Film Cleaning
Film cleaning and lubrication are available for $ .02 per foot of film. It does not remove 100% of the spots and, of course, will not restore film which has been scratched or badly damaged. This service is mandatory for film that is molded, dirty, dry or has any chemical smell to it. We reserve the right to insist that it be cleaned if absolutely necessary. It could cause damage to our equipment.

Splices and Edits
Splicing (connecting ends of film) consists of:

• Splicing all 50 foot reels together and returning them on 400 ft. reels.
• Splicing together broken film for the purpose of transferring onto video cassette. If the film has been temporarily repaired with tape, it must be replaced with a proper splice.

There is a charge $1.00 each for the above. There is no charge for the high quality reels and cans we provide with the splicing. We generally make many more splices in the course of preparing a film for transfer but, unless there are an excessive number, we only charge for the above mentioned ones.

Preserving Original Film
In preparation for the Film to DVD Transfer Service, the smaller reels are joined together into larger ones. Leader tape is added to the beginning so that we can capture all of the film action from beginning to end. Whenever we find blank or totally black film in excess of about 5 inches, we remove it. Old splices are often in disrepair and are replaced. Even film that is given to us on larger reels often needs repair. The film runs more smoothly when it is on larger reels. The film will be returned in metal or plastic cans, which are the best possible way to store and preserve film. It is wise to save this original film as long as possible as a backup.

If for whatever reason, your movie film must be returned in exactly the same condition as when you provided it to us, please be sure to make us aware of this, as it is very difficult (or impossible) to restore after the fact. In this case, we can run the film on the smaller reels, but will have to charge a $1.00 Edit Charge for each time the recording deck must be stopped and restarted for reel changes, cutting out blank or black sections, film or splice breakage. This can be very costly. We may require additional time to process these orders since they require more hands-on attention and take more time, but we feel that it is important to accommodate your needs.

Editing Film for Content
It is not practical to edit the films for content as we transfer them. If you need this service, you should have all the film transferred and then edit the films before transferring to DVD. We can provide you with Video Production Editing as well, for an additional charge. Ask us for details. Another option is to procure a movie film editor and manually cut and re-splice the film before sending it to us.

Damaged Film
Movie film often comes to us in very poor condition. We will try to salvage film if at all possible.
Some types of damage are:

• Brittle Film - Due to storage in hot or dry conditions or due to extreme age. Sometimes we can loosen this up enough to run, especially if only the outer layers are stiff. Let us have a look at no charge, and we'll let you know whether or not this type of damage can be overcome.
   
• Emulsion Peeling Off - Due to the same reasons as above. Usually this film is not worth watching even if we can get it to run. Again - we will be glad to look at it. If we can get an image, we will run it and you will not be charged extra.
   
• Chemical Smell - Referred to as "The Vinegar Syndrome" After a period of years, sooner or later, a chemical reaction begins in the film which produces acetic acid (hence the vinegar smell). This causes the emulsion to separate from the film base and eventually ruins the film. Once this reaction begins, the film deteriorates rapidly and in just a few months cannot be salvaged. Film with a chemical smell should be transferred immediately.
   
• Moldy or Mildewed Film - Due to storage in an overly wet place. This film will smell musty and look awful but is usually in very salvageable condition. Cleaning is mandatory and may not remove 100% of the mildew, but the film is usually very supple and runs well.
   
• Broken Film - This can be re-spliced and run if the pieces are not too small. Wrap the film on a reel, if possible, in the desired order. Splicing charges will apply.
   
• Torn and Missing Sprocket Holes - Due to film which has been loved and played too much or on the wrong type of projector. An occasional torn hole may cause the film to jump. If a series of consecutive holes are torn, this section of film must be removed. If the holes are stretched or slightly torn, the film will mostly run but may be a little jumpy.
   
• Film which was never processed after exposure - If it is not too old, you may be able to get your outlab service to process this film. Sometimes, if the film is old, the developing process for this film will be discontinued. There is a lab that still runs these films (Rocky Mountain Film Lab 303-399-6444) but you should be warned that it is expensive (sometimes $ 30.00 - 40.00 per reel), it may take a year or more to process, and you are charged whether the film turns out or not. Call them directly to see if your film can still be processed. Because of the time involved and expense, we do not handle this service.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please call us at 828-258-3674 or 800-786-0154, email us, or use our online request form.

Film Cleaning
Film cleaning and lubrication are available for $ .02 per foot of film. It does not remove 100% of the spots and, of course, will not restore film which has been scratched or badly damaged. This service is mandatory for film that is molded, dirty, dry or has any chemical smell to it. We reserve the right to insist that it be cleaned if absolutely necessary. It could cause damage to our equipment.

Splices and Edits
Splicing (connecting ends of film) consists of:

• Splicing all 50 foot reels together and returning them on 400 ft. reels.
• Splicing together broken film for the purpose of transferring onto video cassette. If the film has been temporarily repaired with tape, it must be replaced with a proper splice.

There is a charge $1.00 each for the above. There is no charge for the high quality reels and cans we provide with the splicing. We generally make many more splices in the course of preparing a film for transfer but, unless there are an excessive number, we only charge for the above mentioned ones.

Preserving Original Film
In preparation for the Film to DVD Transfer Service, the smaller reels are joined together into larger ones. Leader tape is added to the beginning so that we can capture all of the film action from beginning to end. Whenever we find blank or totally black film in excess of about 5 inches, we remove it. Old splices are often in disrepair and are replaced. Even film that is given to us on larger reels often needs repair. The film runs more smoothly when it is on larger reels. The film will be returned in metal or plastic cans, which are the best possible way to store and preserve film. It is wise to save this original film as long as possible as a backup.

If for whatever reason, your movie film must be returned in exactly the same condition as when you provided it to us, please be sure to make us aware of this, as it is very difficult (or impossible) to restore after the fact. In this case, we can run the film on the smaller reels, but will have to charge a $1.00 Edit Charge for each time the recording deck must be stopped and restarted for reel changes, cutting out blank or black sections, film or splice breakage. This can be very costly. We may require additional time to process these orders since they require more hands-on attention and take more time, but we feel that it is important to accommodate your needs.

Editing Film for Content
It is not practical to edit the films for content as we transfer them. If you need this service, you should have all the film transferred and then edit the films before transferring to DVD. We can provide you with Video Production Editing as well, for an additional charge. Ask us for details. Another option is to procure a movie film editor and manually cut and re-splice the film before sending it to us.

Damaged Film
Movie film often comes to us in very poor condition. We will try to salvage film if at all possible.
Some types of damage are:

• Brittle Film - Due to storage in hot or dry conditions or due to extreme age. Sometimes we can loosen this up enough to run, especially if only the outer layers are stiff. Let us have a look at no charge, and we'll let you know whether or not this type of damage can be overcome.
   
• Emulsion Peeling Off - Due to the same reasons as above. Usually this film is not worth watching even if we can get it to run. Again - we will be glad to look at it. If we can get an image, we will run it and you will not be charged extra.
   
• Chemical Smell - Referred to as "The Vinegar Syndrome" After a period of years, sooner or later, a chemical reaction begins in the film which produces acetic acid (hence the vinegar smell). This causes the emulsion to separate from the film base and eventually ruins the film. Once this reaction begins, the film deteriorates rapidly and in just a few months cannot be salvaged. Film with a chemical smell should be transferred immediately.
   
• Moldy or Mildewed Film - Due to storage in an overly wet place. This film will smell musty and look awful but is usually in very salvageable condition. Cleaning is mandatory and may not remove 100% of the mildew, but the film is usually very supple and runs well.
   
• Broken Film - This can be re-spliced and run if the pieces are not too small. Wrap the film on a reel, if possible, in the desired order. Splicing charges will apply.
   
• Torn and Missing Sprocket Holes - Due to film which has been loved and played too much or on the wrong type of projector. An occasional torn hole may cause the film to jump. If a series of consecutive holes are torn, this section of film must be removed. If the holes are stretched or slightly torn, the film will mostly run but may be a little jumpy.
   
• Film which was never processed after exposure - If it is not too old, you may be able to get your outlab service to process this film. Sometimes, if the film is old, the developing process for this film will be discontinued. There is a lab that still runs these films (Rocky Mountain Film Lab 303-399-6444) but you should be warned that it is expensive (sometimes $ 30.00 - 40.00 per reel), it may take a year or more to process, and you are charged whether the film turns out or not. Call them directly to see if your film can still be processed. Because of the time involved and expense, we do not handle this service.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please call us at 828-258-3674 or 800-786-0154, email us, or use our online request form.