ARRI's high-end film scanner that digitizes motion picture negatives – captures up to 6K resolution with exceptional dynamic range for restoration and DI workflows.
What is the ARRISCAN?
The ARRISCAN is ARRI's professional film scanner, which transfers analog recorded material into high-resolution digital files. It is known for exceptional image quality, high resolution, and precise color reproduction.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | ARRISCAN XT |
|---|---|
| Max. Resolution | 6K |
| Formats | 16mm, 35mm, 65mm |
| Sensor | 3-Chip RGB |
| Dynamic Range | 14+ Stops |
| Color Depth | 16-bit per channel |
| Speed | Up to 15 fps (4K) |
| Registration | Pin-Registration |
ARRISCAN Variants
| Model | Focus |
|---|---|
| ARRISCAN XT | Current flagship |
| ARRISCAN Archive | Archive-optimized |
| ARRISCAN | Classic version |
Operating Principle
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| LED Light Source | Uniform illumination |
| Pin Registration | Precise frame positioning |
| 3-Chip CCD | Simultaneous RGB capture |
| Wet-Gate Option | Scratch minimization |
| Sprocket Scan | Perforation area |
Applications
| Use | Description |
|---|---|
| Digital Intermediate | Film-to-digital for post-production |
| Restoration | Digitizing archive films |
| Archiving | Preservation masters |
| VFX Integration | Film plates for compositing |
| Re-Releases | Remastering classics |
Scan Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| 2K | Standard for broadcast |
| 4K | Cinema standard |
| 6K | Maximum, for 65mm/archive |
| HDR | Extended dynamic range |
| Wet-Gate | Liquid scan |
Workflow
| Phase | Activity |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Clean, inspect negative |
| Setup | Select resolution, format |
| Test Scan | Check exposure, color |
| Scan | Frame-by-frame |
| QC | Quality control |
| Output | DPX, EXR, or ARRIRAW |
Comparison with Other Scanners
| Aspect | ARRISCAN | Scan Station |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Up to 6K | Up to 8K |
| Speed | Moderate | Faster |
| Registration | Excellent | Good |
| Wet-Gate | Optional | Often not available |
| Price | Premium | Varies |
Output Formats
| Format | Usage |
|---|---|
| DPX | Standard for DI |
| EXR | VFX workflows |
| TIFF | Archiving |
| ARRIRAW | ARRI ecosystem |
Costs (approx.)
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| 4K Scan/ft | €0.30–0.60 |
| 6K Scan/ft | €0.50–1.00 |
| Wet-Gate | +30–50% |
| Cleaning | Variable |
| Feature (90 min) | €15,000–40,000 |
Availability
| Facility | Location |
|---|---|
| ARRI Media | Munich, Berlin |
| FotoKem | Los Angeles |
| Cinelab | London |
| L'Immagine Ritrovata | Bologna |
| Cineric | New York |
Advantages of the ARRISCAN
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Quality | Reference standard |
| Registration | Minimal flicker |
| Consistency | Shot-to-shot |
| ARRI Integration | Seamless workflow |
Today
The ARRISCAN remains the gold standard for professional film scanning. For DI workflows, restorations, and archive projects, it delivers the quality that honors the analog medium – every frame a digital work of art.
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