Convert Super 8 to DVD to Preserve & Share
Those lovely old Cine film reels hold so much promise that without love and attention, can so easily fade away. So to see them again and recapture those memories, we transfer them with love and attention.
We can convert your Super 8 to DVD and then you’ll be able to finally suprise your family with an amazing gift.
See also our Cine Film to USB and Cine Film to Digital pages for other transfer options.
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 Super 8 to DVD Conversion Works With Supaphoto
Super 8 digitisation process made easy
1. Package Up Your Memories
Simply pack your beloved memories and send the Super 8 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 super 8 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
You’ll get confirmation when we’ve sent your digital conversions (and your original Super 8 film reels) back to you. Then just watch the happy memories flood back!
You’ll always know where your Super 8 reels are, where they are in the conversion process and when you can expect to get them back.
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 Right Output when Digitising Super 8 Movies
Choose what you get back. Sit back and soak it in!
Your super 8 cine film reels on DVDs. It’s really easy to play them on any DVD player or computer disc drive.
Your Super 8 film reels on a convenient USB stick. Just plug into your TV or computer to play, share, edit and safely make a back-up.
Your cine film conversions, easily downloaded easily online from thye Supaphoto Cloud. We’ll send you a private access link to watch and share your super 8 cine films anywhere!
What you‘ll get: Your super 8 reels on at least one Disc.
What to order: Just choose DVD to get your reel conversions.
Ideal for: Watching on your computer or the telly.
What you’ll get: All your Super 8 reels on one stick.
What to Order: One USB stick is generally enough for your conversions or upgrade to a safer SSD version.
Ideal For: Watching on a computer or most TVs with USB slots.
What you’ll Get: Conversions as computer files.
What to Order: Just order a cloud download option. It’s simple.
Ideal For: Sharing happy moments with the family.
How to Choose the Right Output when Digitising Super 8 Movies
Choose what you get back. Sit back and soak it in!
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:
What you’ll Get: Conversions as computer files.
What to Order: Just order a cloud download option. It’s simple.
Ideal For: Sharing happy moments with the family.
Your Super 8 film reels on a convenient USB stick. Just plug into your TV or computer to play, share, edit and safely make a back-up.
What you’ll get: All your Super 8 reels on one stick.
What to Order: One USB stick is generally enough for your conversions or upgrade to a safer SSD version.
Ideal For: Watching on a computer or most TVs with USB slots.
Super 8 to DVD
Your super 8 cine film reels on DVDs. It’s really easy to play them on any DVD player or computer disc drive.
What you‘ll get: Your super 8 reels on at least one Disc.
What to order: Just choose DVD to get your reel conversions.
Ideal for: Watching on your computer or the telly.
See How We Transfer Super 8 Film to DVD
The video to the left explains how our Super 8 film transfer service works and includes genuine sample footage, so you can see the type of results that may be achieved from well-preserved and more challenging reels. It also provides a clear overview of how your films are inspected, scanned and prepared for convenient home viewing.
Supaphoto operates a fully equipped professional studio using current film-scanning equipment and specialist restoration software. Dedicated 2K to 5K scanners capture each frame individually, helping produce stable, broadcast-quality results without filming a projected image. Our process is 100% sprocketless, which means the film is transported without relying on potentially fragile perforations.
Before transfer, every reel receives a careful assessment. We inspect leaders, joins, sprocket holes and the general condition of the film so that the most suitable scanning approach can be selected. All equipment is professionally maintained to support consistent image quality and reliable handling.
Where surface scratches affect the footage, our optional Pro Wetgate service can reduce the appearance of many fine marks during scanning. AI-assisted restoration is also available to improve selected aspects such as stability, clarity, colour and contrast while retaining the character of the original recording.
If the first capture does not meet our expected standard, we can rescan the film using alternative settings or equipment. Approximately 99% of cine films can be successfully digitised and recovered, regardless of age or condition.
Alongside Super 8, we regularly handle Standard 8, 9.5mm and 16mm reels. Films containing magnetic or optical sound can also be assessed and transferred where compatible. Customers with mixed collections may find our specialist service for preserving several cine gauges helpful, while our guide to identifying older film formats explains the key differences between common reel types.
See also our Prices and FAQs further below.
What you can Expect From Us & Advantages
Your cine films may contain unique family moments, so they deserve careful handling and clear, personal service. At Supaphoto, you can still speak to a real person who understands cine film, explains the available options and helps you choose the most suitable service for your reels.
Every order is handled by experienced technicians in our UK studio, where we have been digitising precious media for more than 20 years. Your original films are carefully logged, handled and returned after transfer. Throughout the process, multi-point quality checks help us review image, sound and file output, while order updates and tracking provide added reassurance.
We aim to offer a fast turnaround without compromising the care given to each reel. Blank or untransferable items are not charged for, and there are no hidden annual cloud-storage subscription fees attached to your order. Optional cloud hosting is available for customers who would like convenient online access and straightforward sharing.
For reels that need extra attention, optional advanced treatments can help achieve a better result. These may include specialist cleaning, enhanced scanning and restoration, depending on the condition of the film. Customers with several reel types can also use our service for mixed cine film collections.
Supaphoto is supported by more than 500 genuine five-star customer reviews and has worked with television production companies and programmes, including the BBC’s The Repair Shop, as well as museums and institutions responsible for original archive material.
Before sending your films, our guide to preparing reels for safe transport offers practical advice. You can also explore our cine film preservation resources for guidance on caring for valuable reels before and after digitisation.
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 film 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 DVD 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 Super 8 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
Why Choose a Professional Super 8 Transfer Service?
Transferring Super 8 film professionally helps preserve unique family footage while making it easier to watch on familiar home equipment. Instead of repeatedly running delicate reels through an ageing projector, your films are scanned and supplied in a more accessible format. This reduces further handling of the originals and allows relatives to enjoy recordings that may not have been seen for decades.
Professional scanning also avoids many of the problems associated with filming a projected image, including flicker, uneven brightness, soft focus and distorted framing. Supaphoto handles each reel individually and returns the originals once the work is complete.
Families with several types of film can use our specialist service for mixed cine reel collections, which accommodates Standard 8, Super 8, 9.5mm and 16mm material.
How to Place an Order
Gather your reels together and retain any original boxes, labels or handwritten notes. Information such as dates, names and locations can help you identify the finished recordings later. Number the reels if you would like them transferred or named in a particular order.
You do not need to determine the exact film gauge, running time or soundtrack type before sending them. Supaphoto can inspect the reels on arrival and identify whether cleaning, repair or specialist treatment may be appropriate.
Select your preferred delivery option and any advanced services required, then follow the ordering instructions for posting or delivering the films. Avoid unwinding the reels or repairing broken joins with household adhesive tape. Our guide to packing cine film safely for transport offers practical preparation advice.
A Simple Process from Reel to Disc
You do not need a working projector or technical knowledge to arrange a transfer. Once your order arrives, each reel is logged, inspected and prepared before scanning. Technicians look for weak leaders, broken splices, damaged perforations and surface contamination that might affect safe handling.
The film is then captured using suitable scanning equipment and checked before the finished programme is prepared for DVD. If an issue becomes apparent, the reel can be reviewed and the capture settings adjusted rather than accepting an unsuitable first result.
Your original films are returned when the order is complete. Customers who want editable files or wider playback options may prefer our modern file-based cine preservation service, while DVD remains a straightforward choice for households that regularly use a disc player.
Digital Download, USB or DVD – What Is Best?
DVD offers familiar, menu-based playback on compatible televisions and players. It can be a good choice for relatives who prefer physical media and do not want to manage files on a computer. However, many newer laptops and televisions no longer include disc drives, so checking the intended playback equipment is sensible.
USB provides greater flexibility for copying, backing up and playing footage on many modern devices. Customers considering this option can review our portable delivery choice for cine footage.
A digital download removes the need for physical media and can make sharing easier. Whatever option you choose, do not rely on a single copy. Preserve the originals and keep additional digital copies on separate devices or in different locations.
Pricing Guidance
The price of a Super 8 transfer depends on the quantity of film, the actual footage on each reel, the chosen delivery format and whether cleaning, repair or advanced restoration is required. Reels of the same diameter may hold different amounts of film, particularly when one is only partially filled.
When comparing quotations, check what the stated price includes. Scanning resolution, inspection, sound capture, preparation, repairs, file delivery, disc production and return postage may be treated differently by each provider.
Supaphoto can assess unfamiliar collections and explain which optional treatments are relevant before additional work begins. Blank or untransferable items are not charged for. If your collection also contains Standard 8 reels, our service for transferring traditional 8mm film to disc provides format-specific information.
Good Old-Fashioned Customer Service
Super 8 reels often contain irreplaceable recordings of relatives, holidays, weddings and childhood homes. Being able to discuss those films with a real person can therefore be as important as the technology used to scan them.
Supaphoto provides approachable customer support for questions about unidentified film, damaged reels, possible soundtracks, restoration choices and delivery formats. Clear guidance is particularly helpful when a collection has been inherited and nobody knows exactly what it contains.
Customers can also consult our practical answers about ordering and media handling for commonly requested information. Combining personal service with specialist technical experience makes it easier to choose the right level of treatment without needing to understand film-scanning terminology.
Understanding Super 8 and Similar Formats
Several cine formats can appear similar when stored on small reels, so the original box should not be treated as definitive identification.
| Film format | Typical identifying feature | Common use | Possible sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super 8 | Small perforations and a relatively large image area | Family films from the mid-1960s onwards | Magnetic stripe may be present |
| Standard 8 | Larger perforations along both edges | Earlier amateur and family recordings | Usually silent |
| 9.5mm | Central perforations positioned between frames | European home and commercial film | Silent or optical sound |
| 16mm | Wider film, often on larger reels | Education, industry and professional work | Magnetic or optical sound |
Our guide to identifying the differences between Standard 8 and Super 8 provides further practical clues.
Cine Film Learning Zone
What is Super 8 film?
Super 8 is an 8mm motion-picture format introduced to make home filmmaking easier. Its cartridge-loading system simplified camera use, while smaller perforations allowed a larger area of the film to be used for the picture.
Does Super 8 film have sound?
Some Super 8 reels contain a magnetic soundtrack stripe along one edge. Many home films are silent, so a reel should be inspected rather than judged only by its packaging.
Can damaged film still be transferred?
Many reels with broken joins, loose leaders, dirt or minor perforation damage can still be prepared and scanned. The likely result depends on the condition of the film base and image layer.
Our guide to the history and appeal of home-movie film provides further background.
Film Cleaning and Restoration
Cine film stored for many years may accumulate dust, fingerprints, old lubricant, mould residue and other contaminants. These can affect both image clarity and safe movement through scanning equipment. Each reel should therefore be inspected before cleaning or repair begins.
Household sprays, water and general-purpose solvents are unsuitable. They can soften the emulsion, distort the film base or leave permanent residue. Professional preparation may involve controlled surface cleaning, repairing failed joins and replacing damaged leaders.
Once scanning is complete, digital restoration may improve selected issues such as fading, instability, contrast or distracting surface marks. It cannot reconstruct detail that was never captured by the original camera, but it can make surviving footage clearer. Our advice on protecting old media from further deterioration explains why careful storage remains important.
Wetgate Film Scanning
Wetgate scanning is an optional specialist process used to reduce the visibility of fine surface scratches. During scanning, a suitable fluid temporarily fills shallow marks, allowing light to pass through the affected areas more evenly. On appropriate film, this can noticeably reduce distracting lines and produce a cleaner-looking transfer.
The treatment does not repair every type of damage. Deep scratches, missing emulsion, mould staining, severe fading and poorly exposed images cannot be removed simply through Wetgate scanning. The reel must first be assessed to establish whether the treatment is safe and likely to offer a worthwhile improvement.
Wetgate is generally best suited to important footage where surface scratching affects otherwise usable images. It should be selected according to the film’s condition rather than included automatically with every transfer.
5K Film Scanning
A 5K scan captures a high level of information from each film frame. This can be valuable when creating an archive master, carrying out restoration or retaining the strongest practical source for future editing and conversion.
High resolution does not automatically correct camera shake, poor focus or underexposure. Its advantage lies in recording the surviving image thoroughly before any processing, resizing or preparation for DVD. Larger master files also require suitable storage and reliable backup arrangements.
The ideal resolution depends on the gauge, condition and intended use of the footage. For larger-gauge collections, our high-resolution preservation option for 16mm reels explains the available approach. Supaphoto can advise when 5K scanning is likely to provide a meaningful benefit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Running fragile film through an old projector. Worn equipment may break joins, tear perforations or create new scratches.
- Cleaning reels with household products. Water, sprays and unsuitable solvents can permanently damage the film.
- Discarding original boxes and labels. Dates, names and laboratory markings may help identify the footage.
- Posting unprotected reels. Use secure containers and stop the reels moving around inside the parcel.
- Assuming DVD works on every device. Check that the intended television or computer has a compatible player.
- Keeping only one finished copy. Retain the originals and create additional backups where possible.
Further points about formats, ordering and delivery are covered in our additional cine transfer questions.
