ScanDigital, Saint Paul

The celluloid specialists at ScanDigital have processed more than 15 million images since 2007, turning nondigital items such as grainy photos, dented VHS tapes, 35mm, APS negatives, and 35mm slides into dependable digital files that fill the future with images of a warm and wonderful past. To start a safe, digital archive so home videos of first-grade choir solos don't turn into terrifying, chipmunk-attracting warbles, customers go online to fill out a form that generates a shipping label, and then mail their prized materials. Once parcels are received, staffers liberate the images and footage of dust and blemishes, scan them in, then adjust the orientation and color balance of the newly hatched digital files.

After four or more weeks, depending on the order, customers get back the original copies along with their new, high-quality clones on DVD, ensuring that significant moments aren't stained and faded by Father Time’s clumsy coffee spills.