  Film grain is a distinctive visual characteristic cherished by filmmakers and
cinephiles for its ability to evoke nostalgia and artistic aesthetics. However,
faithful preservation of film grain during encoding poses unique challenges.
Film grain introduces random noise, complicating traditional compression
techniques. Consequently, specialized algorithms and encoding strategies have
emerged, aiming to strike a harmonious equilibrium. This paper delves into the
nuanced realm of film grain handling in Versatile Video Coding (VVC) encoding.
We explore the delicate balance between retaining the cinematic charm of film
grain and achieving efficient compression. Moreover, we discuss the importance
of perceptual quality assessment and adaptive encoding techniques in preserving
film grain fidelity. Additionally, we delve into the impact of film grain
handling on bitrate control and compression efficiency using VVenC, an open and
optimized VVC encoder. Understanding the role of film grain and its nuanced
treatment within encoders becomes increasingly pivotal for delivering
high-quality, grain-inclusive content in the digital age.
