TMTV VIDEO LAB DEPT RECOVERY OF WARPED & SHRUNK, FILM CLEANING, LUBRICATION, RESTORATION & PRESERVATION

RECOVERY OF WARPED & SHRUNK MOTION PICTURE FILM - CLEANING, LUBRICATION, RESTORATION & PRESERVATION OF 8MM &16MM MOVIE FILM

™ We are listed with KODAK Motion Picture Transfer Facilities

and a member of

The Motion Picture Archivists Association

FILM RECOVERY & RESTORATION: For warped & shrunk motion picture film.

8MM & 16MM FILM THAT IS WARPED OR SHRUNK: Film that shows mild to moderate warping or shrinking, that can not be projected much less transferred may be recovered at least long enough to be transferred. "Long enough to be transferred" is the key - some films MAY no longer be usable (either for future transfer or for projector use after the recovery and transfer is complete). This depends on the original condition of the film that is sent for recovery and transfer. This process is not restoring the film for future use in a projector or later transfer, but is a recovery of badly damaged, warped, shrunk motion picture film for immediate recovery and transfer to a digital format. Most film that is in very poor to extremely poor condition were the film has shrank, warped, dried & damaged is usually beyond the preservation stage for future use and can only be recovered long enough for immediate transfer at our lab. However, film that shows mild to moderate warping and shrinkage may be restored & preserved for future use or transfer.

We are able to perform many levels of film recovery by a gradual, condition-specific, multi-step process that can recondition and stabilize some dehydrated, dried out 8mm & 16mm motion picture film allowing it for immediate transfer to many of our digital formats. The process can be applied to both colour and B&W safety films, either positive or negative.

TEST THE CONDITION OF YOUR FILM BEFORE SENDING OR REQUIRING A QUOTE: Here's are two tests for you to use before sending us any film.

1) Will the film come off the reel or is it one solid mass? If it's solid, like a brick, then it's usually too far gone, except in some rare cases. This is called "freeze-dried" syndrome.

2) Can you bend the film backwards with out it breaking? We don't mean fold it backwards, but just bend it backwards slightly. If it breaks, it will usually not take treatment. It's just too dehydrated, which means the film base... the acetate backing that holds the image... is too far gone. It is very important that you not attempt to unwind an entire roll of film that has been damaged by dehydration as this can crack the emulsion or break the film beyond repair. It is ok to remove a portion of the film from the reel to perform the test as mentioned above. If the film looks better towards the core of the reel, this portion may be recoverable.

3) Is the film in pieces, or off the reel? If it is...the film can not be saved. Once the film is removed from the film reel or has been unwound and then replaced back on the reel we can not tighten it enough to perform the recovery process.

SEVERELY DAMAGED FILM: Film that is severely damaged by dehydration ("freeze-dried" syndrome), severely warped and curling, the emulsion is cracked (image deterioration) and the film is broken into small pieces, extremely brittle or has major damage to the perforations, is usually beyond repair and can not be recovered, restored or transferred. The film MUST remain on the reel in order for the recovery process to be successful. DO NOT REMOVE THE FILM FROM THE FILM REELS: SEE PHOTOS

WATER DAMAGED FILM: Flooding If your film gets caught in a flood, keep the film immersed in cold, clean or distilled water. Contact us as quickly as possible for further advice. Handle films gently, especially if they are wet. Wet films are very fragile. Do not attempt to unroll a film to look at it. If you're not sure what the film is about, make a guess, but don't unroll it. Unrolling a film at this point will almost certainly cause further damage or a complete loss. When sending your films keep the film, still immersed in water, to our film laboratory. There are many variables that affect the stability of film materials, and each circumstance is different.

8MM VS 16MM RECOVERY: First, 8mm film being half the width of 16mm has way less tensile strength. When it starts to dry out it does so with a vengeance. It becomes very brittle very quickly and when that happens you get the "freeze-dried" syndrome. There is nothing that can be done to these films when they are at that stage. Even if we can make them pliable again... which we can in some cases... they will not go through any film transfer equipment made. The film will simply tear apart.

If you suspect your film has any of the conditions mentioned, it is best to seek our professional help. You may ship the film to us for a NO OBLIGATION INSPECTION AND QUOTE.

Film recovery process: Recovery process of the movie film which includes a gradual, condition-specific, multi-step process to recondition and stabilize dehydrated, dried out 8mm & 16mm motion picture film and the transfer to Mini-DV (Digital Videotape) masters & DVD masters.

CHARGES FOR WARPED OR SHRUNK RECOVERY & RESTORATION: Charges for recovery, restoration and transfer of film that is warped or shrunk can vary depending on the amount and condition of the film and the time, equipment, and procedures required to perform this type of recovery, restoration, cleaning and transfer.

Deposit required: A deposit is required for the recovery process of any motion picture film and must be payable before the recovery begins. If none of the film can be recovered there will be a small service charge and the remainder of the deposit will be refunded. The deposit required is 25% of the quote or estimate provided and the "small service charge" can be as little as 10% of the overall quote or estimated cost of the project, plus any shipping costs.

Minimum charges: There are minimum charges for labour, materials and enviro fees for discarding of the film after recovery or attempted recovery. We would inform you of the minimum cost involved when providing a FREE quote after a visual, hands-on inspection at our lab.

Recovery success: It is very hard to give an accurate percentage for the recovery of your films but based on passed recovery we can provide the following estimate: For Super 8mm format, the overall success rate is around 80%; for regular 8, double 8, single 8 (which is most often older film) the success rate is around 50%. 16mm success rate is around 60%. But this all depends on its overall condition.

Quality of images after recovery: The image quality can range from good to extremely poor. If there is absolutely no image on your film, it will not be transferred and a partial refund from your deposit will be made. If we are able to make out any kind of image at all on your film, regardless of quality or quantity, it will be transferred and the usual price will be charged. We only charge for what can be recovered and transferred.

Films condition after recovery: Due to the process required in recovering poor quality warped and shrunk film, most, if not all the film will be discarded after the recovery process, however this does depend on the original condition. If the film can be used again in the future, we will return the film on new reels and cans upon customer request. NOTE: Most film that has been through the recovery process usually can NOT be returned immediately after the recovery process because of the WET chemicals used in the recovery process. Please contact us if you wish to have your original movie film returned at a later date and we can make special shipping arrangements after you have received your DV & DVD masters.

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ! FILM RECOVERY PROCESSING TIME: (Movie film that is warped or shrunk). Processing time depends on the films overall condition and the amount of film to be recovered for transfer. NOTE: No rush services available because of the type of process used to recover warped and shrunk movie film we can not give specific dates for completion. Due to the condition-specific, multi-step process for film recovery, please allow a minimum of SIX MONTHS, but it can take up to ONE YEAR to complete the recovery process. If you require your warped or shrunk movie films by a specific date, please do not send us your films, due to the reasons explained above. We will do everything possible to recover the films as quickly as possible without risking further damage to the films, but the customer must be patient. There are no guarantees that any or all of the film will be recoverable. Please contact us at anytime and we can provide and update on the progress of your order.

FILM RECOVERY PRICES INCLUDE:

- Full inspection and quote showing minimum charges and charges for complete recovery if successful (no hidden charges).

- Recondition and stabilize dehydrated, dried out 8mm or 16mm motion picture film at least, long enough for transfer to our digital formats. Some film may be recovered in its entirety and preserved for future use (this depends on the films recoverable condition).

- The Transfer system for film recovery: Rank Transfer. The absolute best transfer available today is called a Rank transfer. It involves pretty much the exact same method as our CinaVision™ transfer except rather than using a camera head to image each frame, a flying-spot scanner or CCD scanner is used. This allows for up to 4000 lines of resolution. Hollywood transfers the big blockbuster films using this type of equipment. These machines are without a doubt the best of all film transfer equipment. The Rank transfer is used exclusively for our film recovery and archival services. CLICK THE LINK FOR RANK TRANSFER INFO: http://www.tmtv.net/framebyframe.html

- Film is transferred to both Mini-DV (Digital Videotape) masters & DVD Archival gold masters. Includes standard master Mini-DV tape and NEW! - professional, archival 24 karat gold master 4.7GB DVD-Rs. The DVD is a 100 year archival mastering DVD-R with full plastic case. Film that requires recovery and restoration is transferred to Mini-DV & DVD masters only. If you require AVI files we can create those from the Mini-DVs at additional cost.

- New film reels/cans or boxes as required.

- New leader & splices.

- Small film reels are spliced together and placed onto 400 foot reels - Note: Films may not be placed on the larger film reels in order that we receive them. They are placed in accordance with the condition that is required for recovery. It is also a good idea to right down any of the information that may be on the original film reels or containers before sending us your order as these may be discarded after our process unless specified by the client that you want the original boxes or cans returned.

- E-mail updates on the progress of your films. Monthly or by-monthly updates providing you info on the recovery process. You can e-mail us at anytime during the recovery process for an update.

- Free return shipping: Expedited Parcel or Express Post (Canada & USA) which includes tracking number and delivery confirmation. 5 to 10 business days to most locations in Canada and the USA. (minimum charges apply). Return shipping by courier such as Fed-Ex, DHL or UPS is additional cost.

CUSTOMER COMMENTS: See all customer comments click here

"The tapes arrived today. Thank you for the job you have done especially from the condition of the film. It is appreciated."

Jo Ann, Waterloo IA, Oct 2008 USA (Movie film recovery & transfer to Mini-DV)

FILM RESTORATION & PRESERVATION (Not for warped or shrunk motion picture film)

COMPLETE RESTORATION OF MOVIE FILM INCLUDES: Having your film cleaned, lubricated, restored & preserved which removes surface dust, grime, mold and minor scratches on the film which helps restore and preserve the movie film for future use or transfer. This process is used for film that is not warped or shrunk but is in poor condition from dust, dirt, scratches, broken or damaged splices. Film that is warped or shrunk requires our film recovery and restoration process. See "Film recovery and restoration".

The film is restored and preserved using a 4 pass cleaning and lubricating system. We will also repair bad splices, broken or damaged film or film reels and replace missing film leader if required.

The first pass; using an air cleaner & anti-static micro-fibre cloth,

Second pass; film is cleaned with Kodak™ film cleaning solution,

Third pass; using Anti-static cleaner with lubricant

Forth pass; using the Kodak™ film Restorer with SILICONE.

Cleans, Polishes, Lubricates.

Revitalizes film

Reduces projector wear

Reduces film wear

Removes static

Eliminates "grime distortion"

Reduces film squeal and chatter

Cleans, lubricates and protects by depositing a micro-scopic film of SILICONE on the film

FILM CONDITION: If you know the condition of the film that helps to determine if complete restoration or repairs are required. Most Super 8mm film is found to be in good condition, some regular 8mm film & 16mm film can be in poorer condition depending on its age and stored condition.

FILM CLEANING & REPAIR REQUIREMENTS: If the film is in poor condition, has a white powder or smells like vinegar (vinegar syndrome), then your film will need to be cleaned, lubricated, restored & preserved before transferring your films to ANY format. Film that is warped or shrunk may require our recovery process.

TRANSFERS TO MINI-DV OR DVCAM (Digital Video tape): Complete cleaning & lubrication is included in our prices listed for transfer to Mini-DV & DVCam. If your film is in excellent condition, cleaning lubrication may not be required, in this case we will only perform basic cleaning and or lubrication.

TRANSFERS TO DVD: Basic film cleaning is required and usually included in our prices listed for transfers to DVD.

TRANSFER TO AVI FILES: Complete cleaning & lubrication is included for most movie film transfers to AVI. If your film is in excellent condition, cleaning lubrication may not be required, in this case we will only perform basic cleaning and or lubrication. This would be determined during visual inspection when the films are at the lab.

REPAIRS/SPLICING/EDITING: If your film is broken or the splices have come unglued or separated then splicing/editing will have to be performed. If you wish to repair your films before shipping to TMTV, DO NOT USE HOUSEHOLD TAPE TO REPAIR OR SPLICE YOUR FILMS, use only the recommended film splicing tape or glue.

REMOUNTING FILMS: If your films are mounted backwards on their original film reels then they will have to be remounted. Damaged or broken film reels will have to be replaced at additional cost.

FILM CLEANING/LUBRICATING (Not for warped or shrunk motion picture film)

CLEANING OF MOVIE FILM INCLUDES: Having your film cleaned & lubricated, removes surface dust and minor scratches on the film. This process is used for film that is not warped or shrunk but is in good to excellent condition and the film shows minor dust, dirt and small scratches Film that is warped or shrunk requires our film recovery and restoration process. See "Film recovery and restoration". Film that shows signs of heavy wear, grime, dirt may require "film cleaning, restoration & preservation. See "film restoration & preservation"

The film is cleaned using a 2 pass cleaning and lubricating system. We will also repair bad splices, broken or damaged film or film reels and replace missing film leader if required.

Cleans, Polishes, Lubricates.

The first pass; using an air cleaner & anti-static micro-fibre cloth,

Second pass; film is cleaned with Kodak™ film cleaning/lubricating solution.

FILM CONDITION: If you know the condition of the film that helps to determine if complete restoration or repairs are required. Most Super 8mm film is found to be in good condition, some regular 8mm film & 16mm film can be in poorer condition depending on its age and stored condition.

FILM CLEANING & REPAIR REQUIREMENTS: If the film is in poor condition, has a white powder or smells like vinegar (vinegar syndrome), then your film will need to be cleaned, lubricated, restored & preserved before transferring your films to ANY format. Film that is warped or shrunk may require our recovery process.

TRANSFERS TO MINI-DV OR DVCAM (Digital Video tape): Complete cleaning & lubrication is included in our prices listed for transfer to Mini-DV & DVCam. If your film is in excellent condition, cleaning lubrication may not be required, in this case we will only perform basic cleaning and or lubrication.

TRANSFERS TO DVD: Basic film cleaning is required and usually included in our prices listed for transfers to DVD.

TRANSFER TO AVI FILES: Complete cleaning & lubrication is included for most movie film transfers to AVI. If your film is in excellent condition, cleaning lubrication may not be required, in this case we will only perform basic cleaning and or lubrication. This would be determined during visual inspection when the films are at the lab.

REPAIRS/SPLICING/EDITING: If your film is broken or the splices have come unglued or separated then splicing/editing will have to be performed. If you wish to repair your films before shipping to TMTV, DO NOT USE HOUSEHOLD TAPE TO REPAIR OR SPLICE YOUR FILMS, use only the recommended film splicing tape or glue.

REMOUNTING FILMS: If your films are mounted backwards on their original film reels then they will have to be remounted. Damaged or broken film reels will have to be replaced at additional cost.

If you only want your film cleaned and you feel that your films do not require the complete recovery then contact us for a separate "cleaning/lubrication" or restoration/preservation" quote. Which involves a 2 or 4 pass cleaning with film cleaning solution & lubricant.

FREE FILM INSPECTION: You may ship your films to us for a complete inspection and quote with no obligation. If you choose not to have your films restored, cleaned or transferred after inspection by our technicians you would only pay for the shipping to and from our lab.

RECEIVING QUOTES

RECEIVING A QUOTE FOR YOUR FILM CLEANING AND TRANSFERS: Please specify the type of film, film reel sizes in FEET and the number of films you have and what you want it transferred to (MINI-DV, DVCAM, DVD or AVI). For transfer information please go to our main page and select the appropriate type of movie film transfer you require.

Regular 8(R8mm), Super 8mm (S8mm) film reel sizes are as follows:

Length original film speed @ 15 to 18 fps

50' 2:30 to 4 minutes = 3" reel

100' 5 to 8 minutes = 4" reel

200' 10 to 17 minutes = 5" reel

300' 18 to 20 minutes = 6" reel

400' 20 to 34 minutes = 7" reel

*600' * Super 8 only = 8" reel

We can fit approximately 2000 feet of Super 8mm film on a two hour DVD or DVCAM tape and 1000' or (1) one hour on a Mini-DV tape or approximately 1600 feet of Regular 8mm film on a two hour DVD or DVCAM tape and 800' or (1) one hour on a Mini-DV tape, 20 minutes of AVI files on a 4.7GB DVD-R.

16mm film reel sizes are as follows:

Length original film speed @ 24 fps

50' 1:23 minutes = 3" reel

100' 2:46 minutes = 4" reel

200' 5:33 minutes = 5" reel

400' 11:07 minutes = 7" reel

600' 16:40 minutes = 8" reel

1000' 27:47 minutes = 11" reel

1200' 33:20 minutes = 12" reel

1600' 44:26 minutes = 13" reel

2000' 55.33 minutes = 14-7/8" reel

We can fit approximately 4000 feet of 16mm film on a two hour DVD or DVCAM tape, 2000' on one hour Mini-DV tape and 20 minutes of AVI files on a 4.7GB DVD-R

Before requesting a quote for your film please prepare a physical description of your film as best you can. You may also send the film to our lab for a no obligation quote.

What is the format of your film, Super 8mm, Regular 8mm or 16mm?

What is the film title or collection name?

What is the approximate date?

Approximately how long is each reel, measured in feet?

Is the film colour or black and white?

Do you have positive, a negative, original or A and B Rolls?

Are the films on reels or cores?

Does the film have a sound track? What kind is it?

What decay and damage does the film exhibit: colour fading, shrinkage, warping and curling, image deterioration, tears, broken splices, damaged perforations, vinegar syndrome?

What masters and copies are required and what format you need?

Will you want to add titles, credits, menus or other introductory material to the masters and copies?

CONTACT US FOR A COMPLETE QUOTE

SUBMITTING ORDERS TO THE LAB:

If you choose to send films to our lab for transfer please e-mail or phone us before sending so we can make sure you are fully informed about the process and the options available.

When submitting film to the lab please number them CLEARLY in order of sequence, Example: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. (do not use POST-IT Notes, they fall off).

MIXING FILM FORMATS: R-8MM, S-8MM, 16MM with or without sound: If you have a mixture of different film formats (a combination of R-8mm, Super8, Super8 with sound or 16mm) we request that you do not mix the formats. Our system requires a complete changeover for each format, and therefore having to switch between formats for every reel adds significantly to the transfer time and could result in an additional service charge. To avoid this simply ensure that the order of your transfer places all reels of a certain format together (R-8mm & Super8, Super8 with sound 16mm or 16mm with sound respectively) R-8mm is the older format and would usually be transferred first then we would transfer Super 8. 16mm would be transferred separately.

Let us know when and how you shipped them so we can keep track of the shipment for you.

Once the films arrive we will e-mail or phone and issue you an order number and we will perform a complete inspection on your films and schedule in the processing date. Please fill out the order form and send it with your order

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