I don't see it that way, and I doubt most series fans will either. Have you actually viewed any of the episodes?

Actually, Qui Gon Jim is right. Yes, the studio is correct in saying it's matted since that's what they did in order to CROP the matted area in order to fit the image ina 1.78:1 space. In Pan & Scan you crop the sides to fit an above 1.33:1 image into a 1.33:1 space.

So it's still cropping even if you can also call it matting. Thing is, none of those screenshots look right to me. Even the ones that look "good" in this new aspect ratio. It's obvious that this new aspect ratio was an after-the-fact decision to be even more in tuen with the cinematic feel the creators of the show wanted way back when. Thing is, movies don't have to be in widescreen to feel cinematic. Look at how wonderfully composed and enveloping the photography in many of the pre-widescreen movies were and you'll see what I mean.

That said, it looks like they got away with this new aspect ratio but it still looks uncomfortable to someone who has watched this series so many times s/he knows just how it's supposed to look.

In fact, try shooting some video with a 1.78:1 (or any other widescreen) aspect ratio in mind. Matte the image and you'll see it'll look just right. Now shoot some more video and make sure you compose all your shots to for a 1.33:1 frame. Now matte it. More than half of your shots will look like crap once matted, if you're lucky.

Well, I would like to know what was actually done. I think the result looks good. However, I could see that this might not always be the case. It would be nice if Warner could give a definitive explanation.

I understand what you mean, EPKJ. I’d like for there to be an official statement. If this is a case that the creators secretly shot all the episode with an aspect ratio pf 1.85:1 in mind even though they knew it’d never be shown any other way than 1.33:1 and now, with widescreen sets being relatively easy to get, they chose to matte it to 1.78:1 to show the series close to how they originally imagined it whilst they were working on it, I’d be cool with the new aspect ratio (though I’d still miss the old one). But if this is a case of changing the aspect ratio on a whim even if the series was never shot with any type of widescreen ratio in mind, then I believe fans will have a definite right to be upset about this.

Rocshemp, my main gripe was with the set being dismissed out of hand as crap by someone who had not even viewed an episode simply because of the aspect ratio. I would prefer OAR, but I also understand that it is a great treat that this series is even available in season sets on DVD. I think some people forget that it wasn't too long ago that this would not have been possible.

I understand. Personally, I don't think the set is crap. I just think the choice of aspect ratio when this was remastered for the DVD release is unfortunate. But, like I said, if there is an official response that addresses this issue I will then deside wethere or not I will buy this set. For now I'm being patient. Not easy when you love this show as much as I do.

I'll probably pick it up in April. I am tired of watching my friend's copy.

The term "matted" has very little meaning when it comes to Warner, because all of their widescreen OAR DVDs say "matted" too.

Just watched the making of Kung Fu and you will see some clips of the TV series in 4:3 and you can compare them to the WS version.

I love the WS version on DVD!

The show is slow compared to todays standard, but I love the filming and setup of the story with the flash backs.

Even though I watched all these shows as a kid, it has been so long it is almost like watching the shows all over again.

Glad you like it, but noone is debating the quality of this show, just the bastardization of it.

So with all this talk about wether or not Kung Fu was shot in WS or not...

Im curious...What then was the 1st TV show/series shot in a WS format?
X Files?? ER ??

Or was it a show even earlier that that?

Thanks

Well, I think the WS looks great, it gives the show a more Modern/Movie look.

A lot of shows starting shooting for 16:9 in the mid-90s as "future-proofing" for HDTV even though their networks weren't airing them that way.

Going back even further, in the late 70s and early 80s it wasn't uncommon for higher-budgeted TV movies like the Buck Rogers pilot or the "V" miniseries to get theatrical releases in Europe, so the producers sometimes protected for 1.85:1. "V" on DVD is matted to that ratio per the director's wishes.

I guess the next thing we can expect is "Wanted: Dead or Alive" colorized and zoomed (to look like it was shot by a 6 years old) with the voice of Mc Queen dubbed in order to be able to provide a DTS soundtrack.....