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Film restoration involves the process of repairing or reconstructing a film to restore it to its original quality or intended state. The primary objective of film restoration is to remove or reduce physical, chemical, or visual damage that may have occurred over time. This may include film cleaning, splice repairs, torn or damaged film reels, digital scanning, improving color fidelity, and enhancing overall image and sound quality. Advanced technologies and specialized software are often used to repair or reconstruct damaged or missing portions of the film.Film conservation focuses on the long-term preservation and maintenance of films in their existing condition. The primary objective of film conservation is to prevent further deterioration and ensure that the film remains stable and accessible for future generations. Conservation practices include proper storage, handling, and environmental conditions to slow down the aging and degradation processes. They also involve documentation, cataloging, and creating backups or duplicates to mitigate risks of loss or irreparable damage.

While we can repair and restore some film, no preservationists can bring film in advanced stages of decay back to its original state. That’s why we urge collection owners to act with urgency and priority to preserve their irreplaceable media.

Safety film, also known as safety base or safety stock, refers to a type of film base that was introduced as a safer alternative in 1950 to the highly flammable nitrate film used in early motion pictures. Safety film is made from cellulose acetate or polyester, which are each non-flammable materials.  Camera original negative film is almost exclusively captured on cellulose acetate-based emulsions.

Cellulose acetate film has several key advantages over older nitrate film. These include:‍   • Non-flammable: Cellulose acetate film is designed to be non-flammable, unlike nitrate film, which is highly combustible. This property significantly reduced the risk of fire hazards associated with film storage, handling, and projection.‍   • Restoration: Acetate-based films can be more easily repaired and film cement can be used to restore splices which are a common problem with age.  Films captured or printed on acetate base are susceptible to the development of vinegar syndrome which is described in more depth below. ‍   • Availability: Safety film became the standard in the motion picture industry during the mid-20th century. Films produced after 1950 were shot on safety film and it continues to be used in the industry today.

Polyester film base (also known as polyethylene terephthalate or PET, and by the Kodak tradename of ESTAR) has several key characteristics & features, including:   • Non-Flammable: polyester film base is also designed to be non-flammable. ‍   • Durability: Polyester-based film is widely used for exhibition of film in theaters due to its strength and resistance to handling issues and environmental changes.  Polyester is not susceptible to vinegar syndrome, decomposition, or shrinkage over time resulting in improved long-term storage. ‍   • Restoration: Polyester-based films are not easily repaired.  While base tears and splice deterioration are minimized due to the strength of polyester and ultrasonic splices, the inability to easily make repairs exists.

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How is film restoration different from film conservation?

Can all decayed film be restored?