This
certification allows the facility to scan and restore films from that period
from their original elements, including many of the classic titles from Warner
Bros.’ own library.
With this certification, MPI becomes the only
facility in Burbank that can scan, store and handle nitrate stock, which is not
only flammable but volatile and can ignite from heat during projection. The
National Fire Protection Agency therefore has strict regulations regarding the requirements
a facility must meet and procedures that must be implemented before it can be
certified as safe for handling nitrate stock.
Chris Cookson, president of Warner Bros.
Technical Operations and CTO of Warner Bros. Entertainment, says, “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 the certification, MPI
began scanning its first nitrate stock negative: the classic 1942 Warner Bros.
film Gentleman Jim, starring Errol Flynn and
Alexis Smith.