advocate for shooting on film and theatrical viewings, discussed his preference for physical media like DVD and Blu-ray over streaming services. Nolan emphasized that these formats allow for greater control over color, brightness, and other visual elements. “Streaming is like broadcasting a film. We don’t have much control on how it goes out,” Nolan remarked.

‘Immaculate,’ released by Neon, premiered at this year’s South by Southwest festival and hit theaters on March 22. It became available on premium VOD platforms the following month. The film stars Sydney Sweeney as a woman who discovers the dark secrets of a mysterious Italian convent. Despite the visual issues reported on streaming services, ‘Immaculate’ is set for release on DVD and Blu-ray on June 11, providing an opportunity for viewers to experience the film as the director intended.

The ongoing discussion about the impact of streaming compression on visual quality underscores a broader challenge in the industry. As more content is consumed via streaming, filmmakers and viewers alike grapple with the trade-offs between convenience and visual fidelity. While physical media offers superior control and quality, the convenience of streaming continues to dominate the market.

Mohan’s response highlights the frustrations faced by filmmakers when their creative visions are compromised by technological limitations beyond their control. The situation with ‘Immaculate’ serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in delivering high-quality visual experiences across different platforms.

In summary, Michael Mohan’s ‘Immaculate’ has drawn criticism for its dark visuals on streaming services, a problem attributed to the compression techniques used by these platforms. Mohan has expressed his dismay and pointed to iTunes as the platform closest to the intended visual quality. This issue resonates with previous comments by Christopher Nolan, emphasizing the limitations of streaming in preserving the filmmaker’s vision. As ‘Immaculate’ prepares for its DVD and Blu-ray release, it offers a chance for viewers to see the film in its intended form, highlighting the ongoing tension between technological convenience and artistic integrity.

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