Film Restoration Project: Markku Lehmuskallio’s Classics in a New Light

Toast Post’s Film Restoration Project: Markku Lehmuskallio’s Classics in a New Light

We have completed a project where ten of Markku Lehmuskallio’s films have been revived through digital restoration. This project has been close to our hearts, and it is a great joy to share its results with the public. A historical piece and Markku’s life’s work have now been permanently preserved in digital form. Markku’s and Anastasia Lapsui’s retrospective was presented in Portugal at DocLisboa from October 19 to 29, 2023. The films are now archived at the Finnish Film Foundation and Kavi.

The project began with Antti Peltoranta and Markku Lehmuskallio’s Giron Films in 2018 with the films Skierri and Korpin Polska. The latest film, Inuksuk, was completed in the fall of 2023.
The scanning of the films was carried out at Kavi in 4K original format. The digital restoration process was intensive and demanding. Initially, the scanned rolls’ picture and sound were synchronized according to reference. Afterward, we utilized Digital Vision’s restoration tools, such as Loki, which assisted in restoring the original splendor of the films. Loki removed elements like dust and scratches from the images.

Color grading is a central part of the restoration process. We used Davinci Resolve to ensure that every shade and color matched the original vision. This gave the films the depth and vibrancy they deserved. Markku Lehmuskallio, who was closely involved throughout the process, personally checked each restoration’s color grading alongside Antti Peltoranta. Their passion and precision ensured that the final result was faithful to the original vision.

Sound is as important as the picture. With Pro Tools, Jari Turunen was able to restore and enhance the original soundtrack, removing noise and bringing clarity to the dialogue and music.

Finally, Kari Mankinen produced DCP copies of all the films for festivals, ensuring that they can be presented with the best possible quality. We would like to thank everyone involved and hope that the audience will enjoy these restorations for a long time to come as much as we have enjoyed creating them.

Digitally restored films:
Skierri, vaivaiskoivujen maa (1982)
Korpinpolska (1980)
7 laulua tundralta (2000)
Poron hahmossa pitkin taivaan kaarta (1993)
Kadotettu paratiisi (1994)
Jäähyväisten kronikka (1995)
Sininen imettäjä (1985)
Nedarma Matka (2007)
Uhri – elokuva metsästä (1998)
Inuksuk (1988)