What does remaster mean?
Remaster means to make a new, usually improved master from an existing recording, film, or other media. The process can involve transferring an old or degraded source to a better format, correcting technical flaws, and improving sound or picture quality. As a noun, a remaster is the resulting updated version, as in a “digitally remastered” album. The term is especially common in music and film publishing, where record labels and studios release remastered editions of older catalogue titles. Unlike a remake, which may recreate a work from scratch, a remaster relies on an existing source. Unlike a remix, which changes the musical content, it normally preserves the original performance and artistic material while improving how it is recorded, transferred, or presented. In digital contexts, the word is also used more broadly for updating and modernizing earlier media.
To prepare a new master or improved version of an existing recording, film, or other media.
"The engineers remastered the recordings before issuing the album in high-resolution audio."
Often used with albums, recordings, films, and other older media; it usually implies improving or modernizing an existing source.
A newly prepared or improved version of a recording, film, or other media work.
"The deluxe package includes a remaster of the original soundtrack."
Usually countable, especially in phrases such as “a remastered edition” and “the remaster.”
Used for separate remastered versions or releases of recordings or other media works.
"The box set includes several remasters of the album."
A remaster gives old recordings a new master, often revealing details that were previously buried in noisy or worn copies.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of remaster
Remaster developed in modern media usage by combining master, meaning the original recording or source from which copies are produced, with the suffix -er, forming a verb meaning to make a new master. The underlying word master comes through Old French from Latin magister, meaning “teacher” or “one in charge.” Related forms include mastery, maestro, and magisterial, all reflecting the same broad Latin root.
Related word forms
How remaster is actually used
Most common in music and film contexts. It usually implies improving or recreating a master from an existing source rather than making an entirely new work; it is also used figuratively for updating older software, games, and other media.
Easily confused with remaster
A remake generally recreates a work from scratch, whereas a remaster is made from an existing recording or source.
A remix alters or recombines musical material, while a remaster improves or newly prepares the original recording.