We often use this blog to discuss the advantages of transferring 8mm film to DVD and some of the more fun and convenient aspects of such a transfer. Today however we would like to turn our attention to a more serious subject. That subject being the decay of 8mm film and resulting Vinegar Syndrome. Vinegar Syndrome is a specific type of decay that affects cellulose acetate film and as it slowly destroys film the bacteria responsible for the "eating" of the film produce acetic acid which is a key component of household vinegar. The result of such decay is a strong and sometimes overwhelming vinegar odor which in turn drove people to dub this process of decay Vinegar Syndrome.
We've also spent time on this blog going over just how vulnerable 8mm film is to the elements and time and today we'll go a bit further and explain just how Vinegar Syndrome works. It all begins with the storing of 8mm film. Some store the old films in boxes, some in nothing more than their canisters, and some still leave them totally exposed. Now regardless of what they are stored in they're going to be subjected to moisture, heat, and acids, elements found in attics, closets, attics, and even in professional storage units. Once these things grab a hold of any 8mm film the acetyl molecular bonds that hold the film together begin to break down. As the acetyl bonds begin breaking acetic acid is released into the air which then produces the familiar vinegar odor.
The smell of vinegar marks the onset of film degradation. These early stages can also be identified by the curling of the film though the smell should be an efficient indicator of decay in any case. If left untreated the decay will progress and the film will eventually become brittle to the touch rendering the 8mm film unplayable. During these intermediate stages of decay the film also shrinks due to the disappearance of polymers. The specific part of the decay process breaks the film into smaller pieces making the film useless. 8mm films become unplayable once a film's shrinkage exceeds 1% and as the majority of films shrink by 10% it's wise to consider an 8mm to DVD transfer if for no other reason that to protect your memories.
In the late and final stages of Vinegar Syndrome 8mm films develop liquid-filled bubbles on the surface of the film. Once this has occurred a film is irreparable and is lost forever. While these advanced stages of decay mark the point of no return for an 8mm film there are methods that can help preserve and in some cases reverse the Vinegar Syndrome process however those are astonishingly expensive and are generally reserved for and affordable to only major movie studios.
If you're the owner of 8mm movies and wish to have them preserved for the remainder of your lifetime and even that of your children's consider an 8mm to DVD transfer. This process is far less expensive and time consuming than that of reversing or even trying to prevent Vinegar Syndrome. Even those films that receive preventative or reversible treatments will once again be subject to this form of decay in a short matter of time. Transferring 8mm to DVD means that your movies will be placed and preserved on a medium that is immune to the types of decay that afflict 8mm film. In fact DVD's are designed to last several lifetimes and so long as they aren't left in direct sunlight, extreme heat, or terribly scratched they will be capable of playback for years upon years and can be handed down within your family through several generations.
Best DVD Solutions knowing the dangers Vinegar Syndrome presents to 8mm film owners, an 8mm to DVD transfer service that owners will find exciting for more than the prospect of just transferring a vulnerable format to a more durable medium. Best DVD Solutions also works with the audio and video when they perform an 8mm to DVD transfer. What this means essentially is that video and audio are enhanced as much as the source material will allow. Video can be made sharper and its images more vibrant while audio that is unbalanced or sub par can be leveled out so that it can be heard without being to loud or to quiet. Transferring 8mm to DVD begins with the sending of your films to Best DVD Solutions. From here your films are put through a rigorous process where audio and video and cleaned up and then finally burnt to DVD. Once the transfer is complete you'll receive both your films and your DVD's via mail. From this point you'll have the ability to watch old 8mm movies in the comfort of your living room, day or night, and utilizing modern equipment.
8mm films often contain movies of family gatherings, loved ones who have long since passed, and even holiday events. Once the sun sets on a day or an event concludes they won't come again and those that have been captured to 8mm are precious. With dangers such as Vinegar Syndrome lurking and waiting to destroy those films containing precious memories is it really worth waiting to do an 8mm to DVD transfer?
Should you be interested in transferring 8mm to DVD or should you have questions about the process and pricing please contact Best DVD Solutions for assistance. Their friendly staff will provide you with all the details you'll need and can help you get the process started right away. You may also want to visit Best DVD Solution's 8mm to DVD transfer website for a full list of their services!
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