Base_fiddle

I am beginning a project to combine my still shots with movies and put them on a DVD for my kids – like “This is your life.” I’m well on my way scanning in negatives and have gotten excellent help from UHH. For that I am very grateful!

Last year, I took a number of 8mm/Super 8mm reels to the local camera shop and had them digitize them. They gave me back a DVD with one big file on it that was in a VOB format. I quickly learned that I couldn’t do anything with the VOB file and had to convert it, but I didn’t know how. I didn’t realize that there was more to the transfer/conversion process than simply having a camera store create a digitized file. So, I put that part of my project on the backburner until I could learn more or get advice from someone who had hands-on experience and could give me good advice.

UHH is a tremendous resource for getting help on film-related issues. I’m hoping that some HH also know about 8mm movie film transfers/conversions.

I have 70 more movie reels to convert, but don’t want to proceed until I’m more comfortable with where to have the films transferred/converted and how to work with the VOB files when I get them.

I’ve looked at a couple of conversion/transfer services on the Internet, but my healthy skepticism questions how much of what they advertise comports to reality vs bare-knuckles marketing.

Here’s where I would like some help.
1. Has anyone transferred/converted 8mm/Super 8mm movies to digital formats and been satisfied with the service provider? If someone has first-hand experience with a particular company, I would really appreciate hearing from you.

2. Once I have a VOB file, does anyone have hands-on experience with good software to convert it to an MP4 file or some other type of file that can be used on an Apple or Window’s-based computer or in a DVD player? Currently, I use Windows 10. I’ve know that there are a number of software programs that are available on the Internet, but again my skepticism is heightened when I read that the program is “free” until you want to use it as advertised, then it doesn’t work or you have to pay a hidden cost. I’m also leery about “freebies” because you often get what you pay for – not much. So, if someone has first-hand knowledge of a good conversion program that a neophyte can learn to use, I would appreciate hearing from you.

3. Ultimately, I want to marry the digitized movies with my 35mm shots. I would prefer to use the same software that I use to convert from a VOB file to an MP4 file, but I don’t know if that’s more hope than reality. Can anyone recommend software that will allow me to accomplish my objectives?

Kissel vonKeister Loc: Georgia

This might be a start or help lead you to a workflow.
https://www.macxdvd.com/mac-dvd-video-converter-how-to/handbrake-convert-vob-to-mp4.htm

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I have Handbrake and use it sometimes. Normally I only edit footage from common Panasonic or Sony cameras. For that I use Premiere Elements and it works very well for me. However, like most video editing software, it can have trouble with technical variations in file formats that are not camera based.

Based on participating in the Adobe sponsored Premiere Elements forum, you can probably use your VOB files with a mix of still images.

If you would like, I can "test" it for you if you put a copy on DropBox or equivalent.

DVDs and VOB files are an old technology related to broadcast standards. Having your next 70 reels digitized to DVD guarantees low "standard definition" quality. You may be severely disappointed when you watch your work on current "high definition" screens.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

That's a lot of film, how long is each real, 1/2 hour, full hour or more? You will be disappointed with the outcome, as TV's are not able to show the movies as good as you could projecting them though!!

Base_fiddle

[quote=bsprague]I have Handbrake and use it sometimes...

bsprague, thanks for the post. I agree that the old reels may not give good quality, but the kids will know whom they are looking at. When I marry those films with 35mm shots and the digital tapes that I've shot for the last umpteen years, it will be like watching movies of the Hindenburg vs the Space Shuttle. If nothing else, it demonstrates how time improves technology...now they need to figure our how to improve people as we grow older.

I'll pass on your offer for now, because I'm headed out for three weeks in Nova Scotia and Quebec. I won't have time to fiddle until I get back.

BF

Base_fiddle

[quote=speters]That's a lot of film, how long is each real, 1/2 hour, full hour or more?

Speters - I'm sure that you're right on the quality point. But, as I always say, "It's the thought that counts." Each reel is 50' which is about 3 minutes run time.

BF

n3eg Loc: West coast USA

8mm never did very well when enlarged/scanned anyway, especially Super 8. Think 110 film (which is already quarter frame from 35mm) being further reduced to a quarter size again.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

[quote=Base_fiddle]
I just asked, because I thought each of the reals were already "post processed"!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

VOC files - http://file.org/extension/voc

Any good editing program will let you combine video and stills into one product. Lightroom, PowerDirector. Lots of choices -

https://www.google.com/search?q=combine+video+and+stills&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS716US717&oq=combine+video+and+stills&aqs=chrome..69i57j0.6567j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Base_fiddle

SPeters, if by "post processed" you mean that they have already been developed (or whatever term it should be), then yes they have been processed. If my Bell & Howell model 1923 projector still worked I could show them on that. I used to be able to play the movie in a reflection box and use a digital camera to record them, but that is really poor quality. Also, it takes too long. That's why I want to find a lab that will do the "best" they can in cleaning the tapes and transferring them to digital.

BF

Base_fiddle

jerryc41 - thanks for your post.

My movies have an extension of VOB not VOC. I don't know if the two are the same, but I will follow up on that.

I didn't know that PS would allow combining stills with movies. That's very helpful...and at this point far exceeds my knowledge. I have PS CS3. I used to play with that before I learned about LR. Now, I am trying to learn LR. I doubt that PS CS3 will do what the video shows...it was a helpful video and thanks for bringing that to my attention.

My project is going to require a lot of learning...hopefully this old dog can learn some new tricks.

BF

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Okay.

http://notes.ensemblevideo.com/how-to-convert-dvd-vob-files-to-editable-mpegs/

CS3 won't help, but LR should work.

https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom/help/video-lightroom.html
https://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-review-edit-and-export-video-with-adobe-lightroom--cms-24095

Base_fiddle

[quote=jerryc41]VOC files - http://file.org/extension/voc

Any good editing program will let you combine video and stills into one product...

Jerry, the notes.ensemblevideo.com was very helpful and I will try that.

I looked at the reference for LR6 and it looks like it does not support a VOB extension. Maybe what I can do is convert the VOB file following the HOT TO instructions and then use the converted file in LR. Sounds like a plan worth trying.

Thanks...you may remember Shell Oil's add about their "Answer Man." At this point, you're my Answer Man. Thanks.

BF

Pine Warbler

Thanks for the question...this sounds like something I need to put on my bucket list. I also want to add...those old 8mm, super 8, etc...will never look as great as they when new, but, I have no way to play them now anyway. I just want to preserve and share some of the memories. Years ago, I had old film transferred professionally to VCR tapes, and now am in the same boat...no real way to play or share them. I have a movie of my parents (who are now 88 years old) when they were in 7th grade. My grandparents had just purchased their movie camera, and were shooting a picture of my Dad playing in the snow. My Mom walked by, and he hit her with a snowball. Now they are celebrating their 67 wedding anniversary today...would love to be able to share that film clip more easily.
Maybe I am a bit off topic, but your project sounds like something I need to investigate.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I had to buy a couple of 8mm projectors from ebay to play my movies as I copied them with a camcorder. Although they don't look like modern video, that's not the point. They didn't look very good in the 50s and 60s.

Having them on DVDs brings back the memories, and they will last forever.