Kodachrome has disappeared

A dear friend sent me a link to a piece on the history of Kodachrome. That's the color film developed in the 1930's that is no longer manufactured or processed by Kodak. It was the original, and a standard, especially among professional photographers, for several decades.
It was THE FILM to which all others were compared.

Unfortunately, times have changed, and the end of another era has arrived.

Attached are some pictures from the late 1930's and early 40's, pictures taken with Kodachrome film.

http://blogs.denverpost.com/captured/2010/07/26/captured-america-in-color-from-1939-1943/2363/

I replied to my friend with some thoughts, thoughts that went beyond the demise of Kodachrome. Many of you will disagree, especially those who never mastered photography when it was an art. But, that's ok. That's why there are two ball teams playing a game. There are always at least two points of view.

I have often commented about the difference between film and videotape, and between film and digital photographs.
I was in television news when the first transition occured, dropping 16 mm film and switching to videotape.
And, of course, there's the more recent transition from film to digital photography.
In both cases, I  say that videotape and digital photogrpahy have a "PLASTIC" look. It's all shiny, it's totally "perfect", and without flaws. But, it's convenient, and almost "stupid proof".
Much like fiberglass (a form of plastic) on boats.
Film has character, it has a "feel" to it. One that is totally lost with tape and digital.
Fiberglass has no character, either. Wooden boats have tons of character.
Plastic or "composite" gun stocks are without character. Give me a wooden stock any day.
Guess I'm really showing my age.
Or, perhaps it's not age, but an appreciation of fine workmanship.
Not today, though. We prefer it fast, clean, and simple.
We prefer it "without character".
That's why so many people dine at chain restaurants, shop at chain stores, buy their groceries at chain supermarkets.
They want it cheaper.
They want it now.
They get it without character.