Frequently Asked Questions


Q. What does Cine Magic do?
A: Cine Magic offers conversions of cine film reels of various formats and sizes such as 8mm, Super8, 16mm and 9.5mm.
Q. How do you transfer the films?
A. The films are scanned on a frame by frame basis into a computer. The quality is second to none, flicker is removed and the frame is maximised.
Q. What exactly do you mean by "conversion"?
A: In short, we can bring your old cine films into the modern era by digitally restoring and enhancing your films onto a digital video format such as 'MP4'. We can also convert your films onto DVD, Blu-Ray or host them on our cloud server.
We have various types of digital formats we can produce, feel free to give us a call on (01473) 257595 if you need something specific.
Q. How long does a typical transfer take?
A: That depends upon the size of the job and how busy we are. Timescales will vary and may be up to several weeks at peak times. If you need your conversion completed quickly, i.e. for a gift, then you can select a required by date when you place your order, at no extra cost.
Q. Are the films cleaned prior to scanning?
A: Yes, they are subject to pulsating air blast cleaning prior to scanning. This removes all but the most stubborn dust particles and is the safest cleaning method.
Q. Can we have chart music added to our movie?
A: Yes you can. You can have as much music as you like on your DVD at a cost of an additional £10 per DVD, which covers the cost of the post-production Copyright license. Alternatively we can use copyright-free music which is free of charge. Phone us on (01473) 257595 for further details.
Q. Can the computer files and DVD's/BlueRay discs you make be played in a DVD/BlueRay player in other countries?
A: Computer files and HD BlueRay discs are fine. But DVD's are often encoded differently in other countries, however we can convert if we know the target country. If you require a non-UK DVD(s), then please phone us on (01473) 257595 for further details and advise.
Q. Can we have DVD menus and/or separate computer files for each cine film?
A: Yes, these come as standard.
Q. Will you edit out the leader tape/unused portions of the film?
A: Yes we will. We will take out as much of this as we can, leaving you with nothing but the good stuff! A: Yes, these come as standard.
Q. Can you edit out some unwanted bits?
A: Sure, just ring us for the options!
Q. Will I be charged for a tape that is blank?
A: No.
Q. Do you offer gift vouchers?
A: Yes we do offer gift vouchers. For more details please contact us on (01473) 257595, or go to the 'Contact Us' section of this website.
Q. Will my original tapes be returned?
A: You have the option to either have your films posted back to you or alternatively, we store them here for 3 months then recycle them. (If in this time you change you mind, just let us know and we'll send them back, you will be required to pay postage).
Q. Can you recommend a good video editing program to edit the computer files?
A: Yes we can. On a Mac, we would suggest using iMovie, it is easy to use and fully functional. For a Windows PC try Shotcut it is free and easy to use.
Q. Will HD Scanning give me a better quality scan?
A: 8mm and even Super8 film is not high resolution.. A Blu-Ray disc will not offer better quality than DVD for 8mm film but may do for 16mm.
Q. Some transfer companies say that High Definition (HD) quality is better than Standard Definition (SD) for 8mm cine film, why is this?
A: The reason for this is they generally charge more for it. The quality will be no different as the equivelent definition of 8mm cine film is way below good SD quality.
Q. How do you recycle the films?
A: The films are held for a few months to ensure you are happy with your conversion. The film is stripped from the reels and cases which are sold to cine enthusiasts for a small sum rather than dispose of them. The film will go for incineration in a 'waste-to-energy' plant.
Q. I have heard that some early films are made of Nitrate and can catch fire very easily. Can these be transferred?
A: These films are very rare and either 35mm or very old 9.5mm films. We can transfer these but you can not post them. Most films are 'Safety films'. If in doubt ring us on (01473) 257595. Further details can be found here: