Instead of choosing between them I rather use both.

First deinterlace ( you’ll have to check whether interpolation on or off works better) your whole clip and separate the 2 field with deal (make sure 2 is specified)

In batch parent the separated fields to a difference matte node adjust the gain as needed (usually I use a value of 400) and link the resulting matte to a quick comp node’s matte entry. Parent the original clip to a field merge node then use this node as the source for the background of the quick comp node. Use one of the separated field for the front.

This doesn’t solve completely the problem but it removes most of the blurry and the double edge look of the field merge while keeping most of the definition of the image and provide a good solution for low budget films that have to be transferred on print.

 

Submitter: geoffroy