Convert Cine Film to Digital to Preserve & Share
Old Cine films often hold cherished memories from the past, but when was the last time you were able to watch them?
We can convert your Cine Films to DVD, USB or cloud storage, letting you enjoy all the amazing memories you’ve got stored away all over again, forever and ever.
Or call us now for some friendly advice
Freephone 0800 690 6160
Ask About Bulk Discounts too.
About Our Service - The Supaphoto© Way
Thousands of Families Have Trusted Supaphoto
Our customers span from private individuals to institutions and TV production companies
How our Cine Film to Digital Service Works
The best thing you could ever do for your family in three simple steps.
1. Package Up Your Memories
Simply pack your beloved memories and send the Cine film reels to us. Use either our courier collection and return service or send it to us directly. Ask for your step by step welcome pack now.
2. Lovingly Converted
We love what we do. Our dedicated team will digitise your old cine films. We’ve saved millions of memories over 20 years. And don’t worry, you’ll get regular updates along the way.
3. Share & Enjoy With Your Family
This is where the magic begins. You’ll get an email when we’ve sent the digital conversions together with the cine film reels back to you. After that, it’s over to you to share and enjoy your old memories!
From start to finish, we track where your reels are so you always know their status and when they’ll be ready for return.
What's Included?
You’ll receive everything needed to safeguard your memories.
Yes, where collection is applicable, we’ll organise for an easy to understand pre-paid address label to be sent to you. Could not be more simple. There’s also a section in there for you to add notes.
We know how precious your memories are. It can feel like a big decision. The Supaphoto Welcome Guide explains the process in step by step simple terms. It will also include useful contact details for peace of mind.
We loe what we do. Our dedcated team will digitise every item by hand. We’ve saved millions of memories over 20 years. And don’t worry, you’ll get regular updates along the way.
This is where the magic begins. We’ll return all of your original media. Once preserved, you can access your files via our easy cloud download service, on a memory stick or a lovely DVD. Finally, just relax and let those memories flood in!.
How to Choose the Best Conversion for your Cine Film
Choose what you get back. Sit back and soak it in!
Cine Film to Digital
Cine Film to USB
Cine Film to DVD
Your cine film conversions downloaded easily online from our cloud. We’ll send you an access link to watch and share your cine films from anywhere.
Your cine film reels on a USB memory stick – simply plug into a computer (or device with a USB port) to play, save, and copy your files.
Your cine films on dvds. Easy to play on DVD players or computers with disc drives.
What you‘ll get: Conversions as computer files..
What to order: Just order digital option to get your digital conversions.
Ideal for: Being able to quickly share and enjoy with your family.
What you’ll get: All of your reels on a USB.
What to Order: One USB stick is generally enough or upgrade to a safer SSD version.
Ideal For: Watching on a computer or most TVs with USB slots.
What you’ll Get: Your reels on at least one DVD.
What to Order: Just choose DVD to get your reel conversions.
Ideal For: Watching on your computer or television.
How to Choose the Best Conversion for your Old Cine Films
Choose what you get back. Sit back and soak it in!
Cine Film Transfer to Digital
Your cine film conversions, downloaded easily online from our cloud. We’ll send you your very own access link to watch and share your cine films from anywhere.
What you’ll Get: Conversions as computer files.
What to Order: Just order a cloud download option. It’s simple.
Ideal For: Quick access and sharing with the family.
Cine Film to USB
Your cine film reel(s) on a USB memory stick – just plug into a computer (or device with a USB port) to play, save, and copy your files.
What you’ll get: All of your reels on a USB.
What to Order: One USB stick is generally enough or upgrade to a safer SSD version.
Ideal For: Watching on a computer or most TVs with USB slots.
Transfer Cine Film to DVD
We take your video tapes and convert your VHS to DVD. It’s so easy to play it on any DVD player or other disc drive.
What you’ll get: Your tapes transferred to DVD.
What to Order: Just ask for the DVD option to get all your conversions.
Ideal For: Watching on your television or a computer with disc drive.
Convert Cine Film to Digital
The video to the left provides an overview of our cine film to digital service and includes genuine sample transfers from original reels. It explains how we preserve ageing cine film and transform it into high-quality digital files that are easier to enjoy, copy and protect for future generations.
Every cine film transfer is completed in our fully equipped professional-grade studio using the latest specialist equipment and software. We use dedicated 2K to 5K resolution film scanners capable of capturing excellent image detail from a wide range of film formats, helping to produce broadcast-quality digital files wherever the original footage allows.
Our transfer process is completely sprocketless, reducing mechanical stress on delicate film during scanning. Before any transfer begins, each reel is carefully assessed and inspected for shrinkage, brittle sections, damaged splices, mould and other age-related issues. This allows us to select the most appropriate scanning approach for each reel. If you’re unsure which format you have, our guide to recognising different cine film formats explains the main differences between the most common reel types.
We maintain all of our professional-grade equipment to the highest standard because reliable equipment plays an important role in achieving consistent results. For customers seeking enhanced restoration, our optional Pro Wetgate process can reduce the visibility of certain scratches and surface marks, while AI restoration enhancement can further improve colour, stability and overall presentation where appropriate.
If a transfer does not meet our expectations, we do not simply accept the first result. Where possible, we will rescan the film using different equipment or alternative capture settings to produce the best digital files we can. We successfully digitise and recover approximately 99% of cine films regardless of their condition and regularly handle 8mm, Super 8, 9.5mm and 16mm formats. If your cine film contains magnetic or optical sound, we can capture that as part of the transfer.
If you would prefer your finished files supplied on removable media, our film to USB transfer service provides another convenient way to preserve and enjoy your treasured footage.
See also our Prices and FAQs further below.
What you can Expect From Us & Advantages
When you trust Supaphoto with your cine film, you are placing irreplaceable originals in the hands of experienced technicians who understand how fragile older reels can be. Our approach combines careful handling, practical communication and professional quality control, so you feel reassured from the moment your order arrives.
You can speak to a real person if you need help identifying your reels, choosing an output format or understanding the transfer process. Every order is handled with care, and our multi-point quality assurance checks help ensure your finished files are reviewed before completion. We also provide updates and order tracking, giving you peace of mind while your originals are being digitised.
Supaphoto has more than 20 years’ experience and has earned over 500 genuine 5-star customer service reviews. We hand digitise cine film here in the UK, return your original reels after transfer, and do not charge for blank or untransferable items. There is also no hidden annual subscription charge simply to keep cloud storage active. Optional cloud hosting is available for easy access and storage, but it is not forced on you.
For customers seeking superior outcomes, optional advanced services are available to improve suitable footage. Supaphoto also supports multiple TV broadcast companies and programmes, including the BBC Repair Shop, as well as museums and institutions with important original material. If you are preparing films before sending them, our guide to getting older reels ready safely may help.
If you would prefer your finished footage supplied on removable media, our USB option for family reels offers a convenient alternative. You can also browse our wider cine film guidance section for extra format and preservation advice.
We are really proud to be an ongoing technical partner to the TV Production Company behind for the BBC’s Repair Shop and have worked on multiple programmes.
See more examples of references below.
Output & Viewing
Choose cine converted to Digital file downloaded via Cloud, USB or DVD. Watch on TV, PC, tablet or mobile
Colour Corrections
Expert colour correction for faded cine films and frame by frame remastering
2K / 5K REVIVAL AI
With our 2K/5K REVIVAL AI film restoration system, we can bring out the best of your cine film
Free Services
Advanced film machine cleaning, splice repairs and no charge for blank and cine reels
Security of Handling
We take security of handling very seriously at Supaphoto with step by step tracking
Professional Studio Grade Technology
Our Studio employs New Broadcast quality Sprocketless 5K Film Scanners to ensure safe and beautiful reproductions of your precious films.
Cine Film Can Look so Beautiful - ..In the Right Hands
We take technical quality seriously at Supaphoto. We deliver great results with our cine capture process as you can see from the example below from an old cine film from the 1950’s. The sample on the right is from the early 1980s. Now with our REVIVAL AI process we can use AI driven software to even further enhance your film by recovering true authentic detail whilst keeping that lovely look and feel.
Cine film can become brittle, faded, or damaged over time, making treasured footage harder to view and preserve. Converting it to digital helps protect your memories in a convenient format before the original film deteriorates further.
For more information, watch our service film.
Before
Pre Treatment
After
Post Treatment
See for Yourself!
Just Move the Slider Left and Right
Don’t Just Take our Word For it...
Photo for illustration purposes only.
Sir Richard Attenborough – Just One of Our Proudest Moments
We were so proud to be chosen by the University of Sussex to preserve some of film director Sir Richard Attenborough’s photographs.
Over the years, we’ve also scanned thousands of photo from prestigious photo albums going back to the 1900’s for British politicians to thousands of everyday family photo collections for families throughout the UK.
We were chosen to undertake cine film conversion work for the TV Production Company behind the BBC’s Repair Shop!
Other projects include digitalising Sir Richard Attenborough’s personal collection of images, converting early footage of Virgin Airways promotional films and digitalisation work relating to Windsor Castle, The Mary Rose and the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Our Cine Film Transfer Prices
At Supaphoto we take pleasure in doing things in the right way and growing our business slowly through referrals.
Cine Film Transfer Prices to MP4 Digital Files
Part 1. One-Off Set-Up & Preparation Charge: £29.99
This is a one-off charge per order irrespective of project size. Here we clean, prepare and repair the film for a superior finish. We’ll also check any splices & rewind films that are back to front.
It all takes time but is worth it in the end.
Part 2. 2K HD Capture Prices 8mm & Super 8 Ciné Films:
3″ (50′) Reel: Standard Service: £14.99 each inc colour correction
5″ (200′) Reel: Standard: £34.99 each inc colour correction
7″ (400′) Reel: Standard: £54.99 each inc colour correction
Looking for Museum Quality Service?
For not much more, many opt or our advanced service where the resolution is even higher and many elements are further enhanced including colours and frame stabilisation – See advanced service below.
Part 3: What Do I Want Back? – Choose from One of the Following Options:
i) Mp4 Digital Files via our Cloud Download for easy viewing & sharing with family – £29.99 Per Hour of footage
ii) Mp4 Digital Files on a Master USB Stick – £29.99 Per Hour of footage
iii) Conversion to a new DVD in a nice presentation case – £29.99 Per Hour
Part 4: Optional Extras
– Back-up Version on Master USB Memory Stick: £19.99 each
– Back-up Version as a Master DVD in Presentation Case: £19.99 each
– Extra copy of DVD in Presentation Case: £14.99 each
Free Doorstep Collection & Return Delivery
Contact Us Now to receive your free welcome pack and address label. We’ll then liaise with you to get your package collected free of charge. Prices also include free return delivery.
Want to Order? – How Can I contact You?
Simple! Just Call us on freephone 0800 690 6160 or drop us a line.
All Prices are Inclusive of VAT
FAQs
We’ve made life easy for you by compiling the the most commonly asked questions that we’ve been asked over the years in one place!
How can I view my films?
Could not be easier! Either plug a simple USB into your TV and view as a slideshow or watch on PC, laptop, ipad or mobile phone.
Is it easy to share with my family?
It’s so easy. Just forward the link we’ll send you or share your USB memory stick.
Which media output is best?
Digital files are easy to play and share on PCs, laptops, ipads and phones. Start your own home movie editing projects too. A back-up DVD also makes sense.
No Upfront Payment? – When do I pay?
We never charge upfront unlike other companies. Why? Because there’s always a small chance that you may have non-chargeable blank reels.
How long does it take?
Typically 5-10 working days or less.
Do you offer an advanced service?
Yes. It delivers more vivid colours, better contrast, sharper pictures and image stabilisation. We also have options for different file outputs such as Pro Res which takes a little longer and costs a little more.
Do you offer Pro Wetgate Solution for Dust and Scratches?
Yes – We are rare in the industry since we also offer this service. When a scratch or vertical line in the film emulsion is filled with fluid, light will travel through the film with less refraction which results in less visibility of the damaged parts.
Do you Offer AI Film Restoration for Cine Film
This time-sensitive enhancement system will help sharpen film while recovering more accurate detail. It can also remove excessive noise whilst softening dust and scratches whilst stabilising the film and much more.
Do you collect / Can we visit your studio?
Yes we collect throughout the whole of the UK! Alternatively, you may visit us too so that we can go through the variables together. Just call or email us in advance to make an appointment at a suitable time please.
What’s the quality like?
We’re proud of our quality. We offer 2K or 5K options – Take a look for yourself
I don’t want to pay for blank cine reels.
Don’t worry. We NEVER charge for blank cine reels!
Do you send the originals back?
Yes indeed – It’s important that you always keep your originals somewhere safe.
I’m not sure if my cine film has sound. Can you capture it if it does?
We have full sound synchronisation capabilities. We’d advise you on receipt. It will take a little more time and hence cost a bit more.
I’ve had my cine film converted to VHS tapes or DVD a while back.. Will the quality be better this time around?
The technology to convert cine film as faithfully as today just did not exist a decade ago! If unsure customers should carry out a single reel test.
Can I view and save the films on a Free Online Gallery?
Yes indeed and you can share them with your family thereafter.
Where can I read reviews about your service?
We always treat cine films as if they were our own. Read our reviews for yourself
Why should I do it?
All cine film slowly deteriorate over time. The sooner you do it – the better.
Can i get a discount on bigger quantities?
Just contact us to see how we can help. We also offer a buy now, pay later option.
I still have questions!
Call us for some friendly help on freephone 0800 690 6160 or drop us a line.
What delivery service would you suggest using when I want to post my own material to you?
We would always advise sending by Royal Mail Special Delivery which is by far the safest delivery option in the whole of the UK!
Bulk Discount?
Got a large order? We’ll always do our best to help you. Just give us a call and we’ll see what we can do.!
More Help & Guidance
Benefits of Choosing This Service
Choosing a professional cine transfer service helps protect ageing reels while making your footage easier to watch, store and share. Old cine film can become brittle, dusty or difficult to project safely, so a careful digital transfer reduces the need to handle the originals again and again. Supaphoto works with a wide range of cine formats and creates modern files that are far easier to back up than reels kept in boxes. This is especially useful for family memories, archive material and footage that may not have been viewed for many years. If you are comparing physical delivery options, our USB copy option for cine reels may also be useful.
How to Place an Order
To place an order, gather your cine reels together and keep any labels, boxes or handwritten notes with them. These details can help with dates, locations and running order. You do not need to identify every reel yourself before sending it in, as many customers inherit mixed collections without knowing whether they contain 8mm, Super 8, 9.5mm or 16mm film. Once received, the reels can be assessed and prepared for transfer. If your collection is mainly smaller home movie reels, our 8mm family reel service may help you understand the likely format and output options.
Ease of Process
The process is designed to be simple for customers and careful for the film. You do not need to find an old projector, thread fragile reels yourself or risk damaging footage just to see what is on it. Supaphoto inspects the reels, prepares them and transfers the footage using specialist scanning equipment. Once completed, the digital files can be viewed, copied and stored far more easily than the original reels. It is still sensible to keep the originals after transfer, but you no longer need to rely on them for everyday viewing. Before sending anything in, our advice on getting old reels ready for safe handling may help.
Digital Download, USB or DVD – What’s Best?
The best output depends on how you want to watch and keep your footage. A digital download is useful for fast access and sharing with family. USB is a good choice if you want files supplied on a small physical device that can be copied to a computer or backed up elsewhere. DVD may suit customers who still prefer disc playback, although it is generally less flexible than file-based delivery. Some families choose more than one option for convenience. If you would like a disc version for familiar playback, Supaphoto also offers cine footage supplied for DVD viewing.
Pricing Guidance
Pricing depends on the amount of film, the format, the condition of the reels and whether any optional advanced work is needed. A small number of clean reels is usually simpler than a large mixed collection with damage, poor splices, mould or shrinkage. Extra services such as cleaning, restoration, wetgate scanning or higher-resolution work may affect the final cost. The important point is to match the service to the value and condition of the footage. Very old family reels may be irreplaceable, so careful handling and quality control matter. For general ordering and service details, Supaphoto’s customer question guide covers many common points.
Good Old Fashioned Customer Service
Supaphoto combines technical transfer work with straightforward customer support. You can speak to a real person if you are unsure what you have, how to send it or which format is best. This matters because many cine reels contain personal family footage, historic moments or material that cannot be replaced. Your originals are handled carefully and returned after transfer. Clear communication also helps if your reels are mixed, damaged or difficult to identify. For customers who want more background before ordering, the cine film guidance area provides useful support on formats, storage and preparation.
Understanding This Format
| Format | Common use | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| 8mm film | Older home movie collections | Often silent and commonly found on small reels |
| Super 8 | Later family footage | Some reels may include magnetic sound |
| 9.5mm film | Older domestic or enthusiast use | Less common and may need specialist handling |
| 16mm film | Amateur, archive, educational or institutional footage | May include optical or magnetic sound |
| Digital files | Modern viewing and storage | Easier to copy, back up and share |
If you are unsure what type of reel you have, this guide to cine film formats explains the main differences.
Cine Film Learning Zone
A few questions come up regularly. What is Super 8 film? It is a popular home movie format that became widely used for family filming. Can very old film still be transferred? In many cases, yes, although the condition of the reel affects the result. Does cine film have sound? Some reels do, using magnetic or optical sound, but many home movies are silent. Can damaged film be repaired? Some splice and handling issues may be improved after inspection. If your reels are mainly Super 8, our specialist service for that format may be the most relevant place to compare options.
Film Cleaning and Restoration
Old cine film may suffer from dust, surface marks, brittle sections, weak splices or mould, especially if it has been stored in lofts, garages or damp cupboards. Cleaning and restoration are not always required, but they can be important when reels are dirty or fragile. The first step is inspection, because unsuitable cleaning methods can make matters worse. Avoid using household cleaners, water or improvised chemicals. Professional preparation helps protect the original and supports a better scan. Once transferred, the originals should still be kept safely. Our advice on storing cine reels properly explains how to reduce future deterioration.
Wetgate Film Scanning
Wetgate scanning is an optional advanced process that can help reduce the appearance of some scratches and surface marks while the film is scanned. It does not remove every defect, and it is not right for every reel, but it can improve suitable footage where surface wear is visible. This may be especially useful for treasured family films, archive reels or footage intended for presentation. Whether wetgate is worthwhile depends on the condition and importance of the material. If your reels show visible signs of age, the article on when older media may need restoration gives useful background.
5K Film Scanning
Higher-resolution scanning can capture more detail from suitable cine film, especially where the original footage contains enough image quality to benefit from it. Supaphoto uses dedicated 2K to 5K resolution film scanners, allowing important reels to be transferred with a strong level of detail. A 5K scan may be useful for archive footage, documentary use, special family films or customers who want the best digital master available. Resolution is only one part of quality, though. Film condition, exposure, steadiness, cleaning and careful scanning all affect the final result. For larger-gauge material, 16mm reel digitisation may be particularly suited to a more detailed approach.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not run fragile reels through an old projector just to check the contents.
- Do not clean cine film with household products, water or alcohol.
- Do not throw away the original reels after transfer.
- Do not rely on one digital copy only; always make a backup.
- Do not assume every reel is silent, as some may contain magnetic or optical sound.
- Do not store reels in damp lofts, sheds or garages.
For service-specific details, the questions about removable-media delivery section may also help before you order.
More Questions
A:
Our cine film to DVD conversion process involves several stages:
Inspection – assessing and cleaning your film for optimal results.
Scanning – digitising each frame using high-end scanners.
Editing – removing blank sections, correcting colour, and enhancing quality.
Transcoding – converting to a DVD-ready format while retaining detail.
Authoring – creating custom menus and chapters for navigation.
Burning & Quality Control – writing the DVD and performing final checks.
Packaging – printing custom labels and delivering your finished discs.
The result is a professionally finished DVD presentation — perfect for sharing with family.
A: DVDs are a great way to enjoy and share your digitised cine films. They’re easy to play on most devices, and their physical format makes them ideal for gifting. However, DVDs have lower resolution limits compared to digital files. That’s why Supaphoto offers both DVD and high-resolution digital copies, so you can choose the option that suits you best.
A: Yes, our DVD authoring service includes creating interactive menus and chapter points for easy navigation. This professional touch is especially useful when we combine multiple cine reels onto one disc, giving you an intuitive, high-quality viewing experience.
A: Supaphoto’s film transfer service can digitise all major formats — including 8mm, Super 8, 9.5mm, and 16mm — converting them to digital files, USBs, or DVDs. Whatever your reel type, we’ll preserve your home movies and family memories with care and precision.
A: The original audio from your cine reels, if present, can be enhanced using professional sound restoration tools. We remove hiss, reduce background noise, and balance levels for a clean, clear result that complements your restored visuals.
A: Film degradation, flicker, and colour fading are common issues, but our skilled technicians can correct them using restoration and colour grading tools. Supaphoto’s expertise ensures your digitised films look vibrant, stable, and as true to the original as possible.
A: When converting cine film, copyright law should always be respected. However, most home movies are not commercially copyrighted, so this is rarely a concern. If you believe your footage may contain copyrighted content, Supaphoto can guide you on best practices before conversion.
A: Absolutely — in addition to DVD, we can also provide high-resolution digital versions of your cine film for download or cloud storage. This is perfect for archiving or sharing online. Please see our Cine to Digital page for details on this convenient add-on service.
A: Supaphoto can convert your cine films to DVD from only £9.99 per reel.
Our cine film to DVD conversion service is simple, affordable, and professional. Just start your order online, choose your preferred quality level, and select DVD as your storage option. You can also add optional extras such as colour correction and contrast enhancement for an even better result. Once we receive your cine reels, our technicians will digitise them using high-quality frame-by-frame scanning equipment. We’ll then return your DVDs along with your original films so you can relive your treasured memories whenever you like.
A:
Supaphoto converts cine films to DVD starting from £9.99 per reel.
Here’s an overview of our pricing for cine film to DVD transfers:
Up to 18m / 59ft (4 minutes): £9.99
Up to 45m / 148ft (10 minutes): £14.99
Up to 67.5m / 221ft (15 minutes): £19.99
Up to 99m / 325ft (22 minutes): £24.99
Up to 144m / 472ft (32 minutes): £27.99
A: Still not sure what to do with your old cine films?
Don’t let them fade away with time! The best way to preserve your cine reels is to convert them to DVD, USB, or digital files. With over 12 years of experience, Supaphoto specialises in cine film digitisation using professional-grade scanning equipment. Our expert technicians handle your precious films with care, delivering clear, vibrant results that capture every detail.
A: Here’s how to digitise cine films step by step.
If you want to do it yourself, you’ll need a film projector or scanner, a suitable capture device, and editing software to correct brightness, colour, and frame rate. However, the process can be lengthy and technically demanding. The easiest and most reliable method is to use a professional cine film to DVD service like Supaphoto. We’ll check your reels for damage, scan them frame by frame, enhance the footage if requested, and deliver your digitised cine films on your chosen format — DVD, USB, or hard drive.
A: At Supaphoto, you can choose between three quality levels for your cine film conversion.
Budget (PAL 720×576): Ideal for smaller screens and supplied on DVD.
Standard+ (HD 960×720): Perfect for TVs, monitors, or HD projectors; delivered as MP4 files on USB.
Premium (Full HD 1440×1080): Best for large screens, offering enhanced clarity and definition; supplied as MP4 files on USB.
If you’re unsure which option to choose, we recommend Standard+ (HD) for everyday viewing, while Premium (Full HD) provides the ultimate in sharpness and colour accuracy for your most precious footage.
