What We’re All About
About Archival Works
Archival Works is a professional digitization lab specializing in video tape transfer, motion picture film scanning, and slide scanning. We provide options ranging from easy-to-watch files to preservation-grade archival masters. We serve customers nationwide by mail, and we also offer local Twin Cities drop-off by appointment.
Our Mission: Make Yesterday Memories Accessible Today, and Archived for Tomorrow.
Every year, analog media gets a little more fragile. Our goal is to help you save what you have now, and deliver digital files that are actually useful for you and your exact needs. Whether that means simple MP4s you can play anywhere, or long-term masters designed for archiving.
Who We Are
Archival Works was founded by Brian Wagner, a filmmaker with a background in film editing, digital imaging, and advanced post-production. The lab exists for one reason: to treat your tapes, film, and slides like the irreplaceable originals they are. We are using modern workflows, careful handling, and a level of technical rigor that most “quick transfer” services simply don’t offer.
What We Digitize
We work with both everyday home formats and professional/broadcast media. If you’re not sure what you have, that’s normal. Just send a photo or describe it and we’ll guide you.
Common formats include:
Consumer video: VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C, Video8/Hi8/Digital8, MiniDV/HDV, and more
Film: 8mm, Super 8, 16mm/Super 16, and 35mm (silent and sound varieties)
Slides: 35mm slides, trays, carousels, and boxed collections
Professional formats: Betacam, U-matic, 1" Type C, HDCAM/SR, DVCPRO variants, and more
Two Outcomes, One Process: Access + Preservation
Most people want two things:
Files that are easy to watch and share, and
Confidence that nothing was unnecessarily lost during transfer.
By default, we can deliver high-quality MP4 files that work on most devices. We can also provide archival masters when long-term preservation is the priority.
How We Protect Your Originals
Digitization only matters if your physical media is handled safely. We’ve built the process around careful intake, tracking, and clear communication.
Secure chain of custody: assets are inventoried and tracked through the entire process
Free shipping both ways (when applicable): we provide you with a prepaid shipping label and return your originals
Local drop-off option: located in Apple Valley, MN near the Minnesota Zoo
The “Why” Behind Our Quality
We are a team of video engineers and we do sweat the small stuff, because it shows up in the final result.
A few examples of what that means in practice:
Analog videotape capture is performed in 10-bit 4:2:2 lossless, with time base correction to stabilize the signal. This ensures every detail of your tape is captured and nothing is lost.
Film scanning is performed lossless in 4K (DCI 4096×3112) with shot-by-shot color correction. This means that even old or faded film will look its best.
Slide scanning is performed at very high resolution (e.g., 7500×5000 for 35mm) with options for archival-grade lossless files. They will look as sharp as possible.
Files can be delivered in formats like MP4, ProRes, or lossless FFV1, depending on your goals. Need something different? Let us know. We can deliver nearly anything.
Files are DRM-free and unrestricted. They’re yours to use in anyway you’d like.
What You’ll Receive
Every project is delivered with clarity and organization, so you’re not left with a mystery pile of files. You always get your original materials back. Orders include a free flash drive or download link with your digital files.
Each tape/roll/slide set is labeled and matched to its corresponding file. We provide easy to understand numbering and consistent file names.
Optional DVDs and additional flash drives are available if needed.
Who We Work With
We work with families preserving home movies, enthusiasts who want the best possible transfer, and organizations that need dependable archival results. We also have experience supporting institutions and professional workflows when specific specs, formats, and cataloging requirements are involved.
Ready to Get Started?
If you already know what you need, you can start a transfer right away. If you’re still deciding, you can get a quick estimate first. No contact info required.