What Is HDR?
HDR (High Dynamic Range) expands the brightness, color depth, and dynamic range of an image compared to standard SDR (Standard Dynamic Range). An HDR image can represent brighter highlights, deeper blacks, and more colors within the same pixel space, creating a more lifelike, nuanced image.
For film delivery, HDR manifests in two main formats: HDR10 (open standard) and Dolby Vision (proprietary).
HDR10 vs Dolby Vision
HDR10
- Open standard (no licensing fees)
- Supported by Netflix, Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube, most streaming platforms
- Supported by many TVs and projectors
- Static metadata (applies to the entire image uniformly)
- Mastering cost: $500–$2,000 (relatively inexpensive)
Dolby Vision
- Proprietary format (licensing fees apply)
- Supported by Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Disney+ (premium tiers)
- Requires Dolby Vision-capable display (fewer TVs/devices support it)
- Dynamic metadata (scene-by-scene adjustments for maximum visual impact)
- Mastering cost: $2,000–$5,000+ (more expensive due to grading complexity)
Which Should You Master?
If mastering budget is tight, HDR10 is sufficient for most platforms. Major streaming platforms accept HDR10, and audience adoption is broader. Dolby Vision is a premium option for branded content and prestige releases, but it's not yet industry-standard like HDR10.
Platform-Specific Requirements
Netflix
- Prefers IMF with HDR10 or Dolby Vision
- Requires HDR mastering for all original content releases
- Accepts both HDR10 and Dolby Vision (but HDR10 is sufficient)
- Specific tone mapping and color grading guides provided
Amazon Prime Video
- Accepts HDR10 (primary)
- Accepts Dolby Vision (optional)
- Requires specific metadata and EDID settings
Apple TV+
- Prefers both HDR10 and Dolby Vision
- Mastering must be done on calibrated displays (specific minimum brightness requirements)
Theatrical (DCP/IMF)
- DCP does not support HDR natively (it uses SDR)
- Some advanced cinema servers support HDR-DCPs, but theatrical adoption is still niche
- IMF can include HDR masters for theatrical and streaming simultaneously
The Mastering Workflow
Step 1: Create SDR Master First
Standard practice is to master SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) first for theatrical and broadcast, then create HDR variants from the same graded look.
Step 2: Grade for HDR
The colorist reviews the SDR grade and adapts it for HDR, taking advantage of expanded dynamic range and color space. This is not a simple conversion—it requires skilled grading to avoid blown-out highlights or crushed blacks.
Step 3: Metadata Creation
HDR delivery requires metadata describing the image's color space, brightness reference, and tone mapping instructions. This metadata is embedded in the delivery files.
Step 4: Validation & QC
HDR files must be validated against platform specs (brightness reference levels, color gamut, metadata completeness, etc.) before delivery.
Cost Impact
HDR mastering adds 2–4 weeks to your post-production timeline and $1,500–$5,000+ to your budget depending on format (HDR10 vs Dolby Vision) and facility rates. For theatrical + streaming release, it's a strategic investment that improves the finished film's visual impact on premium displays.