The first sign of degradation is an increase in acidity in the base film. It evolves as a gas. Nitrate film in good condition and stored properly can last as long as acetate film, or longer. Highest priority for duplication should be given to film in the worst condition, regardless of the base type. In other words, nitrate duplication might be deferred for nitrate films in good condition.
More research is needed for development of an early warning system for degradation.
The Film Preservation Program is jointly sponsored by the NEA and the National Center for Film and Video Preservation at the American Film Institute. It awards grants to help organizations preserve, safeguard, and restore films of artistic or cultural value. The Film Preservation Program does not fund film purchase, the preservation of videotape, or the transfer of film to videotape. Only tax-exempt organizations may apply for support from the program. National Film Registry is Proving Untrustworthy As a result of outcries about the colorizing of classic movies for TV, Congress passed the National Film Preservation Act of 1988.