Lights, Camera, Music!

Our professional 8mm film to DVD service is perfect for bringing your memories and nostalgia into the 21^st century, whilst still capturing the essence and zeitgeist of the time. A way which many films do this nowadays is through looking back at particular movements of an era, or simply capturing them as they occur. Dominating the box office at the moment is Straight Outta Compton, the story of one of raps most notorious groups, which looks back and captures the group’s rise to fame.

With the success of the film on both sides of the pond, we felt we would take a look at some other successful musical films which have managed to capture the mood of an era, although – unlike Straight Outta Compton – our particular selection captures the mood of the specific time within which they were actually filmed. Starting with an absolute classic…

Saturday Night Fever (1977)

Detailing the story of a young gentleman played by John Travolta, Saturday Night Fever is jam-packed with disco music of the era and is the platform for the care-free nature that the movement could quite often influence. The music allows him to break-free of the harsh realities of his life, his macho gang buddies and the racial tension that envelopes the community. If you don’t want to adorn a quiff after watching this funky bonanza, then you’ve got no groove.

Jailhouse Rock (1957)

Jailhouse Rock: the only two words more synonymous with a sequined cat suit is the talent’s own name; Elvis Presley stars (obviously!) and plays a frustrated construction worker who is jailed for the manslaughter of a barfly whilst defending himself in a bar brawl. The movie goes a long way to capturing the rockabilly movement –through his appearance, his love of music and even his attitude. Whilst an oldie, it’s still a goodie; particularly for the classic music fan.

This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

Well… what can you say about Spinal Tap? It’s an absolute classic for the music and comedy fan alike. Mocking the 70s/80s pretention that surrounded the self-absorbed hard rock/hair metal/cheese that was  rife at the time, This Is Spinal Tap takes to the mockumentary format in a way that other’s have tried to emulate, yet few have succeeded. Whilst the music is intended to be satirical, it is actually an outstanding and convincing copy of the tracks of said-genres and… dare we say it… we’ve cranked ‘Stonehenge’ up to 11 on more than one occasion. Whoever you are, whatever your taste – watch t!

It takes a talent to capture an era and a movement, but we think you’ll agree that these three classics each manage it extremely well; providing not only a glimpse into fashion, but music and attitudes of the time. If you’re like us, that’s one of the reasons we like looking back at our own home videos; it’s always a bit of a tickle taking a peek back at dad’s hairstyle of 1986 or mum’s choice of dress in ’92. So if you would like the opportunity to capture these memories on a more permanent format, such as with our DVD transfer service, then don’t hesitate to contact us on 0800 592433 where one of our friendly media professionals will be eagerly awaiting your call.