Swanee - Al Jolson - Color Test

I have now picked this scene up as my main project, with the intention of bringing it up to HD broadcast quality.

I did a test run on coloring this scene from a heavily compressed 480p clip. This is a very quick treatment, but it took me nearly a full day to process. The results aren't great.

My main gripes are with the inconsistency of the color of his suit, and with the unnatural bronzed look of Jolies' skin. This is because the AI is having difficulty separating Jolsons' tanned skin from the burnt cork.

Oh, The scene is from the 1945 Warner Bros classic, Rhapsody in Blue.

[Jolie]

Spectacular! Jolie just jumps off the screen, even at the low resolution - I wouldn't worry too much about the slight inconsistency in some of the colors - I've seen far worse with actual technicolor footage that has deteriorated after 80 years. Please take up Nigel on his offer - and you might consider keeping in the few seconds at the end when Jolson congratulates Gershwin backstage after the song ... that way his entire appearance from the picture would be preserved ... ;>)

[mica]

WOW! From the bottom of my heart thank you Mr Katzenjammer, or can I just call you Father Christmas for short😃😃😃😃.

[margaretthomas]

Rudy. myself and my husband have only got to know of you and your work for a very short time, and all considered we are most positive about it all! The very fact that we, as of now, don't know of any other attempts to color Jolson on film, certainly in a multi commercial capacity means all support, encouragement and assistance in any way feasible should be forwarded to you. We are attempting to do this best as possible via refs of your posts, site etc across all Jolson, Facebook sites, websites and other vintage, nostalgia inclined ones - singers from 1900 to 1950, great singers of Broadway etc. So far the signs are promising, but there is always with these things a certain degree of uncertainty and resentment. I feel on one particular Jolson site this is because one of the most prominent identities on there gave you the thumbs down straight off, and had immediate backing, by the way somebody who is not too Jolson positive in the first place! Unnecessary comparisons of protecting Jolson's legacy etc followed, one even posting comparisons of TV programs of the 1950's and 1960's against yours of the 1930's and 1940's and suggested he would give you a look if you could equal it. I suggested he contact you for a fair, honest and reasonable answer and that you are constantly dedicated to improving and presenting the best possible product you can, that myself and my husband continually look forward to - The best to you and yours!

[margaretthomas]

Rudy and all at Hyzenthlay! thank you for Acknowledging me and others in support of all your endeavours on Jolson Facebook sites, I have attempted to do that in more detail via your email out let, but have run into some technical difficulty!? I do hope the general intent got through? I encourage every body to support the efforts of Mr Rudy Katzenjammer and Hyzenthlay! As for waiting for some big multi corporate concern to do something? Well like the guy said in that movie we all surely know.?? something like" I GOT another dozen songs to sing and I'm raring to go, one for a customer, IF I should L --- so long"!

[nigeldreiner]

i can send you any of these clips in HD - just let me know. I appreciate the work you are doing!

[margaretthomas]

Rudolph taking a broader ongoing look at your on going colorization and other attempts to make past entertainment more palatable today may I float an idea to you please? consider aiming initially at something of a more broader general theme, than just an all out Jolson, or any legend for that matter. Something perhaps like the development of color in the movies? even your own journey?, even just a compilation of assorted different clips from movies with some descriptive text, Narration or something?of maybe say 30 mins duration? Something in a Doco or some compilation form would not need to be total color as black and white could be also included for titles, accompanying narration etc. You could perhaps do something on some of your favourites of the past? NOW I UNDERSTAND YOU MAY WELL HAVE SOMETHING ELSE IN THE PIPELINE, and maybe even in conjunction with some of my own fellow Jolson admirers I put in touch with you in the first place, if that is so I couldn't be more pleased or supportive, and would highly recommend them for anyway they can assist you! Understand literally everybody that has contacted you now, at least via these channels are pretty mad on Jolson, that includes me, and I certainly want MORE MORE him, but also accepting the realization of the whole broad out look for now, the need to bring things up to a general acceptable level, the minimum of response if you only focus on a Jolson only aspect, and even that with all the individual preferences and need for some of the best quality possible is sort of like pushing you into a no road to go down situation, AND THAT WOULD BE THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN! With everything ultimately incoming revenue is needed and I would think surely something like this could be arranged through the several Jolson interest sites etc, or via you SELLING YOUR PRODUCTS. I have done several projects myself and some of these are on Facebook sites. I have also floated this very idea on them also, whilst continuing to drum up support and interest for you, and If any more I can be forthcoming with please let me know. ALL the best with everything - looking forward to whatever you come up with?

[howardmilstein]

Its unfortunate that the colorized version of BLACK is ALWAYS BROWN!!!!

[margaretthomas]

Would be a definite positive if all your efforts could be on all the several Jolson Facebook sites and the SOCIETY WEBSITE www.jolson.org

[margaretthomas]

Rudolph when you get the chance check out www.jolson.org and the different Jolson facebook sites, for posts inc videos. podcasts, articles, photos etc. you tube also where you will see podcasts and more, some by people corresponding with you on here via ajimages and wild about Jolson Facebook site. on the facebook sites I have done several presentations of my own i.e recent Al The Early Years and Legend called Jolson by Walter Winchell, and others, such things as superimposing a modern big band behind him, or construction of extracts of radio shows etc.