Best Film Emulation Plugin: Dehancer’s True Film Look
- Luke Riether
- Mar 15
- 5 min read
You ever watch your footage back and feel like something is just off? Everything is sharp, clean, technically perfect but it still does not have that movie magic.
That is the frustration of shooting digital. It is too perfect. It is missing the warmth, the grit, the imperfections that make film feel alive. We spent decades chasing ultra clear images and now we miss the grain and texture of shooting on film.
If you have ever tried to get a cinematic look in video editing, you know this struggle. LUTs, presets and overlays help, but they always fall short. That is where Dehancer comes in.
What is Dehancer
Dehancer is not just another LUT pack or cinematic preset. It is a film emulation plugin built from real lab research. This thing actually models the entire photochemical process of film from grain structure to color response to halation.
In other words, it does not just slap a filter on your footage. It processes your digital video like it is being developed in a darkroom. The result is digital footage that actually looks like it was shot on real film.
But let’s back up. Before we talk about why Dehancer works, let’s break down what makes film so special in the first place.
Why Film Just Looks Better
Film has an organic imperfect quality that digital cameras cannot replicate on their own. Here is what sets it apart.
1. Fine Grain
Those tiny specks of texture in classic films? That is film grain not digital noise. It is random, natural and moves dynamically across the image. Digital noise on the other hand just looks cheap.
2. Halation
Ever notice how bright highlights in old movies have a soft red glow around them? That is halation. Light scatters inside the film and bounces back into the emulsion. It gives lights a dreamy nostalgic feel that digital cameras just do not have.
3. Light Bloom and Highlight Roll Off
Film handles highlights way better than digital. Instead of harsh clipping, light gently bleeds into the surrounding image making everything feel softer and more cinematic.
4. Color Depth and Shifts
Different film stocks have their own built in color science. Some make greens lean teal, others make skin tones warmer. These natural color quirks are why film feels so rich and textured compared to the clinical accuracy of digital sensors.
All of these elements work together to create that timeless cinematic aesthetic. That is why so many filmmakers still choose to shoot on film despite the insane cost.
So the real question is how do we get that look without actually shooting on film?
The Problem with Fake Film Looks
If you have tried LUTs, you know how frustrating they can be. You apply a cinematic LUT and hope for magic, but what you usually get is
Weird color shifts that do not look natural
Crushed blacks and extreme contrast that kill detail
A grain overlay that just sits on top of your footage instead of blending into it
Why? Because LUTs and presets do not simulate how film actually behaves. Real film is not just about color. It is about texture, density, chemical reactions and light response.
And that is why most digital film looks feel fake.
How Dehancer Actually Fixes This and why is this the best film emulation plugin?
Dehancer takes a completely different approach. Instead of just throwing a LUT on your footage, it processes it as if it were real film.
Here is what makes it different.
✔ Film Stocks Modeled from Real Lab Data – Choose from over 60 real film stocks including Kodak Vision3, Fuji Pro 400H and Ilford black and white stocks.
✔ True Grain That Reacts to Light – Unlike a basic overlay, Dehancer’s grain behaves like real film grain adjusting based on brightness and color.
✔ Authentic Halation and Bloom – Get that soft highlight glow that makes classic movies look so cinematic.
✔ Film Print Process Emulation – Emulates how movies are developed onto Kodak 2383 or Fuji print stocks for that final film print aesthetic.
✔ Gate Weave and Film Damage Effects – For those who want that extra handmade film look, Dehancer even lets you add subtle frame jitter, flicker and scratches.
Put simply, Dehancer does not fake film. It recreates it.
How to Use Dehancer in Your Workflow
Using Dehancer is pretty simple, even if you are new to color grading. Here is the quick breakdown.
Install the Plugin – Dehancer works in DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro. Load it up in your editing software.
Choose a Film Stock – Pick from 60 plus film stocks including motion picture negatives and print films.
Adjust Your Settings – Tweak the grain, halation, bloom and color response to dial in your perfect film look.
Preview and Refine – Play around with the settings until your footage feels right. The beauty of Dehancer is that it gives you complete control.
How It Compares to Other Film Emulation Plugins
Dehancer is not the only film emulation tool out there. So how does it stack up?
🔹 FilmConvert Nitrate – FilmConvert is great for quick filmic tweaks but it is more of a color LUT than a full emulation. It does not simulate halation, bloom or print processes like Dehancer does.
🔹 Filmbox – Filmbox is insanely accurate but expensive at 995 dollars for an indie license. It is locked to specific Kodak film stocks while Dehancer gives you more variety and control.
For most creators, Dehancer hits the sweet spot between accuracy and affordability.
Should You Buy Dehancer
If you want a real film look but do not want to shoot on actual film, then yes. This is hands down the best film emulation plugin I have used.
It is not a one click magic filter. You still need to tweak and refine your settings. But if you understand how film reacts to light and color, Dehancer will get you closer to the real thing than anything else out there.
If you have been struggling to make your digital footage look like film, this is the tool you need.
Save 10% by using our promo code LIGHTINSIDE at check out. This is huge! https://www.dehancer.com/
Want to Win a Free Copy of Dehancer Pro
I am giving away a free Dehancer Pro license to one lucky filmmaker.
The giveaway runs from March 14 to April 2 and the winner will be announced on April 4.
If you have been wanting to test out Dehancer, now is your chance to get it for free.
More Details in our latest video. Check it out below and if you haven't already dones so, support our mission by liking the video and subscribing to our channel. Our mission is to provide filmmakers with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed.
Final Thoughts
Digital video has its advantages but nothing beats the look of real film. And while shooting on celluloid is not always an option, Dehancer is the closest you can get in post production.
If you are tired of LUTs that do not quite cut it, this plugin is a game changer. It gives you the tools to craft an authentic cinematic look not just apply a filter.
So have you tried Dehancer? What is your favorite film stock to emulate? Let me know in the comments.
And if you want a shot at getting Dehancer Pro for free, enter the giveaway.
Happy editing and as always, practice and create.
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