False letterboxing
#26
DVD Talk Legend
Re: False letterboxing
If I recall the specifics, the problem was they were using that diagram that showed how pan and scan transfers cut image off the sides of scope movies, but they were using that diagram on the DVD cases of open-matte movies. So it actually was a false image. Strictly speaking, it was a valid finding in that case. It was MGM's fault for not realizing that some pedantic little dickweed out there would take them to task for it.
#27
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Re: False letterboxing
I keep saying to myself, "Look at all the space above their heads where nothing is happening," or "Whoops, there's a boom mike; this was no doubt meant to be viewed matted."
milo bloom's signature contains a very important concept. Sometimes OAR means seeing more image is desirable and sometimes not. It all depends on how the film was shot. These terms like "fake widescreen" for matted films have become a pet peeve of mine. It is not fake; many, many intended widescreen images are created this way! You see them in movie theatres all the time.
Funny that ROTLD was mentioned. Just watched this a few weeks ago in widescreen. Although I am aware that more of Linnea IS indeed visible on the open matte side, I didn't bother to sit through it. I prefer the intended framing. For those who must have it though, the two versions of the film are to be found on the now out-of-print two-sided DVD. (The newer release is, I believe, widescreen only, but I never bought it). The old version should be pretty cheap to locate on the secondary market.
#28
DVD Talk Special Edition
Thread Starter
Re: False letterboxing
Funny that ROTLD was mentioned. Just watched this a few weeks ago in widescreen. Although I am aware that more of Linnea IS indeed visible on the open matte side, I didn't bother to sit through it. I prefer the intended framing. For those who must have it though, the two versions of the film are to be found on the now out-of-print two-sided DVD. (The newer release is, I believe, widescreen only, but I never bought it). The old version should be pretty cheap to locate on the secondary market.
#29
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: False letterboxing
I believe that Stephen King's IT miniseries dvd is cropped 1:85, originally broadcast 4:3
#31
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#32
DVD Talk Legend
Re: False letterboxing
So are both of the V miniseries. However, at the time the first V miniseries was released on DVD, the show's creator claimed that he had originally shot it with widescreen in mind in case it received a theatrical release in Europe (which wasn't uncommon at the time). I'm not familiar with the history of IT, but it's possible something similar may have happened.