NHK premieres the classic film West Side Story on its 8K channel

The story was inspired by the Shakespeare play Romeo and Juliet. Set in downtown New York City, it depicts a forbidden romance between Tony and Maria, who are caught up in the rivalry between two street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks.The film was released in 1961. With dynamic dancing and many outstanding songs, it won 10 Academy Awards and became recognized as a landmark in the history of musical films. NHK had the film studio make an 8K scan of the original 65mm negativeand remaster it for broadcast.

NHK’s 8K channel controller Hakuno Takahiko, said: 'The remastered 8K version of West Side Story beautifully recaptures the clarity and vivid colors of this beloved masterpiece of musical film.People may have seen the movie many times and believe they know it well, but they’ll now be delighted to make new discoveries init.Especially given thatthe coronavirus pandemic is keeping people away from movie theaters, I hope people watching TV at homewill enjoy rediscovering a movie that amazed the world 60 years ago'.

Japan’s major TV broadcasters began broadcasting in ultra-high definition on satellite channels on December 1, 2018. The country’s only public broadcaster, NHK, launched 4K and 8K channels. NHK’s 8K channel operates for 12 hours (from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) every day. Its content encompasses drama, music, documentaries, culture, and travel. It has aired remastered 8K versions of 2001: A Space Odyssey and My Fair Lady.