Save the Pickfair Studios!

Moviegoers watch a public viewing of a restored print of “Metropolis” in 2010 on Berlin’s Pariser Platz square. Because of the explosive nature of the films, the archive feels obligated to copy them onto newer acetate film and then destroy many of the originals. Only the most valuable works are returned to the storage facility after a copy is made. This has generated considerable controversy among film historians and archivists. Important works have already been destroyed, including a 1911 film featuring Danish star Asta Nielsen. Preservationists would like the films to be saved until better methods are available for making digital copies. 

“Over its history Napoleon has been taken apart and pieced back together by so many hands, and it’s somehow survived distributor assaults, Gance’s tinkering, legal suits, rights claims and dueling restorations. In the end all that should matter is that this elusive, seemingly indestructible film — which, as Mr. Brownlow said, has ‘found its place again in world cinema’ — be seen.” — Manohla Dargis

Decasia: The State of Decay. Bill Morrison (2002). Excerpt — full movie was removed.