An apparatus comprising a detector for detecting optical density levels recorded on a film, each optical density level representing a symbol from a constellation of symbols, wherein each symbol is associated with a plurality of bits of data; and a demapper, for receiving data responsive to the detected optical density levels, and for providing data associated therewith. A method for recovering data stored on film by detecting optical density levels recorded on the film; and recovering the data from the detected optical density levels by receiving data responsive to the detected optical density levels; and demapping said received data for providing the recovered data associated therewith; wherein each detected optical density level is associated with a symbol from a constellation of symbols for use in demapping the data, and wherein each symbol is associated with a plurality of bits of data.