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October 12, 2006
Warner Bros.’ Motion Picture Imaging Certified Safe To Scan Nitrate Film Stock
(October 12, 2006 — Burbank, CA) Motion Picture Imaging (MPI), the state of the art digital post production and restoration facility located on the Warner Bros. Studio lot has implemented the stringent safety procedures required by the National Fire Protection Agency and has been certified by the Burbank Fire Department to handle the nitrate-based celluloid stock that was utilized in the production of motion pictures prior to the 1950’s. This certification will allow the facility to scan and restore films from that period from their original elements, including many of the classic titles from the Studio’s own vast library.
With this certification, MPI becomes the only such facility in Burbank that has the ability to scan as well as store and handle nitrate stock. Nitrate stock is not only flammable but volatile and can ignite from heat during projection. The National Fire Protection Agency therefore has strict regulations regarding requirements a facility must meet and procedures that must be implemented before it can be certified as safe for handling nitrate stock.
“Warner Bros. was very cooperative and diligent over the past several months in instituting all the construction, training, storage, use and handling requirements necessary for certification,” said Jeff Williams, Captain, Fire Prevention Bureau, Burbank Fire Department.
“We are proud that MPI is the only facility in Burbank and one of a very few facilities anywhere that can scan nitrate film while meeting the safety guidelines of the National Fire Protection Agency,” said Chris Cookson, President, Warner Bros. Technical Operations and Chief Technical Officer, Warner Bros. Entertainment. “This will allow us to create the highest quality restorations from our classic library. We can use the original nitrate negatives whenever possible rather than a second generation source in creating new masters for theatrical release, DVD and other uses. Our facility can now provide this service for all owners who have nitrate negatives but do not have the required safety standards in place.”
Immediately following its certification, MPI began scanning its first nitrate stock negative: the classic 1942 Warner Bros. film “Gentleman Jim,” starring Errol Flynn and Alexis Smith.
Motion Picture Imaging is a division of Warner Bros. Technical Operations.# # #