AlwaysOAR

From original release, Walt Disney pressbooks...




EDIT: This list updated as of 17 APR 2011...




"Perri" 1957 Premiere Release Information:

"MR. EXHIBITOR - PLEASE NOTE!

Best Projection Results Are Obtained By Using The Following Aspect Ratios In The Presentation Of Walt Disney's "Perri":

FROM - 1:33 to 1
TO - 1:75 to 1

Please Do Not Go Beyond 1:75 to 1 Aspect Ratio Or You Will Lose Top And Bottom Of Picture."

(NOTE: This film is presented on Walt Disney's Legacy Collection: True-Life Adventures, Volume 4 - Nature's Mysteries, at a 1.33:1 ratio. As long as this is an open matte transfer on the DVD, it would be consistent with one option of theatrical framing. The other option would include 1.75:1.)



"Old Yeller" 1957 Premiere Release Information:

"Mr. Exhibitor...Please Note

For best projection results in the presentation of "Old Yeller"

Use Aspect Ratio 1.85 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.85:1, the Vault Disney release is misframed at 1.75:1, as well as on the 2-Movie Collection with it's sequel, "Savage Sam".)



"The Light In The Forest" 1958 Premiere Release Information:

"MR. EXHIBITOR - - - PLEASE NOTE

For Best Projection Results in the Presentation of "THE LIGHT IN THE FOREST"

Use Aspect Ratio 1:75 to 1"

(NOTE: This film has NOT been released on DVD. Tell Disney you want it, and released in the proper framing of 1.75:1. Call Disney at 1-800-723-4763.)



"Tonka" 1958 Premiere Release Information:

"MR. EXHIBITOR - PLEASE NOTE!

For Best Projection Results In The Presentation of "Tonka" Use ASPECT RATIO 1:75 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the Disney Movie Club Exclusive DVD release is at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/ pan & scan?) ratio.)



"Sleeping Beauty" 1959 Premiere Release Information:
http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articl...el121508c.html

"IMPORTANT! The 35mm Print of "Sleeping Beauty" Must Be Projected at an Aspect Ratio of 2.35 to 1"

"MR. EXHIBITOR...IMPORTANT NOTE!

To Present "Sleeping Beauty" In It's Full, Breathtaking Scope, It Is Absolutely Necessary That You Use Aspect Ratio 2:35 to 1"

(NOTE: While the Platinum Edition DVD/ Blu Ray release of "Sleeping Beauty" was open matte at 2.55:1, the Special Edition DVD of this film is the only release to correctly present it in it's original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1.)



"The Shaggy Dog" 1959 Premiere Release Information:
http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?s...ory=production

(NOTE: The theatre kit states a running time of 104 min., while the DVD releases state 102 min. That's a loss of 2 minutes.)

"MR. EXHIBITOR...PLEASE NOTE!

For Best Projection Results in the Presentation of "THE SHAGGY DOG" Use Aspect Ratio 1:75 to 1"

(NOTE: Only the 'Wild and Woolly" Edition DVD presents this film in it's original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.75:1.)



"Kidnapped" 1960 Premiere Release Information:

(NOTE: The live-action featurette, "Mysteries Of The Deep" premiered with this. Also, the theatre kit states a running time of 97 min., while the DVD release states 95 min. That's a loss of 2 minutes.)

"MR. EXHIBITOR PLEASE NOTE

Give your patrons the best possible picture on your theatre screen. For top projection results in the presentation of Walt Disney's "Kidnapped," do not exceed

ASPECT RATIO 1:75 to 1

or you will lose top and bottom of the picture."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the Disney Movie Club Exclusive DVD release is pan & scanned at 1.33:1.)



"Pollyanna" 1960 Premiere Release Information:

"MR. EXHIBITOR PLEASE NOTE

Give your patrons the best possible picture on your theatre screen. For top projection results in the presentation of Walt Disney's "Pollyanna" do not exceed

ASPECT RATIO 1.75 To 1

or you will lose top and bottom of the picture."

(NOTE: The Vault Disney DVD release presents this film in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.75:1.)



"Jungle Cat" 1960 Premiere Release Information:

(NOTE: The live-action featurette, "The Hound That Thought He Was A Racoon" premiered with this.)

"MISTER EXHIBITOR, PLEASE NOTE!

Give your patrons the best possible picture on your theatre screen. For top projection results in presentation of JUNGLE CAT, do not exceed

ASPECT RATIO 1:75 to 1

or you will lose top and bottom of picture."

(NOTE: This film is misframed on Disney's "Legacy Collection: True-Life Adventures, Volume 3 - Creatures of the Wild", at a 1.33:1 pan & scan ratio.)



"Ten Who Dared" 1960 Premiere Release Information:

"MISTER EXHIBITOR, PLEASE NOTE: Give your patrons the best possible picture on your theatre screen. For top projection results in presentation of TEN WHO DARED, do not exceed ASPECT RATIO 1:75 to 1 or you will lose top and bottom of picture"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the Disney Movie Club Exclusive DVD release is at a 1.33:1 pan & scan ratio.)



"Swiss Family Robinson" 1960 Premiere Release Information:
http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?s...ory=production

(NOTE: The theatre kit states a running time of 2 Hours and 8 Minutes, while the DVD release states 126 min. That's a loss of 2 minutes.)

"Mr. Exhibitor...Please Note!

Give your patrons the best possible picture on your theatre screen. For top projection results in the presentation of Walt Disney's "Swiss Family Robinson" do not exceed

Aspect Ratio 2:35 to 1

or you will lose top and bottom of the picture"

(NOTE: The Vault Disney DVD release presents this film in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1.)



"One Hundred And One Dalmatians" 1961 Premiere Release Information:

(NOTE: The live-action featurette, "The Horse With The Flying Tail" premiered with this.)

"MR. EXHIBITOR PLEASE NOTE

Give your patrons the best possible picture on your theatre screen. For top projection results in the presentation of "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" do not exceed

ASPECT RATIO 1:33 to 1

or you will lose top and bottom of picture"

(NOTE: All DVD releases present this film in it's original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.33:1.)



"The Absent-Minded Professor" 1961 Premiere Release Information:
http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?s...ory=production

"MR. EXHIBITOR - AN IMPORTANT NOTE!

Give your patrons the best possible picture on your theatre screen. For top projection results in the presentation of "THE ABSENT-MINDED PROFESSOR" you must use

ASPECT RATIO 1:75 to 1.

WARNING: If projected at a ratio less than 1:75 to 1 there will be a black border at top and/or bottom of screen!"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, all DVD releases are misframed at 1.66:1.)



"The Parent Trap" 1961 Premiere Release Information:

(NOTE: The animated featurette, "Donald and the Wheel" premiered with this.)

"MR. EXHIBITOR - AN IMPORTANT NOTE!

Give your patrons the best possible picture on your theatre screen. For top projection results in the presentation of WALT DISNEY'S "THE PARENT TRAP" you must use

ASPECT RATIO 1.75 to 1.

WARNING: If projected at a ratio less than 1.75 to 1, there will be a black border at top and/or bottom of screen!"

(NOTE: The packaging for the Vault Disney release states an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, while the packaging for the 2-Movie Collection with it's sequel, "Parent Trap II", states a 1.85:1 ratio.)



"Greyfriars Bobby" 1961 Premiere Release Information:

"MR. EXHIBITOR - PLEASE NOTE!

Give your patrons the best possible picture on your theatre screen. For top projection results in the presentation of "GREYFRIARS BOBBY" you must use

ASPECT RATIO 1:75 to 1

WARNING: IF PROJECTED AT A RATIO LESS THAN 1:75 to 1 THERE WILL BE A BLACK BORDER AT TOP AND/ OR BOTTOM OF SCREEN!"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is pan & scanned at 1.33:1.)



"Babes In Toyland" 1961 Premiere Release Information:

(NOTE: The animated featurette, "Aquamania" premiered with this. Also, the theatre kit states a running time of 100 Minutes, while the DVD release states 106 min. That's a gain of 6 minutes.)

"Mr. Exhibitor...

Perfect projection will assure your audiences of getting all the wonderful pleasures of "Babes in Toyland"... so be sure to use

ASPECT RATIO 1:75 to 1.

WARNING: If projected at a ratio less than 1:75 to 1 there will be a black border at top and/or bottom of screen!"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is at a 1.33:1 pan & scan ratio.)



"Bon Voyage!" 1962 Premiere Release Information:

"MR. EXHIBITOR!

To Present this Wonderful Screen Entertainment at its Best, Project at ASPECT RATIO 1:75 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/ pan & scan?) ratio.)



"The Fighting Prince Of Donegal" 1966 Premiere Release Information:

"Mr. Showman;

THE ASPECT RATIO of "The Fighting Prince of Donegal" is 1:85 to 1.

Adhere to this ratio to achieve the best screen image possible, and a quality image for your theatre."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.85:1, the DVD release is at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/ pan & scan?) ratio.)



"Follow Me, Boys!" 1966 Premiere Release Information:

"Mr. Showman; THE ASPECT RATIO of "Follow Me, Boys!" is 1:75 to 1

Adhere to this ratio to achieve the best screen image possible, and a quality image for your theatre."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/ pan & scan?) ratio.)



"Monkeys, Go Home!" 1967 Premiere Release Information:

"Mr. Exhibitor!

THE ASPECT RATIO OF "MONKEYS, GO HOME!" is 1.75:1

ADHERE TO THIS RATIO TO ACHIEVE THE BEST POSSIBLE SCREEN IMAGE."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/ pan & scan?) ratio.)



"The One And Only, Genuine, Original Family Band" 1968 Premiere Release Information:

(NOTE: The theatre kit states that the running time of the film is 116 minutes, 58 seconds, while the DVD release is only 110 minutes. That is a loss of almost 7 minutes.)

"Mr. Exhibitor - An Important Note

Give your patrons the best possible picture on your theatre screen. For top projection results in the presentation of "THE ONE AND ONLY, GENUINE, ORIGINAL FAMILY BAND" you must use

ASPECT RATIO 1.85 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.85:1, the DVD release is at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/ pan & scan?) ratio.)



"Never A Dull Moment" 1968 Premiere Release Information:

"MR. EXHIBITOR: THE ASPECT RATIO of "Never A Dull Moment" is 1:75 to 1
Adhere to this ratio to achieve the best screen image possible, and a quality image for your theatre"

(NOTE: The DVD release presents this film in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.75:1.)



"The Aristocats" 1970 Premiere Release Information:

"MR. EXHIBITOR THE ASPECT RATIO FOR "THE ARISTOCATS" FOR BEST SCREEN QUALITY IS 175 TO 1."

(NOTE: Only the Special Edition DVD release presents this film in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.75:1.)



"King Of The Grizzlies" 1970 Premiere Release Information:

"THE ASPECT RATIO is 1:75 to 1
Adhere to this ratio to achieve the best screen image possible, and a quality image for your theatre."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/ pan & scan?) ratio.)



"The Wild Country" 1971 Premiere Release Information:

"THE ASPECT RATIO FOR DISNEY'S "THE WILD COUNTRY" IS 175 TO 1."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the Disney Movie Club Exclusive DVD release is at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/ pan & scan?) ratio.)



"The Barefoot Executive" 1971 Premiere Release Information:

"TO ACHIEVE THE BEST SCREEN QUALITY FOR "BAREFOOT EXECUTIVE," IT IS NECESSARY THAT YOU ADHERE TO THE ASPECT RATIO OF 1:75 TO 1."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/ pan & scan?) ratio.)



"Scandalous John" 1971 Premiere Release Information:

"FOR YOUR AUDIENCE PLEASURE, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU ADHERE TO THE ASPECT RATIO OF 2.35 To 1"

(NOTE: The Disney Movie Club Exclusive DVD release presents this film in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1.)



"Bedknobs And Broomsticks" 1971 Premiere Release Information:
http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?s...ory=production

(NOTE: The theatre kit states a running time of 1 HR. 57 MIN., while the DVD releases are at 139 min. That's a gain of 22 minutes.)

"To Create the Utmost Magical Effect, "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" Must Be Shown at an Aspect Ratio of 1:75 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, all DVD releases are misframed at 1.66:1.)



"The Biscuit Eater" 1972 Premiere Release Information:

"The Aspect Ratio for "The Biscuit Eater" is 1.75 to 1."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/pan & scan?) ratio.)



"Now You See Him, Now You Don't" 1972 Premiere Release Information:

"THE ASPECT RATIO FOR BEST VIEWING QUALITY IS 1.75 To 1."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is misframed at 1.85:1.)



"Napoleon And Samantha" 1972 Premiere Release Information:

"THE ASPECT RATIO FOR "NAPOLEON AND SAMANTHA" IS 1.75 TO 1."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, it is misframed on both the Anchor Bay and Disney DVDs at 1.85:1, and the Anchor Bay DVD also has a pan & scan version.)



"Snowball Express" 1972 Premiere Release Information:

(NOTE: The live-action featurette, "The Magic of Walt Disney World" premiered with this.)

"The Aspect Ratio For Best Viewing Quality Is 1.75 To 1."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/pan & scan?) ratio.)



"The World's Greatest Athlete" 1973 Premiere Release Information:

"The Aspect Ratio to achieve the "World's Greatest Screen Image" is 1.75 to 1."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is misframed at 1.85:1.)



"Charley And The Angel"/ "Cinderella" 1973 Combo Premiere/ Re-Release Information:

(NOTE: When "Charley And The Angel" premiered in theatres, a re-release of "Cinderella" was attached with it.)

"The aspect ratio of "CHARLEY AND THE ANGEL"/ "CINDERELLA" to achieve the best screen image is 1.75 to 1."

(NOTE: "Charley And The Angel" has NOT been released on DVD. Tell Disney you want it, and released in the proper framing of 1.75:1. Call Disney at 1-800-723-4763. Also, apparently "Cinderella" was presented in 1973 at an aspect ratio of 1.75:1, which hadn't been invented until about 5 years after "Cinderella" premiered, and therefore this showing is an example of the frowned upon re-release of Disney films in improper aspect ratios.)



"One Little Indian" 1973 Premiere Release Information:

"The Aspect Ratio to best present all the adventure of "One Little Indian" is 1.75 to 1."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, it is misframed on both the Anchor Bay and Disney DVDs at 1.85:1, and the Anchor Bay DVD also has a pan & scan version.)



"Robin Hood" 1973 Premiere Release Information:

"The Aspect Ratio for "Robin Hood" to achieve that OO-DE-LOLLY GOLLY screen image is 1.75 to 1."

(NOTE: Only the "Most Wanted" Edition DVD presents this film in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.75:1.)



"Herbie Rides Again" 1974 Premiere Release Information:
http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?s...ory=production

"The Aspect Ratio for "HERBIE RIDES AGAIN" to achieve the best screen image is 1:75 to 1"

(NOTE: The DVD release presents this film in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.75:1.)



"The Castaway Cowboy"/ "The Absent-Minded Professor" 1974 Combo Premiere/ Re-Release Information:

(NOTE: When "The Castaway Cowboy" premiered in theatres, a re-release of "The Absent-Minded Professor" was attached with it.)

"The aspect ratio for "The Castaway Cowboy" and "The Absent-Minded Professor" to achieve that perfect screen image is 1.75 to 1."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for "The Castaway Cowboy" was 1.75:1, the DVD releases are at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/ pan & scan?) ratio.)



"The Island At The Top Of The World" 1974 Premiere Release Information:

(NOTE: The animated featurette, "Winnie The Pooh And Tigger Too!" premiered with this.)

"The Aspect Ratio for "THE ISLAND AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD" to achieve the best screen image is 1.75 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the Anchor Bay DVD release is misframed at 1.66:1, and also has a pan & scan version, and the Disney DVD release is misframed at 1.85:1.)



"The Strongest Man In The World" 1975 Premiere Release Information:

"The Aspect Ratio for "The Strongest Man in the World" to create the most spectacular screen image is 1.75 to 1."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/ pan & scan?) ratio.)



"Escape To Witch Mountain" 1975 Premiere Release Information:

"The Aspect Ratio for "ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN" to achieve the best screen image is 1:75 to 1"

(NOTE: All DVD releases present this film in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.75:1.)



"The Apple Dumpling Gang" 1975 Premiere Release Information:

"MR. EXHIBITOR: THE ASPECT RATIO TO BEST EXHIBIT THE HILARIOUS WILD WEST ACTION IN THE APPLE DUMPLING GANG IS 1-75 TO 1."

(NOTE: All DVD releases present this film in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.75:1.)



"One Of Our Dinosaurs Is Missing" 1975 Premiere Release Information:

"The Aspect Ratio For "ONE OF OUR DINOSAURS IS MISSING" to achieve the best screen image is 1:75 to 1."

(NOTE: This film has NOT been released on DVD in Region 1. Tell Disney you want it, and released in the proper framing of 1.75:1. Call Disney at 1-800-723-4763.)



"No Deposit, No Return" 1976 Premiere Release Information:

"The Aspect Ratio for "NO DEPOSIT, NO RETURN" to achieve the best screen image is 1:75 to 1."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/ pan & scan?) ratio.)



"Ride A Wild Pony"/ "Dumbo" 1976 Combo Premiere/ Re-Release Information:

(NOTE: When "Ride a Wild Pony" premiered, a re-release of "Dumbo" was attached with it.)

"The Aspect Ratio for "RIDE A WILD PONY" and "DUMBO" to achieve the best screen image is 1:75 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for "Ride a Wild Pony" is 1.75:1, the DVD release is at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/ pan & scan?) ratio. Also, apparently "Dumbo" was presented in 1975 at an aspect ratio of 1.75:1, which hadn't been invented until almost 15 years after "Dumbo" premiered, and therefore this showing is an example of the frowned upon re-release of Disney films in improper aspect ratios.)



"Gus" 1976 Premiere Release Information:

"The Aspect Ratio for GUS to achieve the best screen image is 1:75 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/ pan & scan?) ratio)


"Treasure Of Matecumbe" 1976 Premiere Release Information:

"The Aspect Ratio for "TREASURE OF MATECUMBE" to achieve the best screen image is 1:75 to 1."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the Disney Movie Club Exclusive DVD release is at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/ pan & scan?) ratio.)



"The Shaggy D.A." 1976 Premiere Release Information:

"To make "The Shaggy D.A." a winner on your screen THE ASPECT RATIO IS 1:75 to 1."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is misframed at 1.85:1.)



"Freaky Friday" 1977 Premiere Release Information:
http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?s...ory=production

"To make "Freaky Friday" a winner on your screen THE ASPECT RATIO IS 1:75 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is misframed at 1.85:1.)



"The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh" 1977 Premiere Release Information:

"To pooh-ject a pooh-rific picture on your screen THE ASPECT RATIO IS 1.75 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, all DVD releases are at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/ pan & scan?) ratio.)



"The Littlest Horse Thieves" 1977 Premiere Release Information:

"For the biggest and best picture of "The Littlest Horse Thieves" on your screen THE ASPECT RATIO IS 1:75 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the Anchor Bay release is misframed at 1.85:1, and has a pan & scan version, while the Disney release is at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/ pan & scan?) ratio.)



"The Rescuers" 1977 Premiere Release Information:

(NOTE: The live-action featurette "A Tale of Two Critters" premiered with this.)

"To make the world's smallest secret agents the right size to vanquish the world's wickedest woman, THE ASPECT RATIO is 1.75 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is misframed at 1.66:1.)



"Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo" 1977 Premiere Release Information:

"To make Herbie a winner on your screen THE ASPECT RATIO IS 1:75 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/ pan & scan?) ratio.)



"Pete's Dragon" 1977 Premiere Release Information:

(NOTE: The theatre kit states states a running time of 2 hours and 7 minutes, while the DVD release is 2 hours and 9 minutes. That's a gain of 2 minutes.)

"So Elliott the Dragon can be seen at his brazzle dazzle best, please project "Pete's Dragon" at the

ASPECT RATIO 1.75 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, all DVD releases are misframed at 1.66:1.)



"Candleshoe" 1978 Premiere Release Information:

"To make "Candleshoe" a gleaming treasure on your screen

THE ASPECT RATIO IS 1:75 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the Anchor Bay DVD release is misframed at 1.66:1, and the Disney DVD release is misframed at 1.85:1.)



"The Cat From Outer Space" 1978 Premiere Release Information:

"THE ASPECT RATIO FOR AN OUT OF THIS WORLD SCREEN IMAGE IS 1:75 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the Anchor Bay release is misframed at 1.66:1. For the Disney release, it presents this film in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.75:1.)



"Hot Lead And Cold Feet" 1978 Premiere Release Information:

"THE ASPECT RATIO FOR A BLAZING IMAGE IS 1:75 to 1."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is misframed at 1.85:1.)



"Unidentified Flying Oddball" 1979 Premiere Release Information:

"THE ASPECT RATIO FOR A SUPER IMAGE IS 1:75 TO 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the Anchor Bay DVD release is misframed at 1.66:1, and also has a pan & scan version, and the Disney DVD release is misframed at 1.85:1.)



"The Black Hole" 1979 Premiere Release Information:

"FOR A PERFECT PRESENTATION THE ASPECT RATIO FOR A SUPER WIDESCREEN IMAGE MUST BE 2:35 to 1"

(NOTE: All DVD releases present this film in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1)



"The Last Flight Of Noah's Ark" 1980 Premiere Release Information:

"THE ASPECT RATIO TO CAPTURE ALL THE ADVENTURE IS 1.75 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, all DVD releases are misframed at 1.85:1.)



"Herbie Goes Bananas" 1980 Premiere Release Information:

(NOTE: The theatre kit states a running time of 100 minutes, while the DVD release is 102 minutes. That's a gain of 2 minutes.)

"THE ASPECT RATIO FOR A SUPER IMAGE IS 1:75 To 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/ pan & scan?) ratio.)



"Amy" 1981 Premiere Release Information:

"THE ASPECT RATIO FOR A HEART-FELT IMAGE IS 1:75 TO 1"

(NOTE: This film has NOT been released on DVD. Tell Disney you want it, and released in the proper framing of 1.75:1. Call Disney at 1-800-723-4763.)



"The Fox And The Hound" 1981 Premiere Release Information:

"THE ASPECT RATIO FOR A SPARKLING IMAGE IS 1:75 TO 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, all DVD releases are at a 1.33:1 (open-matte/ pan & scan?) ratio.)



"Condorman" 1981 Premiere Release Information:

"THE ASPECT RATIO TO CAPTURE ALL THE SOARING ADVENTURE IS 1.75 to 1."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, it is misframed on both the Anchor Bay and Disney Movie Club Exclusive DVDs at 2.35:1, and the Anchor Bay DVD also has a pan & scan version.)



"The Watcher In The Woods" 1981 Premiere Release Information:

"THE ASPECT RATIO FOR A SPIRITED IMAGE IS 1:75 TO 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is misframed at 1.85:1.)



"Tron" 1982 Premiere Release Information:

"THE ASPECT RATIO FOR AN EXCITING SCREEN IMAGE IS 2:35 TO 1"

(NOTE: The original theatrical framing for this film was the more common 2.35:1 (35mm prints), and also 2.20:1 (70mm prints) for some venues. It is presented on DVD at a 2.20:1 ratio.)



"Something Wicked This Way Comes" 1983 Premiere Release Information:

(NOTE: The theatre kit states a running time of 97 minutes, while the DVD release is 95 minutes. That's a loss of 2 minutes.)

"THE ASPECT RATIO FOR A SUPER IMAGE IS 1:75 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the Anchor Bay DVD release is misframed at 1.66:1, and the Disney DVD release is misframed at 1.85:1.)



"Never Cry Wolf" 1983 Premiere Release Information:

"THE ASPECT RATIO FOR A SUPER IMAGE IS 1.75 TO 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, all DVD releases of this film are misframed at 1.85:1.)




Premiere Release, Walt Disney Pressbooks not having projecton instructions in them...


1953 - The Sword And The Rose/
(NOTE: The live-action featurette, "Prowlers Of The Everglades" premiered with this.)

1954 - 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea/
(NOTE: The animated featurette, "Grand Canyonscope" premiered with this.)

1955 - Davy Crockett, King Of The Wild Frontier/
(NOTE: The live-action featurette, "Arizona Sheepdog" premiered with this.)

1955 - Lady And The Tramp/
(NOTE: The live-action featurette, "Switzerland" premiered with this.)

1955 - The African Lion

1955 - The Littlest Outlaw

1956 - Secrets Of Life/
(NOTE: The animated featurette, "A Cowboy Needs A Horse" and the live-action featurette, "Cow Dog" premiered with this. Also, the theatre kit states a running time of 73 min., while the DVD release states 70 min. That's a loss of 3 minutes.)

1956 - Westward Ho The Wagons!/
(NOTE: The live-action featurette, "Disneyland U.S.A." premiered with this.)

1960 - The Sign Of Zorro

1963 - Son Of Flubber/
http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?s...ory=production
(NOTE: The theatre kit states a running time of 100 minutes, while the DVD release states 103 minutes. That's a gain of 3 minutes.)

1963 - Summer Magic

1963 - The Incredible Journey

1963 - The Sword In The Stone

1964 - The Misadventures Of Merlin Jones

1964 - A Tiger Walks

1964 - The Three Lives Of Thomasina

1964 - The Moon-Spinners

1964 - Mary Poppins

1965 - Those Calloways

1965 - The Monkey's Uncle/
(NOTE: The animated featurette, "Freewayphobia" premiered with this.)

1966 - The Ugly Dachshund/
(NOTE: The animated featurette, "Winnie The Pooh And The Honey Tree" premiered with this.)

1966 - Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N./
(NOTE: The live-action featurette, "Run, Appaloosa, Run!" premiered with this.)

1967 - The Gnome-Mobile/
(NOTE: The live-action featurette, "The Legend Of The Boy And The Eagle" premiered with this.)

1967 - Charlie, The Lonesome Cougar

1967 - The Jungle Book

1968 - Blackbeard's Ghost

1968 - The Horse In The Gray Flannel Suit/
(NOTE: The animated featurette, "Winnie The Pooh And The Blustery Day" premiered with this.)

1969 - Smith!

1969 - The Love Bug

1969 - Rascal/
(NOTE: The live-action featurette, "Hang Your Hat On The Wind" premiered with this.)

1969 - The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes/
http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?s...ory=production

1979 - Take Down (American Film Consortium/ Disney)

1980 - Midnight Madness

1980 - Popeye (Paramount/ Disney)*

1981 - Dragonslayer (Paramount/ Disney)*

*Paramount Pictures Pressbook



I can't take credit for knowing about these pressbooks, as I'm a member of another forum where another member made me aware about them. I had started to collect these in order to help get this information out. Now, it's become a hobby, and I started this thread here in order to maybe get this info out to a wider audience.


Scott

milo bloom

I'd be most interested in hearing about the animated classics aspect ratios, and I don't think I'm alone.

Thanks for the info and welcome to the forum.

MrSmearkase

Welcome to the forum, and nice screen name!

Giles

question: what is the correct AR for In Search of the Castaways?

AlwaysOAR

Thanks everyone. I did receive recently as well these pressbooks...



"Charley And The Angel" / "Cinderella" 1973 Combo Premiere/ Re-Release Information:

(NOTE: When "Charley And The Angel" premiered in theatres, a re-release of "Cinderella" was attached with it)

"The aspect ratio of "CHARLEY AND THE ANGEL" / "CINDERELLA" to achieve the best screen image is 1.75 to 1."

(NOTE: "Charley And The Angel" has not been released on DVD. Tell Disney you want it, and released in the proper framing of 1.75:1. Call Disney at 1-800-723-4763. Also, apparently "Cinderella" was presented in 1973 in an aspect ratio of 1.75:1, which hadn't been invented until about 5 years after "Cinderella" premiered. This showing is an example of the frowned upon re-release of Disney animated films in improper aspect ratios.)



"One Little Indian" 1973 Premiere Release Information:

"The Aspect Ratio to best present all the adventure of "One Little Indian" is 1.75 to 1."

(NOTE: "One Little Indian" is overmatted on both the Disney and Anchor Bay DVDs at 1.85:1, while the Anchor Bay dvd also has a pan & scan version.)



"Robin Hood" 1973 Premiere Release Information:

"The Aspect Ratio for "Robin Hood" to achieve that OO-DE-LOLLY GOLLY screen image is 1.75 to 1."

(NOTE: The "Robin Hood: Most Wanted Edition" DVD is the only properly framed release of this film.)



"The Fox And The Hound" 1981 Premiere Release Information:

"The Aspect Ratio For A Sparkling Image Is 1:75 To 1"

(NOTE: While the theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD releases are framed in a (Open Matte/Pan & Scan?) 1.33:1 ratio.)



Though someone I know already had Charley And The Angel, Robin Hood and The Fox And The Hound, I got them to add to my collection.

I'll add these to the list shortly...


Scott

AlwaysOAR

I haven't come across the pressbook for this one yet, though my guess is that it was probably framed for a 1.75:1 ratio...


Scott

AlwaysOAR

I also received the pressbooks for the following, but they had no projection instructions in them. My guess is that probably they were framed for a 1.75:1 ratio...don't know for sure.

1964's A Tiger Walks

1968's Blackbeard's Ghost


Scott

AlwaysOAR

Here are a couple of more pressbooks with aspect ratio info...


"Candleshoe" 1978 Premiere Release Information:

"To make "Candleshoe" a gleaming treasure on your screen

THE ASPECT RATIO IS 1:75 to 1"

(NOTE: "Candleshoe" is undermatted on the Anchor Bay release at 1.66:1, while the packaging for the Disney DVD release states 1.85:1.)



"Unidentified Flying Oddball" 1979 Premiere Release Information:

"THE ASPECT RATIO FOR A SUPER IMAGE IS 1:75 TO 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, it is undermatted at 1.66:1, and also has a pan & scan version, on the Anchor Bay release. For the Disney release, the packaging states 1.85:1.)


I'll add these to the list shortly...


Scott

Giles

'Candleshoe' was recently shown on HDNet Movies in an AR that I know wasn't 1.66 but at least 1.75

AlwaysOAR

If it was 1.75, that's good to hear. Maybe we'll get a future release in the correct ratio...


Scott

dx23

Midnight Madness is another movie that has been released full screen by both Anchor Bay and Disney instead of its OAR.

Pizza

Nice thread. Thanks AlwaysOAR.

AlwaysOAR

Funny you mentioned that title, as I just placed an order for the following pressbooks...


1966's Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N.

1979's The Black Hole

1980's Midnight Madness


I won't have the info for these titles till mid-July, as I work overseas and these are being shipped to my address in the states.


Scott

AlwaysOAR

I received the following pressbooks...


1955's Davy Crockett, King Of The Wild Frontier...Though no projection instructions are in it, throughout the pressbook it mentions... "DAVY CROCKETT, KING OF THE WILD FRONTIER," in color by Technicolor, is adapted from the original "Disneyland" TV shows and is released by Buena Vista on the wide screen.

Now, obviously the television episodes the feature is derived from would be at 1.37:1. If the actual feature was released widescreen, and I know the original movie posters stated widescreen as well, I'd like to see the next release of this film in it's original theatrical ratio, along with the television episodes in their original form. Though I have read somewhere that it was possible it wasn't released in widescreen, despite the advertising for it when it was released, not really sure.

Also, the live-action featurette, "Arizona Sheepdog" premiered with this release...


1956's Westward Ho The Wagons!...again no projection instructions for this title. It was advertised in Cinemascope however, so it would be at a 2.35:1 ratio more than likely, though possibly even at 2.55:1, as the ratio for Cinemascope I believe changed from 2.55 to 2.35 sometime at the end of 1955/ beginning of 1956, not really sure.

The live-action featurette, "Disneyland U.S.A" premiered with this as well...



Finally,


"Old Yeller" 1957 Premiere Release Information:

"Mr. Exhibitor...Please Note

For best projection results in the presentation of "Old Yeller"

Use Aspect Ratio 1.85 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for "Old Yeller" is 1.85:1, the Vault Disney release is undermatted at 1.75:1, as well as on the 2-Movie Collection with it's sequel, "Savage Sam")

Now, I recently discovered that scans of the pressbook are on the Vault Disney release of "Old Yeller", though not of all the pages, and the copy I got is the same as the scans. I'm guessing when they prepared the DVD release, they didn't notice that the pressbook they were scanning for the release stated a 1.85:1 ratio, and assumed it to be the more common Disney ratio of 1.75:1. Hopefully, this will be corrected on future releases.

I'll update the list shortly.


Scott

milo bloom

Both the non 16x9 Anchor Bay and the Disney 16x9 DVDs were presented pretty close to 2.35 scope.

Edit to add: A quick and dirty measurement of The Black Hole (Disney's 16x9 version) on my widescreen display shows it to be about 2.25352113x1 and my tv came from the factory with pretty much nil overscan.

AlwaysOAR

You're welcome I hope this info proves useful to some...


Scott

AlwaysOAR

Oh, I'm sure it was supposed to be at 2.35:1, but for the low price of the pressbook, I wanted to add it to my collection. Of course, I had assumed "Old Yeller" for sure would have been 1.75:1, so you never know...


Scott

AlwaysOAR

In addition to Old Yeller, I discovered recently that Pollyanna, The Parent Trap and The Love Bug all have scans of their pressbooks on their Vault Disney release (The Love Bug was a Vault Disney release in everything but name only). Like Old Yeller, they were out of focus as well, but I was able to make out what I wanted to find out from them...


"Pollyanna" 1960 Premiere Release Information:

"MR. EXHIBITOR PLEASE NOTE

Give your patrons the best possible picture on your theatre screen. For top projection results in the presentation of Walt Disney's "Pollyanna" do not exceed ASPECT RATIO 1.75 To 1, or you will lose top and bottom of the picture."


Though not all of the pages of the pressbook are shown, three different pages of this pressbook have this info. So, apparently, Pollyanna was filmed widescreen from the beginning. Also, the live-action featurette, "Mysteries of the Deep" was shown with this. And it is shown in it's correct theatrical ratio on this Vault Disney edition DVD.



"The Parent Trap" 1961 Premiere Release Information:

"MR. EXHIBITOR - AN IMPORTANT NOTE!

Give your patrons the best possible picture on your theatre screen. For top projection results in the presentation of Walt Disney's "The Parent Trap" you must use ASPECT RATIO 1.75 to 1

WARNING: If projected at a ratio less than 1.75 to 1, there will be a black border at top and/or bottom of screen!"


Though not all of the pages of the pressbook are shown, it states a runtime of 125 min, while the dvd releases have 129 min. The Donald Duck animated featurette "Donald and the Wheel" was premiered with this as well, not "Donald's Double Trouble"(which came out in 1946), which is on the Vault Disney DVD, and some reviews have it as having premiered with Parent Trap. Also, it's apparent that The Parent Trap was filmed widescreen from the beginning too.

Now, the packaging for The Parent Trap states a 1.78:1 original theatrical ratio, which of course is impossible as it was 30 some odd years later that the 1.78 widescreen tv ratio came into being. On it's re-release on DVD with it's TV Movie sequel, "Parent Trap II", the packaging states an apect ratio of 1.85:1.


For The Love Bug, there are no projection instructions, and I recently acquired the pressbook for it, which confirms no ratio information.

With the Love Bug pressbook, I received the following pressbook as well...


"Never Cry Wolf" 1983 Premiere Release Information:

"THE ASPECT RATIO FOR A SUPER IMAGE IS 1.75 TO 1"

Never Cry Wolf is overmatted on both its Anchor Bay and Disney DVDs at 1.85:1.


I'll update the list shortly...



Scott

Superdaddy

Thank you for this fascinating information. Keep it coming if you can!

Toddarino

Midnight Madness is my favorite movie of all time. I really wish it would get re-released but I'm not holding my breath.

Boba Fett

Big thanks to AlwaysOAR for what he's been doing.

Cheato

First, let me say thank you to AlwaysOAR for researching and supplying this info. It's great to have some kind of source to refer to.

However, I disagree with the tone of this thread that the ARs are "verified." What you're using as "verification" are pressbooks created by promoters, not by the directors or animators. How it was shown in the theater is not nearly as important as what was intended by the people who made the movie. OAR is good, but IAR is much better. Just because some studio decided to release something in an altered form (altered from the desires of the people who actually created it) does not mean that there is some validity to the "OAR."

As proof of my point, I offer this:
On the one hand, we have a thread that is basically saying that the pressbook instructions are the definition of the OAR. On the other hand, we have an example of a pressbook instruction being dismissed as "improper." The pressbook here says the "best screen image is 1.75:1" for Cinderella. Another one says the best that the best setting "For A Sparkling Image Is 1:75 To 1" on Fox and the Hound. One is clearly not best, so why should I trust that the other is? Basicaly, your primary source has proven itself to be flawed. This is poor science and can not be used as a conclusion for anything. It is simply information with which people can make their own judgments.

Meanwhile, I have a full screen Fox and the Hound with beautiful animation on top and bottom. Who's to say which one is the "proper" ratio? Certainly not some pressbook. The only one who could say authoritatively would be the person who designed the movie and directed the animation. That person had a vision of how the movie would be shown in the theater and how it would be shown on TV. Was he making a sacrifice of artistic vision to squeeze some scenes into the center so they would look OK on the widescreen, or was he possibly animating extra stuff on the sides to fill out the widescreen, or was he just animating extraneous stuff on top and bottom so that he could fill in those sections of the TV screen?

That's the question that needs to be answered.

Again, I really appreciate the information in this thread. I just wish the tone weren't so certain that "this is how it is supposed to be." OAR is good, but IAR is better.

I'll stick with the FS versions of Jungle Book, 101 Dalmatians, Fox and the Hound, and Robin Hood (and possibly others). I'm not talking about P&S crap, but fully animated scenes. I think they look better, and I think any fan of Disney animation would want to see the entire animated frame that the beloved animators worked so hard on. This is not the same as some live-action movie that has boom mikes hovering at the top or crewmembers standing off on the side that you're not supposed to see. I say again (as I have said in other threads about this issue), check the screenshots at UltimateDisney for examples of how things simply don't look as good in widescreen for Jungle Book and Robin Hood, at least.

AlwaysOAR

My purpose for this thread is to show in what ratio the Disney films were originally premiered, i.e. the theatrical ratio. These pressbooks verify how the films were originally premiered. The pressbooks were created and distributed by film producers in order to market the films. As far as intent, well that's subject to interpretation.

Disney re-released a number of films in the 70's and 80's in incorrect aspect ratios, different than in what ratio they originally premiered. The example of "Cinderella" is one of many. My only concern is with how a film was originally presented.



This is how the film was originally instructed to be premiered in theatres. There is nothing flawed with that.

What you're referring to is the animated ratio. Like live-action films filmed in academy ratio, then instructed to be matted in theatres at a certain ratio, the animated films were also animated at academy ratio to be matted later for the theatre after widescreen became the norm in the mid-50's. Keep in mind that these films were filmed for the theatre. While they may have had an eye toward future showings on television, these were theatrical films, instructed to be shown at a certain ratio.



Well, the title of this thread is "..Theatrical Aspect Ratios Verified", and the pressbooks show how these films were originally instructed to be presented in the theatre.

While I'm a fan of Disney animation as well, and agree that the full animated ratio should be presented along with the theatrical ratio on DVD, it should never be at the expense for the way it was originally shown.


Scott

AlwaysOAR

I just wanted to add that I'll be receiving the following pressbooks, though again I won't have that info out till mid-July when I get back to the states...

1961's Babes in Toyland

1964's The Misadventures of Merlin Jones

1966's The Ugly Dachshund


Scott

Cheato

And I disagree with that, which was my main point, which you just glossed over. (I'm not quoting everything you wrote because it will just make things harder to read.) A best guess of the intended ratio should be made, and the theatrical ratio should not be taken as having any real significance--particularly when the information on said ratio is taken from pressbooks.

How it was "originally shown," particularly for movies during the early 70s, was based on what some promoter/publicist put in your pressbooks. That person also seemed to think that the "best" way to watch Cinderella was in 1.75:1. Basically, the publicists seemed to be pushing that at that time.

But that doesn't mean that's what the directors/animators were actually designing and animating for. And THAT's the point. The "originally shown" ratio means absolutely nothing compared to what the intended ratio was. You don't know their intent, and I don't know their intent. The OAR is useful information, but even if it can be verified (one source is not enough), it should not be accepted as some kind of final word on how the movies are "supposed to be" shown, and there should be no claims of over- or under-matting of images on DVDs, other than to say that such matting does not match instructions found in pressbooks.

Using pressbooks, which also claim that the "best" ratio for Cinderella is not the actual ratio that Cinderella was intended to be shown in, and was shown in 20 years prior, is by definition a flawed way to determine what the intended ratio was for anything. There is no possible disagreement with that. This is a 2+2=4 issue, not opinion. The pressbooks says one thing is "best" and we know it isn't, and they claim another thing is "best," so we can't trust it.


The theatrical ratio does not matter any more than a theatrical cut, if the director's wishes were ignored. The theatrical cut of "Dune" has no significance other than as a piece of trivia, since it was taken away from David Lynch. "The Shield" (TV series) was intended to be shown full-screen. The Sony DVD releases of the seasons are in an opened-up widescreen. It doesn't matter that we're getting "more image" since it's not the image that was intended by the creators. "Kung Fu" Season 1 DVDs are in matted widescreen because some idiot thought they would sell better, and I'm sure at some point used a word like "best." And he probably wrote a pressbook entry about it.