Space History Footage In HD

The Discovery Channel has done a deal with NASA to enhance old film footage from the space program up to the standards of HD. Discovery will air, in HD, a 6-part special called "When We Left Earth," beginning June 8. Judging by the trailer it should be pretty spectacular, a good introduction to the wonders of space exploration for a new generation. After the show airs, NASA gets the improved footage for their archives.

Comments

Commercial venture for the greater good

[BearRanger]

It's so rare to see a public-private venture in media/entertainment that ultimately benefits everyone. I doubt if most of us would have a chance to peruse the NASA archives otherwise. And the US taxpayer gets historically significant data upgraded to a modern, longer lasting medium for free. A win-win all around.

Re:What Does That Mean?

[NeverVotedBush]

Maybe I don't understand what you are asking, because this all seems pretty clear to me.

Basically Discovery Channel, in return for access to all of the materials, will give NASA one or more copies of the final work.

NASA could do all of the restoration themselves but it would be very costly and I doubt, in this time of BushCo budget cuts, that NASA has the spare change to pay for the restoration.

This agreement allows both parties to benefit - a nice result.

Obviously nobody went back in time. DC used their extensive A/V resources to restore the NASA footage.

Re:What Does That Mean?

[LuYu]

So, derivatives of copyrighted works remain copyrighted, but derivatives of Public Domain works do not remain in the Public Domain.

I think the Public is getting ripped off.