Apparently, filmmaking is genetic. My grandfather was a filmmaker. He enjoyed experimenting with cameras, film, and later sound. This week I'm in the process of transferring these precious images and sounds to DVD. It reminds me how important it is to preserve these things.
If you or the generation before you has old films or vhs tapes, I strongly encourage you to have them transferred to DVD or miniDV. With time these films will disentigrate. VHS has a shelf-life of 15-20 years. Eventually the images become too dark to see and the tape becomes brittle. The old films are only slightly better. Typically you can get these formats transferred to DVD at a rate of .17-.25 cents per foot. It can be a pricey to get a high quality transfer, but I think it is so worth it. These films are all we have to remember our grandparents and the events which defined their lives.
If you cannot have your old stuff transferred, there are a few things you can to help maintain them in how you store them. Store the films and vhs tapes in tupperware containers. This will prevent moisture and dust from seeping in. Store your film bins in a dark dry place that is neither too hot nor cold. Realize that this will not ensure the films will last forever but it might buy them some time. Unless they are transferred to a digital format, they will eventually fade away.
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