How to Fix Corrupted MP4, HDR, RAW, and LOG Video Files

TL;DR

HDR, RAW, and LOG files can be repaired using the same techniques as standard MP4 — but with important caveats. The container (MP4/MOV) is what gets corrupted; the video data usually survives. Use VidRepair or FFmpeg, and always preserve the original file.

Understanding Professional Video Formats

Key insight: These formats use the same containers (MP4, MOV, MXF) as standard video. Repair techniques are identical.

How to Repair Corrupted HDR Video Files

HDR (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision) is metadata + video data:

What Gets Corrupted

Repair Process

1. Repair the container with VidRepair
2. Verify HDR playback in compatible player
3. Re-inject HDR metadata if needed (ffmpeg)

Important: Some repair tools strip HDR metadata. Always test HDR playback after repair.

FFmpeg for HDR

# Repair while preserving HDR
ffmpeg -i corrupted.mp4 -c copy -movflags faststart repaired.mp4
 
# Re-inject HDR10 metadata
ffmpeg -i repaired.mp4 -c copy -bsf:v hevc_metadata=colour_primaries=9:transfer_characteristics=16:matrix_coefficients=9 hdr_output.mp4

How to Repair Corrupted RAW Video Files

RAW video (CinemaDNG, BRAW, ProRes RAW, RED) is more complex:

For ProRes RAW

Standard MOV repair with VidRepair or FFmpeg works.

For BRAW

1. Try Blackmagic RAW Player — may recover index
2. Contact Blackmagic support — They have internal tools
3. Professional recovery — For critical footage

For CinemaDNG

CinemaDNG is a sequence of DNG frames:

1. Check for missing frames — Sequential numbering
2. Repair individual DNG files — Adobe DNG Converter
3. Rebuild sequence — Re-index frames

How to Repair Corrupted LOG Footage

LOG (S-Log, C-Log, V-Log) is just a color profile encoded in the video stream:

Good news: LOG footage repairs exactly like standard video. The LOG curve is baked into the video data, not the container.

Common Issues

After Repair

1. Verify playback — Should look flat (normal for LOG)
2. Apply camera LUT — Restore proper colors
3. Grade normally — LOG gives maximum flexibility

Repair Comparison by Format

Step-by-Step: Repair Professional Video Files

Step 1: Assess the File

# Check file structure with ffprobe
ffprobe -v error -show_format -show_streams corrupted.mp4

Look for:

• Missing streams
• Damaged index
• Truncated data

Step 2: Attempt Basic Repair

With VidRepair:

1. Select corrupted file
2. Add reference file from same camera/settings
3. Click Repair
4. Preview result

With FFmpeg:

ffmpeg -i corrupted.mp4 -c copy repaired.mp4

Step 3: Verify Quality

Check for:

• Frame accuracy — No dropped frames
• Color accuracy — LOG looks flat (correct)
• HDR playback — On HDR-compatible display
• Audio sync — Check lip sync

Step 4: Re-inject Metadata (If Needed)

# For HDR content
ffmpeg -i repaired.mp4 -c copy -bsf:v hevc_metadata=colour_primaries=9 repaired_hdr.mp4

When Professional Formats Can't Be Repaired

Prevention for Professional Workflows

• Record to dual cards — Redundancy is critical
• Use high-end SD/CFAST — Professional media matters
• Verify in-camera — Check playback on set
• Backup immediately — Copy to multiple drives
• Use checksum verification — Verify copies are identical
• Archive original files — Before any processing

Related Articles

• How to Fix Corrupted Video Files
• Video Repair FAQ
• Free Video Repair Tools