Pan's Labyrinth Returns to Theaters in 3D for 20th Anniversary

Guillermo del Toro's triple Oscar-winning film 'Pan's Labyrinth' returns to theaters for its 20th anniversary. The new 4K restoration opens in North American cinemas on October 9, which is del Toro's birthday. This unclassifiable blend of Spanish history, political commentary, and fantasy follows a young girl on a mythical quest after the Spanish Civil War. The 20-year-old hit, celebrated for its blend of beauty and brutality, now features a 3D conversion and Dolby Atmos sound mix.

Creative Team and Restoration Approach

Del Toro collaborated with longtime partners on the 3D conversion, color grade, and sound mix. The goal was to enhance the film while preserving its original spirit and emotional impact. Aaron Parry of SDFX Studios oversaw the 3D conversion, aiming to expand upon rather than reinvent the original style. Colorist Stefan Sonnenfeld, a longtime del Toro collaborator, subtly adjusted shots. Del Toro insisted the texture and grain of the original film, which was shot on film, be preserved. Sonnenfeld noted the new version is essentially a new and improved version of the original.

Sound Modernization Efforts

Sound editor and designer Scott Gershin led the audio update. His guiding principle was to modernize the film while maintaining fidelity to del Toro's original vision. Gershin accessed original mix elements, which he found slightly dated by today's standards. The digital technology used at the time had its own sonic character. The goal was for the film to sound like what audiences thought they heard 20 years ago. Gershin added more backgrounds and foley to match the added visual depth of the 3D picture. He supervised a Dolby Atmos pass, using era-appropriate sounds to maintain a raw, authentic character. Scott Gershin said: "If you’re restoring a Model T, you get Model T parts. You don’t get Model T parts."

Visual Restoration and Technical Goals

The visual team used modern tools to refine effects and color, addressing past limitations. Parry noted that fantasy and drama benefit from a dimensional 3D approach. He had previously worked with del Toro on 'Pacific Rim', the director's first 3D storytelling effort. Del Toro identified specific hotspots in the film he had been unable to address due to limitations in visual effects tools and technology 20 years ago. The team used modern, everyday tools to massage these scenes and improve visual effects. Sonnenfeld blended visual effects to be more convincing. The goal was not to contemporize the film but to remove roughness so the remastering feels beneficial. The benefit lies in nuanced color and shaping.

Collaborative Experience and Shared Vision

Gershin, Parry, and Sonnenfeld agreed the greatest pleasure of the project was spending time with del Toro. Sonnenfeld described the director as one of the most kind, generous, intellectual, and enjoyable people to work with. He values working with someone who deeply appreciates filmmaking and art and empowers his collaborators. The 3D version gives the film an even more immersive quality, taking advantage of technological advancements made over the past two decades. The film opens in North American theaters on October 9.