Regular 8mm, 16mm are silent films, no audio. Until 1973, even the super 8 (which was the most-up-to-date format at that time) recorded without audio. By the way, it is quite simple to determine if a film has audio – the film comes with a magnetic tape similar in structure like a thin copper strip, and the magnetic tape runs along one edge. When sound film was introduced in 1973, it created a lot of excitement for videographers.
Unfortunately, the sound film did not last long. VHS technology came along shortly after super 8 sound tape was released. This video tape was completely novel. By the way, VHS is short for Video Home System. VHS was released in the United States, in the year 1977. And, immediately after it was launched, people adopted VHS technology in a big way and ignored the super 8 sound recorders. Consequently, super 8 sound film is not common. The trend in demand was altered in the society then, as people massively went after the VHS instead of Super 8.
Add Sound to your Silent Home Movies
Therefore, if you’ve decided to convert your 16mm, 8mm or Super 8 movies into a DVD format, it is likely your old home movies are sound-less. There are appealing attributes to these no-sound home movies. However, when background music is integrated onto your audio-less old home movies, the emotional experience you get watching the movies would be enhanced significantly.
Best Background Genre for Your Silent Movies
Go for listening-friendly music genre, and such that would be compatible with different scenes. Avoid strong-beat genres such as rock ‘n roll that may not provide the feel which serene scenes require. When it comes to silent films, classical music is popularly chosen as background music. However, if you insist on going for something else, popular light classical piece would be more worthwhile than the discordant cords like Shostakovich .
It is likely that the film transfer lab may offer to integrate background music at no cost, go ahead and jump at the offer. If the music turns out to be not a good fit for your filme, you can use the mute feature. But, it is most likely you will fall in love with the time-tested choices of music that the film lab would integrate onto your sound-less movies.
When Not to Add Background Music
It is not advisable to add background music to your silent movies when you opt to copy your home moves to quick-time or avi files format onto your computer. Example, if you are ordering a transfer from super 8 or VHS films to PC HD for editing purpose. The intention could be to add titles or trim off certain scenes. In the process of editing, you can choose to integrate your own custom background music.
Bottom line: if the lab doesn’t charge you extra, opt for background music. Unless you are transferring to an external hard drive (as opposed to a DVD) for editing purposes. Then, you’re better off adding your own favorite custom music.
