Chemical Restoration Archive Films

Odplísnění filmů „The process described below is very efficient and provides excellent results.“

Vladimír Opěla, Director, National Film Archives, Prague

If film is stored improperly – especially in locations without optimal temperature and humidity conditions – mold spores start to grow on the film emulsion. The mold feeds on gelatin contained in the emulsion and result in damage to the recorded image – in some cases, leading to the total destruction of the image. In addition, films that have been attacked by mold can contaminate other films stored in the same area. To restore a film, this mold must be removed and the film emulsion preserved in a manner which protects against the regrowth of mold in the future.

In cooperation with the Purkyne University in Brno, Barrandov Film Laboratories has developed a technology that not only ensures the removal of all mold but also subsequently protects film archives with the assistance of liquid chemicals.

The result is a clean, archived film that is ready for further processing and storage. This technology has now been in use for over 20 years. Thousands of meters of film – both colored and B&W, 35mm as well as 16mm – have been treated successfully for the Czech National Film Archives.