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Motion Smoothing: It's Good For Gaming But Not For Movies




While watching movies at home has become more accessible and enjoyable, many people experience unintended issues with motion smoothing technology, often referred to as motion interpolation. Despite its intention to enhance the viewing experience, motion interpolation can severely detract from the cinematic quality of films shot at the traditional 24 frames per second (fps). In this article, we’ll explore why motion interpolation is harmful to the authenticity of films and provide step-by-step instructions on how to disable this feature on your smart TV.

e.g., Motion Blur Interpretation
Motion Smoothing

The Case Against Motion Interpolation


Motion interpolation is a technology used in modern TVs to create additional frames between existing ones, effectively increasing the frame rate of video content. While this might sound beneficial, especially for sports or video games, it can be disastrous when applied to films for several reasons:


  1. Loss of the Filmic Look: Films, particularly those shot at 24 fps, have a unique visual style characterized by slight motion blur and a gradual frame transition that creates a more comfortable viewing experience. When motion interpolation is applied, this deliberate stylistic choice is replaced with an unnatural hyper-realism that can make films look more like soap operas or video games, stripping them of their artistic integrity.

  2. Affective Impact: Cinematic storytelling relies heavily on emotional cues conveyed through visuals. Motion interpolation can alter the pacing and rhythm of a scene, detracting from key moments that filmmakers meticulously crafted to evoke specific feelings—thereby diminishing the impact of the narrative.

  3. Visual Artifacts: Motion interpolation can introduce unnatural artifacts, such as ghosting and blurring, especially during fast-paced scenes. These unwanted visual anomalies can distract viewers and reduce overall immersion into the film’s world.

  4. Cultural Disrespect: Movies have a long tradition and cultural significance tied to their frame rate. Changing this fundamental characteristic disrespects filmmakers' intentions and the artistic choices made during production. Viewers can feel disconnected from the original work, leading to an inferior experience.


How to Disable Motion Interpolation on Your Smart TV

Disabling motion interpolation is a straightforward process, though the steps may vary slightly depending on the brand and model. Here’s a general guide to help you turn off this feature:

1. Access the Settings Menu

  • Turn on your TV and grab your remote control.

  • Press the “Menu” or “Settings” button on the remote to open the main settings menu.

2. Find Display or Picture Settings

  • Navigate to the “Picture” or “Display” settings using the remote’s directional keys. This section may also be labeled differently, such as “Video” or “Screen.”

3. Look for Motion Smoothing or Picture Clarity Options

  • Within the Picture settings, locate options related to motion clarity. Common terms you may encounter include “Motion Smoothing,” “Motion Interpolation,” “Auto Motion Plus,” “TruMotion,” or “MotionFlow.”

  • If you can’t find it, look for a submenu titled “Advanced Settings” or “Expert Settings.”

4. **Disable


In conclusion, while the advancements in home viewing technology, such as motion interpolation, aim to enhance our cinematic experiences, it often undermines the very essence of film by stripping away its artistic integrity and emotional depth. The loss of the filmic look, the alteration of pacing and rhythm, and the introduction of distracting visual artifacts all contribute to a diminished viewing experience that can alienate audiences from the filmmaker’s original vision. By understanding the implications of motion smoothing and following the straightforward steps to disable it, viewers can restore the authenticity of films and truly appreciate the artistry that goes into storytelling. Embracing the traditional 24 fps allows us to connect more deeply with the narratives we cherish, ensuring that we honor the cultural significance of cinema as a timeless form of art.


Thank you for joining us on this journey! We hope you found valuable insights and inspiration from our latest articles and blog posts. At Reel Unique Productions, we’re committed to crafting unforgettable experiences and stories through our unique lens.

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Warm regards,The Reel Unique Productions Team







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