Miracle on 34th Street is a beloved Christmas classic film that was originally released in 1947. Directed by George Seaton and written by Valentine Davies, it stars Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood and Edmund Gwenn. But was this holiday favorite always in black and white or was a color version made?
The Original 1947 Black and White Version
The original Miracle on 34th Street was filmed and released in black and white. This was the norm for films in the 1940s before color filming became more widespread. The decision to film it this way was likely due to a combination of factors:
- Black and white film was less expensive than color film at the time.
- The film noir aesthetic was popular in the 1940s and black and white complemented this style.
- The filmmakers wanted to achieve a realistic, documentary-like look.
Shooting in black and white gave the film a timeless, classic feeling even when it was first released. It also allowed the filmmakers to use lights, shadows and greyscale to great effect to enhance the cinematography.
Has Miracle on 34th Street Ever Been Colorized?
Because Miracle on 34th Street is such a legendary film, there have been attempts over the decades to release colorized versions to modern audiences:
- 1980s: A colorized version was released on VHS in 1987. This was created using a process that artificially added color to the original black and white film stock.
- 1990s: Another colorized version aired on TV in the 1990s when Ted Turner acquired the rights and colorized some classic films through his company Turner Entertainment.
- 2000s: 20th Century Fox, the current rights holder, released a digitally colorized version on DVD in 2006. This used modern computer colorization technology to add color.
So in summary, there have been a few rare colorized versions created over the years, primarily for modern home video releases. However, most viewers still watch the original black and white film. The color versions have not become the standard.
How Were the Colorized Versions Made?
The colorized versions of Miracle on 34th Street were created using two different processes over the decades:
Analog Colorization (1980s)
The 1980s VHS color version was made using a technique called analog colorization. This involved:
- Making a color copy of each frame of the film.
- Manually adding colors using colored markers, paints, dyes, etc.
- Outputting the color frame copy back to video.
This was a time-consuming, manual process. It often resulted in uneven, inaccurate color since humans had to subjectively choose where to place colors.
Digital Colorization (1990s and beyond)
Later colorized versions starting in the 90s used digital colorization technology. This works as follows:
- The original black and white film is digitally scanned into a computer.
- Software analyzes the greyscale in each frame to identify edges and surfaces.
- A digital artist chooses color palettes and uses software tools to “paint” colors over the surfaces.
- Computers help blend and enhance the colors to look natural.
- The colorized frames are output back to video.
This creates more natural, evenly colorized footage than the old analog process. But it still requires artistic interpretation of what the original colors may have been.
Does a Color Version Improve the Film?
There is debate among fans if the colorized versions are an improvement or not:
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In the end, it comes down to personal preference. Many purists prefer the original black and white. But the color versions have appeal for some viewers, especially younger audiences used to color films and television.
Availability of the Colorized Versions
The colorized versions of Miracle on 34th Street have had limited releases mainly aimed at the home video market:
- The 1980s color VHS release is out of print and hard to find today.
- The 1990s TV color version is not commercially available.
- The 2006 DVD color version is available from some online retailers but no longer in mainstream retail stores.
So the color versions remain collectors items for devoted fans rather than widely available editions. The original black and white film is still the definitive version available today on all major platforms.
Should You Watch in Black and White or Color?
When deciding whether to watch Miracle on 34th Street in its original black and white form or seek out a rare colorized version, here are some factors to consider:
When in Doubt, Choose Black and White
The original black and white film remains the true representation of how the filmmakers intended it to be seen. The black and white cinematography is widely considered an integral part of the film’s style and quality. If you want to experience this cinema classic as it was designed, go for the original black and white.
Try the Color for Something Different
However, the color versions can offer an interesting alternate perspective, especially if you have already seen the original. While imperfect, they can bring out details in the costumes, decorations, and scenery that are more vivid. If you’re open-minded about reimagined versions of classics, give color a chance.
Pick Based on Viewing Context
Another option is choosing based on who you’re watching with or when you’re viewing it. For purists and film buffs, black and white may be preferred. But for children and casual holiday viewers, color may add accessibility and appeal. Both have their place.
Conclusion
While rare colorized versions of Miracle on 34th Street exist, the beloved Christmas film remains best known and most easily available in its original black and white form. For many, part of what makes it a classic is the beautiful, nostalgic black and white cinematography. But the color versions, flaws and all, offer an interesting alternate perspective for the adventurous viewer. In the end, it comes down to personal preference and context. Regardless of which version you choose, the heartwarming story and holiday spirit of Miracle on 34th Street are sure to come through.
