is here, continuing the mission to preserve all 1,000+ theatrical shorts from the Golden Age of animation (1929–1969) in the best quality available today. What’s New in the v2025 Revision? Massive HD Upgrades: 805 shorts
The (often abbreviated as the HQ Project) is a comprehensive effort to assemble the highest-quality available digital copies of all 1,000 theatrical shorts . The project has circulated within fan, collector, and archival communities, representing a decentralized attempt to safeguard animation history that official distributors have, in the eyes of many fans, neglected.
| Parameter | Specification | |-----------|----------------| | | 4K UHD (3840×2160) for 35mm sources; 1080p (1440×1080) for 16mm or lower | | Aspect Ratio | Original theatrical ratio (1.37:1 Academy, 1.85:1 for later widescreen) | | Scan Source | 4K or 6K wet-gate scan of original nitrate or safety fine-grain prints | | Color Grading | Technicolor three-strip restoration (1935–1950s); accurate to original dye-transfer | | Audio | 24-bit/96kHz FLAC; Original mono (no fake stereo); Audio commentary tracks optional | | Codec (Lossless) | FFV1 or ProRes 4444 for archival; x265 10-bit for distribution | | Frame Rate | 24fps (no PAL speed-up; no 60fps interpolation) |
The Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies HQ Project v2025 is an independent, fan-run preservation effort. All original copyrights remain with Warner Bros. Discovery. No challenge to their ownership is intended. This project operates under fair use for archival, educational, and historical preservation purposes. No copyrighted material is sold or rented. If Warner Bros. Discovery wishes to release an official 4K collection, this project will gladly stand down or collaborate.
Deliverables (examples)
Historically, Warner Bros. produced Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies as distinct theatrical series, but by 1943, they shared identical creative teams, directors like Chuck Jones and Tex Avery, and iconic characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. Unfortunately, keeping track of this legendary portfolio has been a nightmare for preservationists due to several industry challenges: 1. The Corporate Streaming Shuffle
: Covers approximately 1,003 theatrical shorts released between 1929 and 1969.
: Besides the English HQ project, there are notable Russian and Spanish versions.
The is more than just a media collection; it is an invaluable cultural archive. By bypassing the restrictions of modern streaming libraries and saving deep-catalog animation history from digital decay, the curators ensure that the foundational art of animation history remains pristine, complete, and viewable for generations to come.
Expanded Character Roster: Get to know even more of the wacky, lovable characters from the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies universe.
: Over 85% of the total classic era catalog has undergone some tier of clean-up or restoration.
: Often relies on legacy Laserdisc masters for unrestored shorts.
This article will explore what the HQ Project is, why it's important to animation fans, the context of its creation, and what this new version means for the future of Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies.
Merchandise and Collectibles: Show off your love for Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies with an array of awesome merchandise and collectibles.
