CultureAugust 29, 2026

photochemical

FOH-toh-kem-i-kuhl

Definition

Relating to the chemical effects of light, specifically in the traditional process of exposing, developing, and printing motion picture film.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'phōs' meaning 'light' and the Greek 'khēmeia' for alchemy or chemistry, first appearing in the 19th century to describe light-induced chemical reactions.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the non-digital, traditional film production process used for the movie before it was scanned for a 4K digital release.

Circle of Iron (4K UHD Blu-ray Steelbook Review)

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Why So Blu?

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