The Enduring Appeal of 23.97 FPS and 24 FPS in Movie Frame Rates
While advancements in technology have made it possible to produce higher quality frame rates at little to no extra cost, the standard frame rates for movies, namely 23.97 FPS and 24 FPS, remain prevalent. This article explores the historical and technical reasons behind these choices and why they continue to shape the cinematic experience.
Historical Context
The adoption of 23.97 FPS and 24 FPS as standard frame rates can be traced back to the early 20th century when the film industry was still in its infancy. Historically, these frame rates were born out of a delicate balance between film quality and the economic constraints of film stock.
Film Origins
During the 1920s, the 24 FPS standard was established as a compromise between film quality and the cost of film stock. It was considered the minimum frame rate that could provide smooth motion while being economical for producers and distributors.
Sound Synchronization
The introduction of sound to film brought about an additional challenge: the need for synchronization between audio and visual elements. At 24 FPS, this synchronization could be achieved without noticeable lag or distortion, making it an ideal choice for early sound films.
Technical Considerations
While the historical context is important, modern filmmakers continue to favor 23.97 FPS and 24 FPS for several technical reasons:
Motion Blur
Natural motion blur at 24 FPS can enhance the cinematic quality of the image. Some filmmakers find that hyper-realistic visuals at higher frame rates (e.g., 48 FPS or 60 FPS) can be too jarring for traditional narrative films. The subtle blurring effect at 24 FPS helps create a more authentic cinematic feel.
Aesthetic Preference
Many filmmakers and audiences associate 24 FPS with the aesthetic quality of films. This association has become a significant part of the cinematic tradition, making a change to higher frame rates a radical shift in storytelling.
Practical Challenges
Switching to higher frame rates is not without its challenges:
Post-Production and Distribution
Most existing film editing software and distribution systems are optimized for 24 FPS. Changing the standard would require significant adjustments in post-production workflows and distribution formats. This makes the transition to higher frame rates a complex and resource-intensive process.
Audience Reception
While higher frame rates like 48 FPS or even 60 FPS have been experimented with (e.g., "The Hobbit," "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk," and "Gemini Man"), audiences and critics have consistently complained about the footage feeling close to "video-ish" or possessing a "soap opera" effect. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in the U.S., where soap operas are often shot and shown in 60i (60 frames per second).
60i video indeed captures motion 60 times per second, but in a segmented manner that can sometimes appear smooth and almost hyper-realistic. However, this effect has become closely associated with the "soap opera" look, which many viewers find distracting in a theatrical context.
Current Trends
Despite the challenges, there is an increasing experimentation with higher frame rates, particularly in genres like action and animation, and in formats such as virtual reality. Some filmmakers may choose to use higher frame rates for specific effects or to create a unique viewing experience. However, the cinematic tradition of 23.97 FPS and 24 FPS continues to dominate mainstream filmmaking.
For 3D presentations, higher frame rates (e.g., 48 Hz or 72 Hz) do make the experience more pleasant by reducing the ghosting and strobing effects that can be distracting in stereoscopic projection. However, for 2D films, most audiences still prefer the "classic" look of 24 FPS, which provides a sense of timelessness and cinematic tradition.
In conclusion, while technology has advanced to allow for higher frame rates, the enduring appeal of 23.97 FPS and 24 FPS in movie frame rates is rooted in historical, technical, and aesthetic factors. As long as these factors persist, transitioning to higher frame rates will remain a significant hurdle and a subject of ongoing debate in the film industry.