Color Correction Look Book: Creative Grading Techniques for Film and Video

Chapter 2. Bleach Bypass Looks

One of the more popular looks among those who have achieved brand-name status is the bleach bypass effect. This method of film processing was popularized over the years by its use in films such as 1984 (cinematography by Roger Deakins), Delicatessen (Darius Khondji), Three Kings (Newton Thomas Sigel), and Saving Private Ryan (Andrzej Bartkowiak).

Bleach bypass (also referred to as silver retention or skip bleach) refers to a specific process whereby the colorist skips the bleaching stage, which removes the exposed grains of silver that initially formed the image. The silver grains remain on the negative, creating greater density, which increases image contrast, intensifies grain, and reduces saturation.

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