HBO Max’s ‘Mad Men’ Vomit Scene Shows ‘Remastered’ Isn’t Always Better

The recent remastering of “Mad Men” on HBO Max has sparked conversation regarding the complexities of enhancing classic television shows. While remastering can elevate visual quality, it can also result in unintended consequences, as seen in the infamous vomit scene from the show.

The Challenge of Remastering Classic Shows

Remastering classic series presents unique challenges. Many shows, such as “Frasier” and “I Love Lucy,” were originally filmed with older technology, making it difficult to upgrade their visual presentation without issues. For example, a viral clip from “I Love Lucy” illustrated how remastering can unintentionally distort background characters.

Impact on Iconic Sets

The transition from standard definition (SD) to high definition (HD) has led to concerns about the appearance of iconic sets. Producers of “Frasier” worried that their well-loved decor would appear shabby in HD, which could require costly renovations.

Quality Control Challenges

• Classic series often comprised many episodes, complicating the remastering process.
• For instance, “Seinfeld” and “I Love Lucy” produced 180 episodes, while “The Simpsons” boasts 429 in standard definition.
• Ensuring consistent quality across such a vast library is fraught with difficulties.

A Case Study: “Mad Men” and Its Unique Errors

The remastering of “Mad Men” is an example of these complications. Although the series was always presented in HD widescreen, the first four seasons were shot on film, leading to a misstep in the remastering process. The error in the vomit scene likely arose from the use of incorrect files.

The Role of Production Companies

A source familiar with the situation revealed that Lionsgate provided HBO Max with erroneous files. The mistake became apparent when viewers noticed crew members still in the frame during a pivotal moment. Fortunately, the correct versions are set to be uploaded soon.

Conclusion

While remastering old television shows holds the promise of enhanced visuals, it is clear that “remastered” doesn’t always mean better. Each series comes with its unique set of challenges, amplifying the need for meticulous quality control in the remastering process.