joltman

I was wondering if there's a list anywhere that I can consult that would tell me if a particular DVD that's only available in Full Screen is open matte or pan & scan? There's a couple of DVDs I want that aren't in widescreen, and I figure if it's at least open matte, then I'll go for it.

PixyJunket

I don't know of such a list, but most comedies will be open-matte in their full-screen presentations.. these are usually the movies that end up getting a 4:3 only release anyway. If you list which titles you were considering some of us may be able to help you.

canaryfarmer

Yeah, tell us the specific movies. You'll find somebody who knows the answer.

xradman

DVD Profiler database keeps track of FS vs. P&S. Its not 100% accurate, but it is maintained by bunch of DVD zealots, so probably closest to what you are looking for.

joltman

Well, ones I can think of offhand:
Child's Play
976-EVIL
True Stories (David Byrne movie)
Secret of Nimh (can cartoons be open matte?)

and for the fiance:
Homeward Bound
Disney's White Fang
All Dogs Go To Heaven

PixyJunket

Secret of Nimh and All Dogs Go To Heaven are definitely open-matte. Homeward Bound and White Fang are likely, but I couldn't say 100%.. but if those are for the fiancé I'd imagine it's probably less of an issue for her.

Sex Fiend

I believe that most 1980's and later full frame releases are indeed open matte, since in the age of home video, most films were shot in TV ratio (for the home video market) and later matted for theater presentation. And ergo, the pre-1980's full frame releases (that aren't released OAR) are P&S.

I can't guarantee that's 100% accurate for every title of course, but seems to hold as a general rule. And I can't account for exactly what year the cut-off for the rule is, but I would guess somewhere around 1982 or something like that.

inri222

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