If you see this, your browser is not up to date to use CSS. To view this page in its full beauty, please download the new Internet Explorer.

Note: if you experience a delay in the videos above, the files are downloading.

 

8mm / Super 8mm / 16 mm Film to DVD -- Capture Method

Blue Cloud Video uses the Frame by Frame capture method. 

The Frame by Frame capture is a telecine transfer in which the image is taken from the emulsion side of the film using a 3CCD digital camera. The film is enlarged enough so that you can see the grain of the film.  

THERE IS NO FLICKER because each frame is captured and reassembled into a video similar to a cartoon.

The film is then perfectly timed to 18 or 24 frames per second (Super 8mm film), 15 frames per second (8mm film) and 24 frames per second (16 mm film). We will also make sure this is the correct speed and we have the ability to chagne the speed to any number we desire.

We use a modified Sniper Pro from Moviestuff - PC magazine compared this process to the rank transfer ($50/50 ft), PC magazine gave it EXCELLENT results. Read the article here: PC magazine article on Workprinter

Couple the quality of the transfer with our color correction, camera shake and debris removal tools, we provide excellent value for your family memories.

We use Sony Vegas, Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premier non-linear editing suites to provide absolute control over the creativity of the titles and DVD authoring.  

We will set precise chapter marks at the beginning of each reel - or customized to your request.

Below is an example of a 1CCD capture vs. 3CCD capture:

If you have had your film transferred to VHS years ago, look at the difference we can make:
Below are some examples of old VHS film transfers compared to Blue Cloud Video's process:

Want to see more? Click here for more sample screen shots!


Sample transfers for 8mm and Super 8mm film

 

If you can't play the videos above, please use the links below:
Click here for a Frame by frame Example (YouTube Link)
Watch Frame by Frame Super 8mm videos from other customers (hosted on You Tube)

Donwnload a HIGH QUALITY example (AVI file size = 417 MB - LONG DOWNLOAD)

Color Correction

Blue Cloud Video has the ability to color correct your film. Please review a real customer's example below.
their film had a very light and green cast to it. We corrected the color and the result speaks for itself.

Order color correction HERE


 Camera Shake Correction

We are in the Beta Phase of providing Camera Shake correction to your films.
We are also working on digitally removing scratches and dust.

This will provide a very high quality transfer for your films.

Please review the videos in the Flash player above for more information. Feel free to contact us to try out these services and to provide you with a quote.

Edit your own film

We can provide the raw AVI files of your footage so you can edit the video uncompressed. We can deliver via MIniDV tape or hard drive.

Due to liability reason, we recommend buying a hard drive from us. Otherwise, we are NOT responsible for lost files or damaged hard drives that you send to us.

 

How to Archive your memories

DVD copy is not a true ARCHIVE of your film because the footage is compressed to MPEG 2.  It is however, a great way to view your film on the television. Typical DVD's do not last as long as they were projected to last. There are issues with corrosion that we cannot control. 

We only use the Taiyo Yuden Watershield DVD's that are archive quality and projected to last 100 years.

We also offer a GOLD DVD by Memorex that is slated to last longer. Gold does not corrode.

We do not recommend putting your movies onto VHS because VHS will degrade every time you view it . DVD is currently the best technology to view your memories over and over.

A DVD can hold up to 1 hour at 8 Mb/s compression. We will not compress more than 1 hour of footage onto a DVD (unless requested) since the MPEG-2 format is already compressed.

Blue Cloud Video will keep your film on our server for up to 30 days in case you would like a re-sequence, archive copy on Mini-DV tape, AVI files to a hard drive, or extra copies of your footage. Your footage is then deleted without notice. If you would like extra copies after that time, or have a mistake corrected, the original DVD's must be sent back so we can re-edit the footage, or we will retransfer the film. After 30 days, you will be charged for a retransfer if there was an issue with the film transfer.

Archive with Mini DV tapes or hard drives

We provide one DVD copy with your order with no extra charge.

If you prefer, we can provide a MINI-DV copy or Hard Drive transfer of your files.  This will get you an AVI format master onto tape or hard drive and could last longer than the DVD (DVD's get scratched and broken).

Note that one tape holds 60 minutes - please provide enough tapes for your footage (see chart below for approximate length of your films).

Archive with your film reels
Do not throw out your old film reels.  Original film/slides/negatives are the best way to archive media. 
Store them in a cool dry place after your DVD's are created. Your DVD's should only be considered a 'viewing medium' not an archive.

What does a DVD transfer mean?

Blue Cloud Video uses a 3CCD digital camcorder to capture your film directly to the computer FRAME-BY-FRAME. It is then edited with a non-linear editing program where the color and brightness can be corrected manually if needed. We can also grab screen shots of the film.

A DVD with chapters at each film reel is created.
We inkjet print a cover onto your waterproof DVD and professionally pack and ship everything back to you.

No Minimum Charge

Blue cloud video does NOT require a minimum charge.  You can convert one 3-inch reel (50 ft), or 250+ 3-inch reels.  You will be paying the same price per 50ft, plus return shipping.

Film Transfer Lengths

 

Here is a table showing how many feet are in each reel and how long they are.
8mm Film (15 fps - 80 frames per foot)
50 ft reel (3 inches) = 4:26 minutes
100 ft reel (4 inches) = 8:53 minutes
200 ft reel (5 inches) = 17:46 minutes
300 ft reel (6 inches) = 26:40 minutes
400 ft reel (7 inches) = 35:33 minutes


Super 8mm Film (18 fps - 72 frames per foot)
50 ft reel (3 inches) = 3:20 minutes
100 ft reel (4 inches) = 6:40 minutes
200 ft reel (5 inches) = 13:20 minutes
300 ft reel (6 inches) = 20:00 minutes
400 ft reel (7 inches) = 26:40 minutes


16 mm (24 fps - 40 frames per foot)
50 ft reel (3 inches) = 1:23 minutes
100 ft reel (4 inches) = 2:46 minutes
200 ft reel (5 inches) = 5:33 minutes
300 ft reel (6 inches) = 8:20 minutes
400 ft reel (7 inches) = 11:06 minutes
500 ft reel (7 inches) = 13:53 minutes
600 ft reel (7 inches) = 16:40 minutes
700 ft reel (7 inches) = 19:26 minutes
800 ft reel (7 inches) = 22:13 minutes
900 ft reel (7 inches) = 25:00 minutes
1000 ft reel (7 inches) = 27:46 minutes
1100 ft reel (7 inches) = 30:33 minutes




A DVD will hold about 1.5 hours of 8mm film (without music).

Here is an automatic film calculator from kodak:
Film Calculator

 

Click here to Get your film Transferred to DVD Today!