Silent Home Movies

AfterBurner Media can convert your home movie film reels (*silent only*) to either DVD or digital video files.  This includes Standard 8mm film reels as well as Super 8mm film reels.  Your film reels are scanned frame by frame at 1080p resolution to produce the best quality reproduction possible.  While our process does not improve the original resolution of your film, it does guarantee to maintain what is there, so that there is no loss of quality in the conversion process.  Once converted, ABM can use software tools to adjust color, contrast and brightness to improve the overall look of the film.  Pricing is based on the amount of film on each reel.  

Currently, ABM does not offer conversion of Standard 8mm or Super 8mm home movies that contain sound, so you will want to check your films carefully to confirm that they are indeed silent.  Here is what you should look for:

If you have Standard 8mm film, the chances are low that it will have sound, especially in films that are older than 1960.  To check, do a visual inspection under good lighting, of both sides of the film.  If your standard 8mm film has sound, on one side of the film (the underside), you will see a thin copper or gold colored magnetic audio strip running along the outer edge of the film, next to the sprocket holes.  If you do not detect this strip running along the entire length of your film, then your film is silent, and ABM can convert your film.

If you have Super 8mm film, there is a greater chance that it will include sound, especially if it was recorded after 1973.  To check, do a visual inspection under good lighting, of both sides of the film.  If your Super 8mm film has sound, on one side of the film (the underside), you will see a thin gold or copper colored magnetic audio strip running along the edge of the film that is opposite the sprocket holes.  Some Super 8mm film can have 2 channels of audio, in which case, you will also see a thinner gold or copper color magnetic audio strip running along the side of the film next to the sprocket holes.  If you do not detect 1 or both of these strips running along the entire length of the film, then your film is silent, and ABM can convert your film.

Once you have confirmed that your films are silent, just give ABM a call at 810-496-1537 and we’ll be glad to answer any questions you might have and provide a free estimate for your conversion project.  Or, email us at:  info@afterburnermedia.com