Classic films and our collective memory: the current status of preservation and availability

The current state of film preservation has made it considerably easier for audiences to stream or download old and classic films online. However, this ease of availability masks the number of films that are currently inaccessible. A great number of movies have been completely lost or destroyed, whereas others continue to exist in a state of limbo, without any home video or online release. A film that cannot be viewed serves little purpose. ❧ This thesis examines and elucidates the current state of film preservation and availability. The state of the home video market (DVD and Blu-ray) is discussed, as is the impact of streaming services that cater to fans of classic movies. Repertory theaters are also considered as a venue for exhibiting films otherwise unavailable to viewers. These old films are a form of cultural memory, and as they disappear, so does our understanding of the past.