It sounds like these really are from movie theaters then. It just seemed odd that the guy I bought them from says he buys the reels from small movie theaters up and down the west coast when I had read that the studios have the theaters send back the reels - but, perhaps that's not true since you mentioned they only vault a small number of prints. I have also read that many film cells don't hold up well over time and with usage, and all the cells I bought are in pretty good condition. So, a number of things had me thinking I should seek advice. The guy is coming back to town for a holiday show to sell more. It's sounding like it's safe to buy more from him?