Posted by misterorange at dialup-147-17.tnkno2.usit.net on August 17, 2001 at 10:32:23:
In Reply to: Re: Ok, I'm confused posted by Downtown on August 17, 2001 at 02:00:21:
First off, this comment:
: : I thought the original aspect ratio of Clerks was 1.85:1?
That's right. The THEATRICAL ratio was 1.85:1 because if you saw a 1.33:1(or 4:3, rather) ratio on the big screen it would look rather strange. For the VHS home video market, which prefers full-screen, there was no need to pan and scan, since it was in 1.33:1 to start with.
And now for the next..
:Ditto for Super 35. When it comes to the video rental release, it'll be unwise to pan and scan the widescreen image, since a fullscreen image is already available.
This is not necessarily true..
: Essentially, you get more picture.
This is correct, that you'll get more picture on top and bottom. HOWEVER, this doesn't mean this is the way the films should be viewed. A lot of times Super 35 movies will forget that they are in Super 35, so that when the home video release shows on the top and bottom of the frame microphones or clothes in nude scenes.
The first example that comes to mind is A Fish Called Wanda where John Cleese is supposed to be naked in a scene, but in the home video version you can see he's wearing shorts. (this is seen on the MGM link below)
Check the link for a good visual presentation of what I'm talking about, or be sure to see the "Why Widescreen?" feature on the Die Hard: 5 Star Collection DVD.
There's also the Anamorphic issue.
Here recently there's been a huge fuss because Warner Bros, in their infinite stupidity, are going to release Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, as well as the recent hit Cats and Dogs, in full-screen versions only. These were both shot "Open Matte" (ie, 4:3, but not in Super 35), and were framed at 1.85:1.
They had originally said that Willy Wonka was going to have both full screen and Anamorphic widescreen presentations. Now they've gone back on their word and said full screen only for "family" titles. This is an abomination, and should be treated as such.
Why? Well, for one, the original intent of the filmmakers was a 1.85:1 release (just like thet intent for Dogma was a 2.35:1 frame), and also because with an Anamorphic transfer, the picture quality is INCREASED. The resolution is FAR better than any non-anamorphic picture could possibly be. For a really good, simple explanation of Anamorphic video, go here:
The Digital Bits Anamorphic for Dummies:
http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/anamorphic/welcome.html
I hope this was informative.
Evan