Dimensions
4 x 3. 16:9. Stretch. Zoom 1. Zoom 2. I’ve even got one that says “fit screen.”
I have a 40” screen now. Why does nothing recorded on DVD fit the screen? Why does it waste two inches at the top and two inches at the bottom (or more sometimes)? Those are expensive inches.
In case you’re wondering, I just started “Gone Baby Gone.” So far so good, but back in the old days of only a 4 x 3 aspect ratio, I didn’t know what was outside the box. Now that I’ve got a bigger box, I want it filled.
6 comments:
That's 'cos your TV screen is still a different ratio from a movie screen. The movie screen is wider, but not as tall. You have black bars at the top and bottom of your picture because there's nothing there.
Many DVD's contain both widescreen and TV screen versions. Check the menu to see. Unless you're lazy like me, still have a 32" analog TV, and don't really give a shit.
Doc, you've taught me something new. I just finished the movie, not bad, but not as good as the book; and, I went to set up, no set up for a TV screen. In the future I'll look.
My CRT is now in the bedroom. At a point, you need to try the new stuff. Not necessary, but highly enjoyable.
It's like hair. Nobody is ever happy with the type they have. Nevertheless, you're a guy and this generality is more applicable with females.
Also, dr. Sardonicus is right. You are actually seeing all the image there is to see. Take it from one who studied film-making. A little higher up and you'd be seeing all the hanging microphones and other filming paraphernalia that would ruin your whole "in the movie" experience.
There are some movies that are put on DVD in a true 16:9 format, but it is rare. (Certain Disney movies do.) Typically widescreen movies are 1.85:1 or 2.35:1 and your widescreen television is 1.77:1. More than you wanted to know is at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anamorphic_widescreen
And as a cinephile, may I say that I consider it undesireable to have the movie fit the screen because that means that something on the screen that the filmmaker intended is getting cut off. Although it is interesting to note that Kubrik filmed his movies in 4:3 and then when they were projected, the top and bottom were intended to be cropped.
I tried to comment on this earlier and the office Internet went down.
I have decided, however, not to hold you personally responsible. Even if you do have a really big TV that I wish I had....
Hey Curmudgeon, prices are coming down even since I bought a couple of months ago. I held off for a few years and finally succumbed.
Baseball and golf in HD are amazing.
Finally, I didn't mean to throw that switch that shut down your internet. It's back on now. Sorry.
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