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Quote from tooslow : I've never watched a soap opera. I don't understand what the soap opera look is. I've googled it, but haven't found a satisfactory description. I understand 24 frames, 30 frames, 60 and 120 hz; what I don't understand is what 'the look' is. Can anyone explain this to me, please?

I'll try my best to explain this (It'll be somewhat lengthy)

I grew up in the 50's 60' when daytime Soap operas were originally done live and later on video tape. Most regular prime-time TV was done on film. Stuff originally done on videotape (or live) has a more intimate look about it and also tends to look a little less natural for outdoor scenes. Now filmed shows tend to suggest more complexity and have a much more natural look when viewing outdoor scenery. Video tape/live also tends to look more Interference free, A little like turning the "sharpness" control on a TV to a softer setting. These differences happen because of the fact that film and video captures the image using different processes. Electrical or electromagnetic (video/live) vs. chemical reaction to light sensitive material (film). It's surprising to me that film retains it's look when transferred to tape, but it does.


The best example for demonstration would be if you are a fan of the original " "Twilight Zone" There were 6 episodes shot during season 2 on video. The entire rest of the series was done on film. The difference between the six video taped episodes and the filmed ones is VERY noticeable.

Video taped episodes: Lateness of the Hour, Night of the Meek, The Whole Truth, Static, Long Distance Call & Twenty-Two.

Just watch a few minutes of one of these episodes, then watch part of a different episode (any episode not on the above list) and it will clear things up.

Another example would be the difference in the look of a show like "All in the Family" (video) and Bewitched (Filmed).

Watching modern over the air TV, the differences are a little less clear. That's why I'm using these older shows. They tend to demonstrate the differences better.

Most of the old Golden Age of TV drama anthologies (like Studio One) were live while most of the westerns of the same period (for instance Gunsmoke) were filmed.

I hope my "Video/Film 101" class wasn't too boring. And I hope it helped (or will help)

Have a great day!