Notes on Edge Print for Motion Picture Film

Films often have edge print indicating the type of stock used. ‘NITRATE’ indicates nitrate base, but ‘SAFETY’ can indicate acetate or polyester film. The brand names ‘CRONAR’ or ‘ESTAR’ refer to polyester film bases manufactured by Dupont and Kodak, respectively.

When looking for edge print on motion picture films, always check the print you are reading is printed directly onto the film object rather than ‘printed in’ or ‘printed through’ from a previous generation. If, for example, an acetate print was derived from a nitrate element, the edges of the film may read both ‘NITRATE’ and ‘SAFETY’. Print that is directly on the stock will have a higher density and definition than print-through. If the edges of the film are clear, words printed directly onto the stock will be black. If the edges of the film are dark, words printed directly can be white, blue, orange, or other colors. If you ever see ‘SAFETY’ on an edge you can rule out the possibility that the film base of your print is nitrate.

There are other types of information printed on edges that may indicate the film’s date, place of manufacture, emulsion type and/or batch information. Edge codes vary according to the manufacturer of the film stock.