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ARRI Film Lab 1.5 gives filmmakers and colorists more ways to shape film-inspired looks in an OpenFX postproduction workflow. The update adds 8 mm, 16 mm and 65 mm starting formats alongside 35 mm, expands grain and halation controls, introduces anamorphic adjustments, and adds ACES 2.0 ACEScc and ACEScct input and output options. ARRI also claims processing up to four times faster, though it has not published benchmark conditions for that figure.
What Film Lab 1.5 changes
ARRI announced Film Lab 1.5 on October 12, 2026. The plugin applies adjustable analog-film characteristics to digital images; ARRI describes it as a license-based OpenFX tool for RGB images from cameras brought into an ARRI workflow. Its broader set of look controls includes grain, color, halation and gate weave. The 1.5 release adds more starting formats and finer control over how the simulated image behaves.
Previously, Film Lab looks were based on 35 mm. Version 1.5 adds three more starting-format choices:
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- 8 mm
- 16 mm
- 35 mm
- 65 mm
These are starting formats for the emulation, not a requirement that the source footage was captured on film. ARRI says the plugin works with RGB images from any camera brought into an ARRI workflow.
#1 Best Overall
- Half-Frame Format: 35mm compact film camera capturing two 17mm x 24mm images within a single 35mm film exposure (2x more pictures per roll)
- Retro-Inspired Design: Top and bottom covers made of solid, lightweight magnesium alloy for durability and classic aesthetics
- Zone-Focus System: From close ranges to long distances, the zone-focus system is divided into six zones. Set the camera's focus by simply selecting the mark best suited for the distance to your subject
- Manual Film-Winding Mechanism: Features a film advance lever to recreate the feel of a traditional film camera. The lever is designed for optimal finger hold to improve the feel of the film-winding action after each shutter release
- High-Quality Lens: Features a 25mm F3.5 lens (equivalent to a 37mm lens in the 35mm format). This lens is treated with HD (High Definition) coating to optimize the image quality of half-size pictures
New and expanded image controls
Grain scale and perceived detail
Grain Size and Rendition of Detail each have a stated range of 0.75 to 1.5. ARRI says Grain Size changes the scale of the grain, while Rendition of Detail changes perceived sharpness. Together, they let users adjust the texture and apparent crispness of a look separately from the overall grain level.
Anamorphic ratio and halation spread
The new Anamorphic Ratio control offers eight squeeze ratios between 1.25x and 2.0x. It adjusts horizontal stretching of grain and halation glow to better suit footage made with different anamorphic lenses. Halation Spread adds control over the radius and character of glow around highlights and high-contrast edges.
Rank #2
- Tungsten-balanced colour neg. movie film, Exposure index of 500 in tungsten light, Expanded highlight latitude, Dye layering technology, Fine grain and sharpness, Wide dynamic range, Well-suited to digital post-production, Process in ECN-2 chemistry, Single perforated, Daylight loading spool
Grain and halation intensity
Grain Intensity and Halation Intensity now each range from 0.0 to 2.0. ARRI says this doubles the former maximum for both controls, allowing intensity to be dialed down or pushed further. Existing Negative Stocks, Print Processes and Gate Weave controls remain in the plugin.
Color-managed workflows and performance
Film Lab 1.5 adds ACES 2.0 ACEScc and ACEScct input and output options. ARRI names DaVinci Resolve and Baselight as application contexts for the color-managed workflow options. The announcement describes a specific integration for Baselight: OpenFX 1.5 color management lets Film Lab follow the timeline color space and receive the correct input transform automatically, avoiding manual color-space selection inside the plugin.
Rank #3
- Tungsten-balanced colour neg. movie film, Exposure index of 200 in tungsten light, Expanded highlight latitude, Fine grain and sharpness, Wide dynamic range, Single perforated, Well-suited to digital post-production Process in ECN-2 chemistry Daylight loading spool
ARRI claims processing up to 4x faster and says smooth real-time 4K playback is possible on many more devices, including Apple Silicon MacBook Pro systems. The announcement does not provide test conditions or a benchmark method, so the figure is a vendor claim rather than an independently verified result. It should not be taken as a guarantee that every MacBook Pro, project, or host configuration will play 4K in real time.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Availability, upgrade terms and compatibility caveats
ARRI says new customers can purchase Film Lab 1.5 through RE:Vision Effects and existing license holders can upgrade for free. The 1.5 announcement does not state a price. Check the vendor’s current sales information for pricing before buying.
Rank #4
- Reloadable design for repeated use and film experimentation
- Compatible with Minolta-16 sub-miniature cameras
- Durable construction for long-term reliability
- 2-Pack included for extended shooting or backup cartridges
- Ideal replacement for rare or expensive original film cartridges
ARRI identifies Film Lab as an OpenFX plugin, but the sources available for this update do not establish a complete list of compatible hosts, operating systems, or hardware requirements. Confirm those requirements with the vendor for the specific editing or grading setup you intend to use.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Classic Design: Enjoy the timeless appeal of this Canon T50 35mm SLR film camera, featuring a sleek black finish and a robust, plastic body
- Versatile Zoom Lens: Capture a wide range of shots with the included Canon FD mount zoom lens, offering a focal length range of 35mm to 50mm
- Automatic Exposure: Benefit from automatic exposure control, ensuring perfectly exposed photos every time
- Nine Autofocus Points: Achieve sharp focus with the camera's nine autofocus points, supporting continuous-servo AF
- Hot Shoe Flash Mount: Enhance your photography with the hot shoe flash mount, compatible with external flash units for well-lit shots
Sources
- ARRI’s Film Lab 1.5 announcement, October 12, 2026
- ARRI Film Lab product page
- ARRI’s original Film Lab launch announcement, November 11, 2025
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
