transfer Film Reels
to Digital
Preserve your old
film reel memories for
many more decades
Let us convert your old film reels to digital media today.
Enjoy great moments with RVA Rewind’s film transfer services. We convert 8mm film, Super 8 film, and 16mm film to digital-with options for thumb drives and digital downloads.
Your old film reels won't last forever
Films reels will breakdown over time causing images to fade and quality to deteriorate. These film formats are also subject to damage from the elements. Digitize your film reels today with RVA Rewind and keep your family memories alive for many more generations.
Locally Transferred in Richmond, Virginia
All film digital transfers are performed in Richmond, Virginia. We have an efficient team of people that focuses on your films, so the quality is the best. Your film reels are individually handled and cleaned with care to ensure the best quality 8mm to digital transfer.
Accepted Film Reel Formats
- Regular 8mm Film
- Super 8 Film
- Super 8 with Sound
- 16mm Film
- 16mm Film with Sound
Quality Transfer - Scan up to 4K Resolution
At RVA Rewind, we focus deeply on a quality film transfer. We want to give you a product that will last for many more decades. Because of this, we have invested in a custom film scanner to get as much detail as we can from your old films. For most of our customers, our standard frame-by-frame High Definition (1080p) film scan does the job very well for 8mm. If you have 16mm film reels, we can scan the film at up to 4K resolution (2160p).
Original Frame Rate (16 fps | 18 fps | 24 fps)
Sometimes when you watch older home movies that have been converted to digital, people appear to walk around fast in an unnatural way. This is because it was transferred at an incorrect frame rate.
When regular 8mm film was introduced in 1932, the standard frame rate was 16 frames-per-second (fps). Super 8 film, introduced in 1965, increased the frame rate to 18 and 24 frames-per-second. 16mm film is usually runs at 24 frames-per-second but older silent 16mm films might be 16 fps.
RVA Rewind has developed a film scanning process that produces a digital file that is exactly the frame rate it was filmed in. You will see your films play back at the speed the way they were intended to be seen.
We work with sound - 8mm and 16mm film
16mm film with optical sound technology hit the market around 1935 while Super 8 film with magnetic sound didn't appear until 1973. Most film reels that we receive are typically silent but if your film contains sound, we can transfer it. We do charge an additional 25% because film sound transfer is a separate digitizing process after your film has been scanned.
Quick Turnaround
Depending on the number of film reels that you provide for digitizing, the turnaround time will vary and could take 2-6 weeks or sooner. Once we receive your film reels, they will be inspected, cleaned and examined to determine the best scanning method to digitize them. We can't make your old film reels look brand new but we will do our best to preserve the image quality that is there.
EstimateFilm Reel Transfer
Use the form below to get a quick estimate.
How many film reels do you have?
How do you want to receive your media?
After your films have been digitized, we need to place them on a data storage device for you to use.
- ---
- ---
Add-On Services
We offer various video enhancement services to help improve the quality of your footage.
Film Transfer |
Media Types
Transfers include Regular 8mm, Super 8, and 16mm film to Digital.
8mm Film
1932 ~ 1990
The standard 8mm film format was released on the market in 1932 as a less expensive home movie format than the 16mm. This newly invented film format had more perforations, which allowed the frame size to be smaller and added more film run time. At first only black and white film was available but eventually colored 8mm film was introduced in the late 1940's.
Super 8 Film
1965 ~ 2024
This film format was released in 1965 as an improved version of the previous 8mm film format. The Super 8 is the same width as the regular 8mm, however the rectangular perforations were made smaller which allowed the exposed image area to be larger. Even though Super 8 is still being produced today, it's becoming more rare as time goes by.
16mm Film
1923 ~ 2024
The 16mm film format was released in 1923 for amateur home enthusiasts. By the 1930s it made its way into the education and news markets. It began as silent black and white film but later color and sound were added. It later became a popular film format for TV productions, documentaries, and independent movies.
Digital Video File Formats
After your filmed home movies have been digitized, we can save it into a common digital copy format of your choosing.
MPEG4 H.264
MPEG-4 is the most popular digital video file format in the world today. This format is great for picture quality and compatibility with old and new computers.
HEVC H.265
HEVC is the successor to MPEG-4. It is designed to deliver great picture quality at a very small file size. HEVC, at this moment, only supports modern operating systems and hardware.
ProRes 4:2:2 | 4:4:4
Apple's ProRes file format is great if you are a video professional or you want your videos digitized in the best quality possible. We offer both 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 digitizing depending on the level of quality you require.
Plus dozens of other digital formats - professional and consumer.
Add+On Film Services
Do you require something a little more than just a film transfer? We offer additional film processing services to help with restoring or improving your digitized films.
Image Stabilization
Film cameras are mechanical devices that can produce unwanted jitters to your film. This jittering could be a defect with the film camera that was used or film sprocket holes being damaged or worn out. We are able to smooth out these small movements with our "image stabilization" process.
Grain, Dust & Scratch Reduction
On film, grain is what we call the little speckles that you can see on each frame. Other defects, such as dust spots and scratches, can also be present. With our noise reduction process we are able to remove up to 80% of grain, dust, and scratches from your digitized film giving you a visually pleasing image.
Color Correcting
As film ages, the colors can often change overtime or perhaps the filmmaker used the wrong type of film when they were filming. This is where color correction comes into play. Once your film has been digitized, we are able to adjust brightness, contrast, and colors to make sure your whites are white and your skin tones are accurate.
Smooth Motion
Most 8mm film is filmed at 16 or 18 frames per second. This low frame rate creates an image strobe effect. With our "Smooth Motion" process, we can add more frames making your old films move at up to 60 frames per second. This produces a realistic look and feel that brings new life to your 8mm memories.
Film Editing
As standard practice, we record the full film from start to finish as-is. However, if you would like to have parts of the digitized film reel edited by removing, adding, or rearranging sections of video clips or creating transitions between clips, then we can do that for you! This is an add-on service.
Why we are better.
We are a unique business and we can focus more attention and quality to your memories than 'big box' transfer companies.
Safe & Secure
All media is processed in-house in Richmond, VA. We take extra care in handling your media.
30+ Years of Experience
We are media production experts and been converting media into different formats for 30+ years.
We Are Local
Don't worry about your media being sent to another state. We are located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia.
Handle with Care
We carefully handle your media as if it were our own. We return all original media back to you for safe keeping.
Common Questions
Here are a few frequently asked questions about our film transfer services.
When it comes to preserving your precious memories, especially those captured on old film reels, the choice of who handles the transfer process is crucial. You might be wondering whether to go with a large transfer company or a local business like RVA Rewind. Here’s why choosing RVA Rewind could be the best decision for safeguarding your cherished memories.
1. Personalized Service
At RVA Rewind, we understand that each reel of film is not just a piece of footage but a treasured memory. As a local business, we take the time to get to know our clients and their unique needs. You’re not just another order number to us—we treat each project with the care and attention it deserves. When you choose us, you’ll receive personalized service from start to finish, ensuring that your film transfer is done exactly the way you want.
2. Quality Over Quantity
Large national companies often operate on a high-volume model, processing hundreds or thousands of orders daily. This approach can sometimes lead to a “one-size-fits-all” method, where the focus is more on speed than on quality. At RVA Rewind, we prioritize quality. We meticulously handle each reel, using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure the best possible digital transfer. Your memories deserve nothing less.
3. Support Local Businesses
When you choose RVA Rewind, you’re supporting a local business that is invested in the community. We’re proud to be part of the Richmond area, and by choosing us, you help strengthen the local economy. Plus, we’re always here for follow-up questions or additional services, and you can reach us easily—no need to navigate a complex customer service system.
4. Transparency and Trust
With RVA Rewind, you know exactly who is handling your film. Unlike large national companies that may outsource parts of the process, we do everything in-house. This allows us to maintain strict quality control and provide you with accurate updates throughout the process. You can trust that your precious memories are safe with us.
5. Quick Turnaround Time
National companies often have longer turnaround times due to their high volume of orders. At RVA Rewind, we strive to complete your project efficiently while maintaining high-quality standards. Because we’re local, you don’t have to worry about long shipping times or your film getting lost in transit.
6. Competitive Pricing
You might assume that a large company would offer better pricing due to their scale, but that’s not always the case. RVA Rewind offers competitive pricing, and because we’re a local business, we can often provide more flexible options to suit your budget. Plus, there are no hidden fees—what you see is what you get.
7. A Passion for Preservation
RVA Rewind was founded out of a genuine passion for preserving memories. We’re not just a business—we’re memory keepers. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your film is transferred with the utmost care so that you can relive those special moments for years to come. This passion is what sets us apart from large, impersonal companies.
Conclusion
Choosing a film transfer service is a big decision. By opting for RVA Rewind, you’re choosing personalized service, superior quality, and a company that truly cares about your memories. We’re not just transferring film—we’re preserving history, one reel at a time. When it comes to something as important as your family’s memories, don’t settle for anything less than the best. Choose RVA Rewind.
Yes, you will get back all of your original film reels along with your newly digitized films.
We will do our best to process your film in the order that it is given to us in. If your film reels are labeled with a title or some other identification you can provide us with a list that shows the order you would like them.
Yes! Once your film reel is digitized, we have many different methods of enhancing the picture quality of your film. Some methods include: image stabilization, film grain reduction, scratch and dust removal, as well as color correction.
Your film reels are returned the same way you gave them to us. Original Film Quality (color correction, noise reduction, and video editing are add-on features that are available as an additional charge) Preserved in a Digital Format.
MP4 Digital File (the most common format for digital video files)
1440 x 1080 Dimensions
1-2 GB Average File Size for MP4
Fun Nerdy Tech Specs (for those who really want to know!)
H.264 MPEG-4 AVC (part 10), 480p, 29.97 FPS, SD, Progressive, VBR 1500-3000 kbps
DVD variable encoding M2v, compressed depending on length, authored to VOB
Our Digitizing Process
Our quick and easy digitizing process begins with you.
STEP 1
Drop Off or Mail
You can drop off your media at our office (by appointment only) or you can mail it to us.
STEP 2
Digitizing Begins
We will begin to prepare, transfer or scan your media. This process may take 2 to 6 weeks.
STEP 3
Come Get It
Once we are finished, we will set a time to return your memories along with your digitized files.
Testimonials & Reviews
We've helped many families and businesses throughout Virginia and the country.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★Very happy
It’s really nice to see these old reels digitized and available to the whole family for viewing. Very happy.
Chuck H.
Mechanicsville, VA★ ★ ★ ★ ★Awesome experience!
Awesome experience!
Rachel T.
Richmond, VA★ ★ ★ ★ ★Fun to watch old videos
It has been so much fun to watch old videos of my grandparents!
Caitlyn S.
Richmond, VA★ ★ ★ ★ ★Met all my expectations and more
The process was very professional, easy, and met all my expectations and more.
Madison L.
Glen Allen, VA★ ★ ★ ★ ★Quick and easy
Quick and easy. I was so happy to finally be able to watch films of my great-great-grandmother for the first time.
Ellie D.
Richmond, VA★ ★ ★ ★ ★Treasures saved for generations to come
My family’s audio and film treasures have been saved for generations to come.
