REVEAL Color Science

Higher image quality, faster workflow

ARRI’s discussions with filmmakers and a careful review of the image pipeline have led to significant image quality enhancements and a faster, easier workflow. REVEAL Color Science is a completely new image processing chain used by ALEXA 35 internally. Our latest ARRI Image Software Developer Kit has made REVEAL Color Science also available for ARRIRAW from all other digital ARRI cameras (except ARRIFLEX D-20/21). This functionality is now available in many third-party tools.

Next gen ARRI color science

More accurate color reproduction

Cleaner images

Faster and easier grading for SDR and HDR

ARRI Debayer Algorithm ADA-7
First step in the new and improved image processing chain
Converts ARRIRAW into camera-native RGB image data
Makes the most of ARRI sensors
Sharper images and cleaner edges
Easy compositing speeds up VFX work in post
ARRI Color Engine ACE4
Transforms camera-native RGB image data into the AWG4 color space
Brings what the camera 'sees' closer to human visual perception
More accurate and subtle color reproduction
Pleasing and naturalistic rendition of all skin tones
Better color tracking and differentiation at all exposure levels
Greatly improved bright saturated colors
Same color tones in SDR and HDR
ARRI Wide Gamut AWG4
New camera color space for faster and easier grading
“Goldilocks” color space: just the right size
Larger than Rec 2020 but minimizes “virtual” colors
Fully enclosed by and compatible with ACES
More accurate color space conversions
LogC4 Curve
Encodes brightness changes
Captures the sensor’s increased dynamic range
LogC4 Display Look Up Tables
Transform LogC4/AWG4 images into various display color spaces
Take full advantage of ARRI sensors and LogC4/AWG4
Should be used for all LogC4 images
Improved color fidelity

Get the most out of your image

Below are images shot in ARRIRAW with ALEXA Mini LF.

Drag the slider to see the results of processing the images with REVEAL.

Original color science on the LEFT and REVEAL Color Science on the RIGHT.

While there is nothing wrong with the image created by the original color science (ARRI color is the gold standard of the industry), the image created by REVEAL shows some obvious improvements.

Reds are rendered more naturally in the OPEN sign, the scooter brake lights, and the Chinese lanterns. The purple reflection on the concrete to the right of the scooter is also more defined and accurate.

Get the most out of your image

Below are images shot in ARRIRAW with ALEXA Mini LF.

Drag the slider to see the results of processing the images with REVEAL.

Original color science on the LEFT and REVEAL Color Science on the RIGHT.

While there is nothing wrong with the image created by the original color science (ARRI color is the gold standard of the industry), the image created by REVEAL shows some obvious improvements.

Flowgraph depicting the parts of REVEAL Color Science

Cross-camera compatibility

Although it is possible to intercut images from all digital ARRI cameras with their original color science, a perfect color match with the ALEXA 35 can be achieved by processing ARRIRAW from any digital ARRI camera (except D-20/D-21) through REVEAL Color Science. To do so, you can use the ARRI Reference Tool and/or many third-party software tools. For more information on third-party tool compatibility, check "Downloads" below.

Color improvement and a perfect match

ALEXA 35 and ALEXA Mini LF match extraordinarily closely in REVEAL. For this comparison, a digital color picker was used to grab values off each of the color chart’s sample colors. They were then added to an Excel table so that color shifts could be seen more clearly.

In the grayscale version of this image, differences in luminance can be seen between some of the samples. This is because REVEAL is not only accurate with hue and saturation, it also correctly reproduces the perceptual brightness of colors.

ALEXA 35 and ALEXA Mini LF

Below are images shot in ARRIRAW with ALEXA 35 and ALEXA Mini LF, both processed with REVEAL Color Science.

While there are some differences in dynamic range and depth of field, the colors are extremely close, showing that ALEXA 35 and ALEXA Mini LF can be combined on a shoot without causing any difficulties in the grade.