Polavision

Polavision was an instant film format released by Polaroid in 1977. The cartridge included a small tank of developing chemicals and the film could be processed and viewed in only 90 seconds. However, Polavision could only record 2.5 minutes of dark, silent footage. It was a commercial failure and discontinued in 1979, just two years after its launch.

Meanwhile, emerging tape formats of Betamax and VHS offered better image quality, sound, instant playback, and more convenient viewing options. Polavision film can be digitized after the film is removed from the sealed cartridge.

• Year: 1977-1979
• Dimensions: Film is 8mm wide, 38.5 feet long, and each frame is 5.7mm x 4.2mm all inside a black plastic cartridge that’s 5.25 x 2.75 x 0.75 inches
• Capacity: 2.5 minutes
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