Like a number of other people on these forums, I'm more than a little unhappy with Film 4's decision to screen most 2.35:1 movies at a cropped 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Foreign language films *are* often framed at 2.35:1, but scrunched-up into the top half of the screen in a most off-putting manner. This policy really ought to be scrapped and the image restored to the centre of the screen where it belongs, even if it means subtitles 'intruding' on the frame (which is how they're usually reproduced on DVD, with *no* ill effects whatsoever!).
The problem is exacerbated in two ways: First, because the channel describes itself as being "passionate about film", a claim which is undermined by their decision to alter movies in this fashion, presumably for commercial reasons. Second, Film 4 refuses to provide an explanation for this change of policy, and has left viewers (new and old) completely in the dark. Some films *have* been shown at 2.35:1 - THE HITCHER and GO are recent examples - but these versions have been relegated to late night screenings (GO was repeated a couple of days later in an earlier slot, framed at 1.78:1). That's better than nothing, I suppose, but far from ideal. Given that most films are repeated several times during the course of each month, it would be nice if the channel alternated between 1.78:1 and 2.35:1 versions for those who want the choice. Better still, they could just go back to screening everything at the original aspect ratio at all times.
So, as a public service, I'm going to provide a weekly list of 2.35:1 films which are being screened on Film 4, along with the name of the widescreen process in which they were photographed. If they are shown at a compromised 1.78:1 (or even 1.33:1) aspect ratio, viewers can choose whether to support this policy by continuing to watch, or switch off and/or complain to Film 4.
The listing is for those who may not be aware of which films are being compromised in this fashion. I'll update the posting on a weekly basis, every Tuesday (ie. I'll revise *this* message, rather than make another posting further down the thread). The list will be updated on 10 October:
[3 - 13 October]
APT PUPIL (Super 35) BIRTHDAY GIRL (Super 35) BROTHERHOOD (Super 35) CONFIDENCE (Super 35) CRY FREEDOM (Super 35) DEATH DRUMS ALONG THE RIVER (Techniscope) FORREST GUMP (Panavision) OLDBOY (HD Widescreen) THE SONS OF KATIE ELDER (Panavision) THE STRAIGHT STORY (Panavision) SYMPATHY FOR LADY VENGEANCE (Super 35)
Just for the hell of it, and to prove Film 4 isn't the only broadcaster guilty of abusing movie history in this fashion, here's a list of widescreen movies showing on other channels this week and next. If they aren't framed appropriately, then view at your own discretion - and complain! In the age of 16:9 television, there's really no excuse for transmitting these films at anything other than the original aspect ratio.
I've only included channels available on Freeview (including the BBC, ITV and Channels 4 and 5), because - as I understand it - Sky tends to screen home video versions of individual films, most of which retain the theatrical aspect ratio.
[3 - 13 October]
ABOUT A BOY (Super 35) AMERICAN PIE: THE WEDDING (Super 35)
HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE (Panavision) HOUSE OF BAMBOO (CinemaScope)
A KNIGHT'S TALE (Super 35)
LAMHE (Anamorphic)* LOVE IS A MANY-SPLENDORED THING (CinemaScope)
MAN OF THE WEST (CinemaScope) THE MAVERICK QUEEN (Naturama) MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE II (Panavision)
PATRIOT GAMES (Panavision) PILLARS OF THE SKY (CinemaScope) POLICE STORY PART II (Anamorphic)
QUIGLEY DOWN UNDER (Panavision)
THE SCORPION KING (Super 35) SCREAM (Clairmont Scope) SINK THE BISMARCK! (CinemaScope) SOMMERSBY (Panavision)
TEXAS RANGERS (Panavision) TWISTER (Panavision)
VIRUS (Super 35)
THE WAY WE WERE (Panavision)
THE YARDS (Panavision)
* Bollywood blockbusters LAMHE and DHOOM are scheduled for transmission on Channel 4, and I'm assuming they were both photographed with (uncredited) anamorphic lenses, the standard for such movies. However, I haven't been able to confirm it, so their appearance on this list is merely tentative.
** The aspect ratio of 'Metroscope' movies varies from one film to another, though they were designed for exhibition at anything from 1.66:1 to 2.00:1. As such, if DUNKIRK is screened at 1.78:1, it probably won't affect the film's compositional integrity to any significant degree.
For reasons unknown to me just yet, I'm currently prevented from editing my earlier posts.
So I'm forced to make a follow-up posting, just to add THE HARD WAY (Panavision) to the list of films being broadcast on other channels this week (in this case, ITV3).
From what I understand, editing messages on this forum is not an option, so updates and corrections will have to be made in subsequent postings. A bit of an inconvenience, but not catastrophic.
I just realised I should have included TCM for those with access to it on Freeview. Here's a list of affected films, scheduled for broadcast on TCM between 6 - 13 October. Needless to say, next week's listings will incorporate this channel alongside all the others.
NB. All films were projected theatrically at 2.35:1 or 2.39:1 (post-1971), unless otherwise indicated.
THE 25th HOUR (Franscope)
ALFRED THE GREAT (Panavision) ALL THE FINE YOUNG CANNIBALS (Panavision)
BACHELOR IN PARADISE (Panavision) THE BARRETTS OF WIMPOLE STREET (CinemaScope) BELLS ARE RINGING (Panavision) THE BIGGEST BUNDLE OF THEM ALL (Panavision) BILLY ROSE'S JUMBO (Panavision) BOYS' NIGHT OUT (CinemaScope) BRASS TARGET (Panavision)
DELIVERANCE (Panavision) DESIGNING WOMAN (CinemaScope) DOCTOR ZHIVAGO (Panavision)
THE GAUNTLET (Panavision) THE GETAWAY (Todd-AO 35)
HIGH SOCIETY (VistaVision) [1.85:1]*
LADY L (Panavision) THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA (CinemaScope) LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]
NEVER SO FEW (Panavision)
OPERATION CROSSBOW (Panavision)
PALE RIDER (Panavision) PLEASE DON'T EAT THE DAISIES (Panavision) THE PRIZE (Panavision)
QUENTIN DURWARD (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]
SWORDSMAN OF SIENA (CinemaScope)
TRIBUTE TO A BAD MAN (CinemaScope) [2.55:1] THE TROUBLE WITH GIRLS (Panavision)
THE VIPs (Panavision)
WHERE THE SPIES ARE (Panavision)
THE YELLOW ROLLS ROYCE (Panavision)
ZIGZAG (Panavision)
* Most VistaVision movies were composed for 1.85:1 exhibition, though 'protected' for any ratio between 1.66:1 and 2.00:1. As such, if HIGH SOCIETY is screened at 1.78:1, it won't affect the film's compositional integrity to any significant degree.
A final aside: Someone may pick me up on this, so I thought I'd mention it, just in case. A number of films on this list were heavily promoted as 'CinemaScope' movies in their day, and some even open with a CinemaScope logo, but they all feature the credit: "Lenses by Panavision", which means they were shot in Panavision and promoted as CinemaScope for publicity purposes.
Originally posted by PrivateOfcourse: So how does this help anyone? It would be much easier to see the ratio next to the film for a quick glance confirmation.
Yes, it probably would. But broadcasters don't provide such information, and instead rely on people's ignorance to 'get away' with cropping films from one aspect ratio to another. However, should viewers (those who care, anyway) know in advance which films are being compromised...
Quick follow-up: If there's some question as to why I've included screen formats rather than aspect ratio (which *does* seem to be what you were getting at, now that I think about it), that's because most of the films in question are the same shape. I'd rather indicate the screen process than simply repeat '2.35:1' over and over again.
In my fourth posting, I *did* provide the following brief message: "All films were projected theatrically at 2.35:1 or 2.39:1 (post-1971), unless otherwise indicated." This really ought to have been included in my first posting, and I would have gone back and added it, had the editing function been allowed.
Yes, that _was_ what I was getting at. And I did miss that part in the fourth posting.
It would seem then, that most films being broadcast aren't in original aspect ratio...which means loss of original image :-/ If all services are doing this I can't see that it is likely to change...even if it is an almost criminal practise.
However, one point which I would disagree with on is the Korean film 'scrunching'. As I wasn't aware of the OAR of these films I posted in the General Film forum as I was concerned that the film's aspect ratio had been changed to fit in the deep subtitle bar in at the bottom of the screen. The bar itself doesn't bother me at all, it was just that I was concerned that I might not be seeing what I was meant to see. But someone kindly explained that the OAR for these films is usually 2.35:1, which means that there would be bars at the top and bottom. So the larger black bar at the bottom carrying the subtitles was simply the sum of the two top and bottom bars, and the image was moved up. Now for me I am not at all concerned that the image isn't centred, unlike yourself, because I think, in this respect, it makes it far easier to read whilst watching...well it is on my 16:9 TV set. However, if it compromised the original aspect ratio and meant cropping the image then it would bother me.
So I would have to say, that apart from subtitled films, I agree with where you are coming from.
I understand that some people may be OK with the idea of 2.35:1 movies framed along the top of the screen, to accommodate subtitles. I'm also viewing on a 16:9 screen, and my reaction to this was entirely personal: Most DVD's strip the image across the centre of the screen, which means part of the subtitles (where two lines are present, rather than one) often 'intrude' into the image. For me, this is not a problem, because the subtitles are almost always clear and legible, and make no impact on the visual aesthetic at all. Which means it isn't necessary to 'off-centre' the entire frame for TV broadcast. Like I say, this is an entirely personal thing, based on what I'm 'used' to seeing on DVD, though I recognize that people will have their own viewpoint, no less valid than my own. What matters is that the films in question are being screened at the OAR. Pity the same can't be said for the vast majority of the films on these lists...
Good to see we've reached some degree of consensus on this issue.
If all services are doing this I can't see that it is likely to change...even if it is an almost criminal practise.
You would have thought the introduction of 16:9 TV's would have changed things, especially now that such sets are commonplace throughout the UK and Europe. But aside from a handful of titles on an annual basis, broadcasters seem hellbent on cramming everything into a 1.78:1 standard, regardless of how the original film was originally shot. This, despite the popularity of major films released on DVD at 2.35:1 only, all of which sell by the bucketload.
My efforts may amount to a mere drop in the ocean, but I'd like to believe that if people who own 16:9 TV sets were made aware of which films were being broadcast in a compromised fashion, then perhaps more of them would either switch off or complain about such practices. Wishful thinking? Maybe so. But I'm going to make the effort nonetheless. As the old saying goes: From simple acorns, oak trees grow...
Next week's widescreen movies, scheduled for broadcast on Film 4 and other Freeview channels. Once again, if they aren't screened at the appropriate aspect ratio, view at your own discretion - and complain!
By the way, I should point out that these listings include films which are scheduled to be broadcast nationally. In some cases, however, regional variations will apply. A small number of titles may not be screened in some areas, and regional broadcasters may transmit movies not included in this list.
As before, all films were projected theatrically at 2.35:1 or 2.39:1 (post-1971), unless otherwise indicated.
Film 4 [14 - 20 October]
BROTHERHOOD (Super 35)
CRY FREEDOM (Super 35)
DEATH DRUMS ALONG THE RIVER (Techniscope)
DR. T AND THE WOMEN (Super 35)
KING KONG [1976] (Panavision)
LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (Super Panavision 70) [2.21:1]
SHORT CUTS (Super 35) SYMPATHY FOR LADY VENGEANCE (Super 35)
THE WEDDING PLANNER (Panavision)
Freeview [14 - 20 October]
10 (Panavision) THE 51st STATE (Super 35)
ACTION OF THE TIGER (CinemaScope) ANNA KARENINA (Panavision)
THE LAST RUN (Panavision) THE LAST SAMURAI (Panavision) LES GIRLS (CinemaScope) LOGAN'S RUN (Todd-AO 35) LUST FOR LIFE (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]
MADE IN PARIS (Panavision) McQ (Panavision) MEET ME IN LAS VEGAS (CinemaScope) [2.55:1] MRS. BROWN, YOU'VE GOT A LOVELY DAUGHTER (Panavision) MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY [1962] (Ultra Panavision 70) [2.76:1]
NONE BUT THE BRAVE (Panavision)
THE OMEN [1976] (Panavision)
OPERATION CROSSBOW (Panavision) THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES (Panavision)
A PATCH OF BLUE (Panavision) PAT GARRETT & BILLY THE KID (Panavision) POINT BLANK (Panavision)
THE SATAN BUG (Panavision) SCARFACE (Panavision) THE SHOES OF THE FISHERMAN (Panavision) SILK STOCKINGS (CinemaScope) STAY AWAY JOE (Panavision) SUDDEN IMPACT (Panavision) S.W.A.T. (Super 35)
TARZAN AND THE LOST CITY (Super 35)
UNFORGIVEN (Panavision)
THE VIKINGS (Technirama) VIVA LAS VEGAS! (Panavision)
THE WILD BUNCH (Panavision) WILD RIVER (CinemaScope) THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK (Panavision) THE WRECK OF THE MARY DEARE (Panavision)
THE YEAR OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY (Panavision)
* I haven't been able to confirm whether DARR was actually photographed in widescreen (the standard for such Bollywood spectaculars), so its appearance on this week's list is merely tentative.
** It's hardly the broadcaster's fault they won't be able to transmit KISS ME KATE in its original 3-D format, though I'll always include such things here, so viewers will know they aren't seeing the 'real thing', as it were.
Laboratory Film Center, Mumbai, India Film negative format (mm/video inches) 35 mm Cinematographic process CinemaScope Printed film format 35 mm Aspect ratio 2.35 : 1
Unfortunately, the IMDb is notoriously unreliable as far as technical specs are concerned. I'm willing to bet good money that DARR was photographed in widescreen, but the fact that IMDb lists the photographic process as 'CinemaScope' is good enough reason to doubt the listing until I can see the film itself: Only a tiny handful of films have actually been shot with bona fide CinemaScope lenses since 1967, because they're licensed by 20th Century Fox, though that doesn't stop publicists and movie critics using 'CinemaScope' in a generic sense whenever a film is shot wider than 1.85:1. At best, DARR will have been shot with uncredited anamorphic lenses, but I'd rather not take IMDb's word for it.
However, IMDb has been getting better lately (they now seem to know the difference between an anamorphic film and one shot in Super 35, for instance), but where there's doubt, I prefer to trust my own judgement. Hope that clarifies!
Another week of compromise and frustration on the OAR front. On the positive side, DUNKIRK was screened on BBC 2 for the first time at 1.78:1, approximating the film's theatrical dimensions (previously, it's always been shown at 1.33:1). And Film 4 broadcast THE STRAIGHT STORY at 2.35:1, a huge turnaround from its terrestrial premiere on Channel 4, where it was transmitted at 1.33:1, cropped to a shadow of its former self.
Unfortunately, as noted elsewhere on these boards, THE STRAIGHT STORY was immediately followed by FORREST GUMP, cropped to 1.78:1. This, despite the fact the same version had played (in the same time-slot) only a few days earlier.
As suspected, DHOOM was filmed in widescreen with uncredited anamorphic lenses, but screened on Channel 4 at a compromised 2.00:1. However, this was subject to a slight squeeze which was quite noticeable on my 16:9 set. The same thing happened to DEATH DRUMS ALONG THE RIVER, broadcast at (yawn!) a cropped 1.78:1, subject to another noticeable squeeze, with mild cropping at either side. However, this was better than its recent appearance on Channel 4, where viewers were treated to the entire 2.35:1 image squeezed into the 1.78:1 screen area, with no cropping, subjecting characters and scenery to a severe case of anorexia!! Viewers with 16:9 sets could have switched to the analog broadcast, where the same squeezed image could be stretched out in 16:9 mode (like a properly encoded DVD), leaving a very nice replication of the full 2.35:1 image, letterboxed across the centre of the screen. No such luck with Film 4's recent broadcast, however, which was also taken from a print whose Technicolor brightness has faded quite badly.
OLDBOY and BROTHERHOOD - amongst other foreign language films - were letterboxed across the top of the screen, where appropriate. Some people are OK with this, and I respect their viewpoint, but I'm afraid I hate it. It's off-putting and unnecessary, and I'm beginning to really dislike watching movies like this.
Back to the main bone of contention: I would urge Film 4 to reconsider their current policy on the cropping of widescreen films. If you want to show 1.78:1 versions for commercial reasons, would it not be possible to alternate between 1.78 and 2.35 editions? If not, why not?
Most films are shown many times during the course of each month, and while I'd rather all films were shown OAR at all times, I'd be happy enough if each broadcast alternated between the two formats, so the public could decide which version they'd like to see. Mind, when I say 'alternate', I don't mean screening a film seven times a month at 1.78 and once or twice at 2.35, relegated to a time-slot at the back end of midnight!!
Next week's widescreen movies, scheduled for broadcast on Film 4, Freeview and Sky (I've included the latter for the first time because the information was at hand, and because not all relevant films may be screened on various Sky channels in the correct screen shape). Once again, if they aren't screened at the appropriate aspect ratio, check out the DVD instead...
Where no widescreen process is listed, it means I haven't been able to determine which format was used on that particular film. All movies were projected theatrically at 2.35:1 or 2.39:1 (post-1971), unless otherwise indicated.
Film 4 [21 - 27 October]
DR. T AND THE WOMEN (Super 35)
THE HITCHER (Panavision)
JEAN DE FLORETTE (Technovision)
SHORT CUTS (Super 35)
Freeview [21 - 27 October]
36 HOURS (Panavision)
ADA (Panavision) ANASTASIA (CinemaScope) ANGER MANAGEMENT (Panavision) ANTWONE FISHER (Panavision)
BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK (CinemaScope) [2.55:1] BATTLE OF MIDWAY [Midway] (Panavision) BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS (Panavision) BIRD ON A WIRE (Super 35) BRAINSTORM (Super Panavision 70 sequences) [1.66:1 and 2.20:1] BREAKING THE WAVES (Super 35)
THE CABLE GUY (Super 35) CIMARRON (Panavision) THE COMEDIANS (Panavision)
DAMIEN: OMEN II (Panavision) DEEP IMPACT (Super 35) DRIVEN (Super 35) D-TOX [Eye See You] (Panavision)
THE FOG [1979] (Panavision) FORBIDDEN PLANET (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]
GHOSTBUSTERS II (Panavision) THE GREEN SLIME [Gamma Sango Uchu Daisakusen] (Toeiscope) GREYSTOKE: THE LEGEND OF TARZAN LORD OF THE APES (Super Techniscope) THE GUNS OF NAVARONE (CinemaScope)
HOPE SPRINGS (Super 35) HUM TUM (Anamorphic) THE HUNGER (Panavision)
KISMET (CinemaScope) KLUTE (Panavision) KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE (CinemaScope) [2.55:1] KULL THE CONQUEROR (Super 35)
THE LADY VANISHES [1979] (Panavision) LAST OF THE DOGMEN (Panavision) THE LAST RUN (Panavision) THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN (Panavision) THE LIQUIDATOR (Panavision)
NO ESCAPE (Arriscope) NORTH BY NORTHWEST (VistaVision) [1.85:1]
ONCE A THIEF (Panavision) OPERATION CROSSBOW (Panavision) THE OPPOSITE SEX (CinemaScope)
PASSENGER 57 (J-D-C Scope) THE PRIZE (Panavision)
REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (CinemaScope) [2.55:1] THE ROBE (CinemaScope) [2.55:1] ROSE MARIE (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]
THE SEARCHERS (VistaVision) [1.85:1] SKYJACKED (Panavision) STUCK ON YOU (Panavision)
THE TEAHOUSE OF THE AUGUST MOON (CinemaScope) [2.55:1] THAT TOUCH OF MINK (Panavision) THUNDERBALL (Panavision) THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO! (Techniscope) THUNDERBIRD 6 (Techniscope)
VAMPIRES (Panavision) VICTOR VICTORIA (Panavision)
THE WALKING STICK (Panavision) WELCOME TO COLLINWOOD (Super 35)
ZIGZAG (Panavision)
Sky [21 - 27 October]
20000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA [1954] (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]
THE ABYSS (Super 35) THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST (Panavision) THE ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO (Panavision) THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT (Arriscope) AFTER THE SUNSET (Super 35) AGAINST THE ROPES (Super 35) AIR FORCE ONE (Super 35) THE ALAMO [2004] (Panavision) ALEXANDER (Super 35) ALONG CAME A SPIDER (Panavision) THE AMITYVILLE HORROR [2005] (Super 35) ANACONDAS: THE HUNT FOR THE BLOOD ORCHID (Super 35) ANNIE (Panavision) ANZIO (Panavision) AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS [2004] (Super 35) THE AVIATOR (Super 35) AVP: ALIEN VS. PREDATOR (Super 35)
THE BANGER SISTERS (Panavision) BATMAN BEGINS (Panavision) BEAUTY SHOP (Panavision) BEFORE THE RAIN [Pred Dozdot] (Technovision) THE BLACK CAULDRON (Technirama) BON VOYAGE (Panavision) BREAKDOWN (Super 35) BRIDE & PREJUDICE BULLETPROOF (Super 35)
CAPOTE (Super 35) CASANOVA (Super 35) CASINO (Super 35) THE CAVE (Super 35/HD Widescreen) CELLULAR (Super 35) THE CHAMBER (Panavision) CLUB DREAD (Super 35) COACH CARTER (Super 35) COLD MOUNTAIN (Super 35) COLLATERAL (HD Scope/DV Widescreen/Super 35) CON AIR (Panavision) CRASH (Super 35) CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON (Universal 3-D) [1.66:1]
DANTE'S PEAK (Super 35) DARKNESS (Super 35) DARK WATER (Panavision) DARR (Anamorphic) THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW (Super 35) DERAILED (Super 35) THE DESCENT (Super 35) DIE HARD 2 (Panavision) DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE (Super 35) DOMINION: PREQUEL TO THE EXORCIST (Univisium) [2.00:1] DON'T COME KNOCKING (Hawk Scope) THE DOOR IN THE FLOOR (Super 35)
ELEKTRA (Panavision) ENDURING LOVE (Super 35) ERASER (Panavision) ESCAPE FROM L.A. (Panavision) EVENT HORIZON (Panavision) EXORCIST: THE BEGINNING (Univisium) [2.00:1]
FAILURE TO LAUNCH (Super 35) FANTASTIC FOUR (Super 35) FANTASTIC VOYAGE (CinemaScope) FIREWALL (Super 35) FLATLINERS (Panavision) FLESH + BLOOD (Technovision) FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX [2004] (Panavision) THE FLY [1958] (CinemaScope) FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (Super 35)
GALAXY QUEST (Panavision) GATTACA (Super 35) GET OVER IT (Super 35) THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD (Ultra Panavision 70) [2.76:1] GREEN STREET (Super 35)
HARD EIGHT [Sydney] (Super 35) HARD RAIN (Super 35) HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN (Super 35) HELLO, DOLLY! (Todd-AO) [2.21:1] HIDALGO (Panavision) HIDE AND SEEK (Super 35) THE HIGH AND THE MIGHTY (CinemaScope) [2.55:1] THE HILLS HAVE EYES [2006] (Super 35) HITCH (Super 35) THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY (Super 35) HOPSCOTCH (Panavision) HOSTEL (Super 35) HOTEL RWANDA (Super 35)
THE I INSIDE (Super 35) INITIAL D THE INTERPRETER (J-D-C Scope) INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (Superscope) [2.00:1] I, ROBOT (Super 35) THE ISLAND (Panavision)
THE JACKET (Super 35) JARHEAD (Super 35) JERSEY GIRL (Panavision)
KICKING & SCREAMING (Super 35) KILL BILL VOL. 2 (Super 35) KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (Super 35) KING KONG [2005] (Super 35) KING KONG VS. GODZILLA [Kingu Kongu Tai Gojira] (Tohoscope) KING OF KINGS (Super Technirama 70) [2.21:1]
LAST HOLIDAY (Super 35) THE LAST VALLEY (Todd-AO) [2.21:1] LAYER CAKE (J-D-C Scope) THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN (Panavision) THE LEGEND OF THE 7 GOLDEN VAMPIRES (Panavision) THE LONGEST YARD (Panavision)
THE MACHINIST [El Maquinista] (Super 35) MAD MAX (Todd-AO 35) MAN ON FIRE (Super 35) THE MATADOR (Super 35) MATILDA (Super 35) MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA (Panavision) THE MERCHANT OF VENICE (Super 35) MICKYBO AND ME MILLION DOLLAR BABY (Panavision) MONSTER-IN-LAW (Super 35) MOVE OVER, DARLING (CinemaScope) MR. & MRS. SMITH (Super 35) MUNICH (Super 35)
NANNY McPHEE (Super 35) NATIONAL TREASURE (Super 35) NINE MONTHS (Panavision) NORTH COUNTRY (Super 35) THE NOTEBOOK (J-D-C Scope)
OH! WHAT A LOVELY WAR (Panavision)
THE PACIFIER (Panavision) PAPARAZZI (Super 35) THE PARTY (Panavision) THE PHANTOM (Panavision) THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA [2004] (Panavision) THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Panavision) THE POLAR EXPRESS (Digital Widescreen/Imax Digital 3-D) PRACTICAL MAGIC (Super 35) THE PRESIDIO (Panavision) THE PROPOSITION (Super 35)
RENT (Super 35) RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE (Super 35) THE RINGER (Super 35) ROMANCE AND CIGARETTES (Panavision)
SAHARA (Super 35) THE SAINT (Panavision) SAVING GRACE (Super 35) THE SECOND JUNGLE BOOK: MOWGLI & BALOO (Technovision) SEVEN SWORDS (Super 35) THE SHAGGY DOG [2006] (Super 35) SHOOTING DOGS (Super 35) THE SKELETON KEY (Panavision) THE SNOW WALKER (Super 35) SPIDER-MAN 2 (Super 35) THE SPY WHO LOVED ME (Panavision) STARSKY & HUTCH (Panavision) STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER (Panavision) STAR TREK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME (Panavision) STAR WARS EPISODE V: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (Panavision) STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE (Panavision) STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE (Hawk Scope) STAR WARS EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH (HD Widescreen) STAR WARS EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES (HD Widescreen) STAY TUNED (Panavision) STEALTH (Panavision) STUCK ON YOU (Panavision) SYRIANA (Super 35)
TAXI [2004] (Super 35) TEAM AMERICA: WORLD POLICE (Super 35) THE THIRTEENTH FLOOR (Super 35) THE TOWERING INFERNO (Panavision) TRISTRAM SHANDY: A COCK AND BULL STORY (HD Widescreen) TROY (Super 35) TSOTSI (Super 35) TWO FOR THE MONEY (Super 35)
UNLEASHED [Danny the Dog] (Super 35)
THE VIKINGS (Technirama) VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED [1995] (Panavision)
WALKING TALL (Super 35) WESTWORLD (Panavision) WHITE NOISE (Super 35) WIMBLEDON (Super 35) WIN A DATE WITH TAD HAMILTON! (Super 35) THE WORLD'S FASTEST INDIAN (Super 35)
xXx: THE NEXT LEVEL [xXx: State of the Union] (Super 35)
YOUNG GUNS II (Panavision) YOURS, MINE & OURS (Super 35)
Next week's widescreen movies, scheduled for broadcast on Film 4, Freeview and Sky. Once again, if they aren't screened at the appropriate aspect ratio, check out the DVD instead. After all, if the director and cinematographer had wanted their films to be shown at 1.78:1, they would have framed and composed for 1.85:1 (much easier to reframe at the narrower ratio)...
From now on, I'll be relegating TCM's movies to the Sky section. These films are freely available to Sky subscribers, whereas Freeview customers must pay a monthly subscription if they want to view that particular channel via the Top-Up service.
Where no widescreen process is listed, it means I haven't been able to determine which format was used on that particular film. All movies were projected theatrically at 2.35:1 or 2.39:1 (post-1971), unless otherwise indicated.
Film 4 [ 28 October - 3 November]
DEEP RED [Profondo Rosso] (Techniscope)
THE FOOTBALL FACTORY (HD Widescreen)
THE HITCHER (Panavision)
THE IRON PETTICOAT (VistaVision) [1.85:1]
MANON DES SOURCES: JEAN DE FLORETTE 2ème PARTIE (Technovision)
THE NEWTON BOYS (Panavision)
PITCH BLACK (Super 35)
Freeview [28 October - 3 November]
THE 6th DAY (Super 35)
ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND (Todd-AO 35) ALIEN RESURRECTION (Super 35)
DARKNESS FALLS (Super 35) DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER (Panavision) DIL TO PAGAL HAI (Kowa Scope) DRACULA [1979] (Panavision) DRACULA: PRINCE OF DARKNESS (Techniscope)
END OF DAYS (Super 35)
THE HALLELUJAH TRAIL (Ultra Panavision 70) [2.76:1] HALLOWEEN (Panavision) HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION (Super 35) THE HAWAIIANS (Panavision)
36 HOURS (Panavision) THE 400 BLOWS [Les Quatre Cents Coups] (Dyaliscope)
THE ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO (Panavision) AFTER THE SUNSET (Super 35) AIR FORCE ONE (Super 35) AIRPORT 1975 (Panavision) THE ALAMO [2004] (Panavision) ALEXANDER (Super 35) ALFRED THE GREAT (Panavision) THE AMITYVILLE HORROR [2005] (Super 35) ANACONDAS: THE HUNT FOR THE BLOOD ORCHID (Super 35) ANASTASIA [1997] (CinemaScope) AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS (Todd-AO) [2.21:1] ARTISTS AND MODELS (VistaVision) [1.85:1] ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 [2005] (Super 35) THE AVIATOR (Super 35) AVP: ALIEN VS. PREDATOR (Super 35)
BAD COMPANY [1994] (Panavision) BALLISTIC: ECKS VS. SEVER (Super 35) THE BARBARIAN AND THE GEISHA (CinemaScope) BATMAN BEGINS (Panavision) BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES (Panavision) BEN-HUR (MGM Camera 65) [2.76:1] BEYOND THE SEA (Super 35) BHOWANI JUNCTION (CinemaScope) THE BIGGEST BUNDLE OF THEM ALL (Panavision) BLADE: TRINITY (Super 35) BON VOYAGE (Panavision) THE BOURNE IDENTITY (Super 35) BRIDE & PREJUDICE BRIGADOON (CinemaScope) [2.55:1] BULLETPROOF (Super 35)
CAPOTE (Super 35) CAPTAIN NEMO AND THE UNDERWATER CITY (Panavision) THE CAVE (Super 35 / HD Widescreen) CELLULAR (Super 35) THE CHAMBER (Panavision) CHASING LIBERTY (Super 35) THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Super 35) CIMARRON (Panavision) CLUB DREAD (Super 35) COACH CARTER (Super 35) COLD MOUNTAIN (Super 35) COLLATERAL (HD Scope / DV Widescreen / Super 35) CON AIR (Panavision) CONAN THE BARBARIAN (Todd-AO 35) CONSTANTINE (Super 35) COOL HAND LUKE (Panavision) CRASH (Super 35) CREEP (Super 35) CURSED (Hawk Scope)
DANTE'S PEAK (Super 35) DARK WATER (Panavision) THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW (Super 35) DAYS OF THUNDER (Panavision) DERAILED (Super 35) THE DESCENT (Super 35) THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE (Panavision) DIE ANOTHER DAY (Panavision) DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE (Panavision) DIRTY HARRY (Panavision) DODGEBALL: A TRUE UNDERDOG STORY (Super 35) DOMINION: PREQUEL TO THE EXORCIST (Univisium) [2.00:1] DON'T COME KNOCKING (Hawk Scope) DRACULA 2000 (Super 35) DR. WHO AND THE DALEKS (Techniscope) THE DUKES OF HAZZARD (Super 35)
FAILURE TO LAUNCH (Super 35) FANTASTIC FOUR (Super 35) A FAREWELL TO ARMS (CinemaScope) A FAR OFF PLACE (Panavision) THE FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS [Dance of the Vampires] (Panavision) FINDING NEVERLAND (Super 35) FIREWALL (Super 35) FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX [2004] (Panavision) THE FLY [1958] (CinemaScope) THE FOG [1979] (Panavision) FORBIDDEN PLANET (CinemaScope) [2.55:1] FREEDOMLAND (Super 35) FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (Super 35)
GARDEN STATE (Super 35) GATTACA (Super 35) THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD (Ultra Panavision 70) [2.76:1] THE GUNS OF NAVARONE (CinemaScope)
THE HAUNTED MANSION (Super 35) THE HAUNTING [1963] (Panavision) HIDALGO (Panavision) HIDE AND SEEK (Super 35) THE HILLS HAVE EYES [2006] (Super 35) HITCH (Super 35) THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY (Super 35) HOMBRE (Panavision) A HOME AT THE END OF THE WORLD (Super 35) HOSTAGE (Super 35) HOSTEL (Super 35) HUM TUM (Kowa Scope)
I HEART HUCKABEES (Panavision) THE I INSIDE (Super 35) INSIDE I'M DANCING INSIDE MAN (Super 35) THE INTERPRETER (J-D-C Scope) I, ROBOT (Super 35) THE ISLAND (Panavision) THE ITALIAN JOB [2003] (Super 35) IT HAPPENED AT THE WORLD'S FAIR (Panavision)
THE JACKET (Super 35) JARHEAD (Super 35) JERSEY GIRL (Panavision) THE JEWEL OF THE NILE (J-D-C Scope)
KICKING & SCREAMING (Super 35) KILL BILL VOL. 2 (Super 35) KING ARTHUR (Super 35) KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (Super 35) KING KONG [2005] (Super 35)
LAND OF THE DEAD (Super 35) LAST HOLIDAY (Super 35) THE LAST RUN (Panavision) LAYER CAKE (J-D-C Scope) THE LEGEND OF THE 7 GOLDEN VAMPIRES (Panavision) LETHAL WEAPON 4 (Panavision) THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZISSOU (Panavision) THE LONGEST YARD (Panavision)
MAN ON FIRE (Super 35) MASTERMINDS (Super 35) THE MATADOR (Super 35) MATILDA (Super 35) MAXIMUM RISK (Super 35) MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA (Panavision) THE MERCHANT OF VENICE (Super 35) METEOR (Panavision) THE MEXICAN (Super 35) MILLION DOLLAR BABY (Panavision) MISS CONGENIALITY 2: ARMED & FABULOUS (Super 35) MONSTER-IN-LAW (Super 35) MOVE OVER, DARLING (CinemaScope) MR. & MRS. SMITH (Super 35) MUNICH (Super 35)
NANNY McPHEE (Super 35) NATIONAL TREASURE (Super 35) NEVER DIE ALONE (Super 16) NINE MONTHS (Panavision) NORMA RAE (Panavision) NORTHFORK (Panavision) THE NOTEBOOK (J-D-C Scope)
OCEANS' TWELVE (Super 35) OCTOBER SKY (Panavision) ONE TWO THREE (Panavision) ORDINARY DECENT CRIMINAL (Super 35) OUR MAN IN HAVANA (CinemaScope)
THE PACIFIER (Panavision) PALE RIDER (Panavision) PAPARAZZI (Super 35) PAT GARRETT & BILLY THE KID (Panavision) PAYCHECK (Panavision) A PERFECT WORLD (Panavision) THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA [2004] (Panavision) THE POLAR EXPRESS (Digital Widescreen / Imax Digital 3-D) POLTERGEIST (J-D-C Scope) THE POWER (Panavision) PRACTICAL MAGIC (Super 35) PRETTY PERSUASION (Panavision) PRIDE & PREJUDICE (Super 35) THE PROFESSIONALS (Panavision) THE PROPOSITION (Super 35) THE PUNISHER (Super 35)
RAINTREE COUNTY (MGM Camera 65) [2.76:1] RENT (Super 35) RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE (Super 35) RETURN OF THE FLY (CinemaScope) THE RINGER (Super 35) ROMANCE AND CIGARETTES (Panavision) ROMANCING THE STONE (Panavision)
SAHARA (Super 35) SAVING GRACE (Super 35) SAVIOR (Super 35) SCRATCH [Bagland] SCREAM (Clairmont Scope) SEVEN HILLS OF ROME (Technirama) THE SHAGGY DOG [2006] (Super 35) SILENT HILL (Super 35) SINK THE BISMARCK! (CinemaScope) THE SKELETON KEY (Panavision) SMILLA'S SENSE OF SNOW [Fraülein Smillas Gespür für Schnee] (Panavision) THE SNOW WALKER (Super 35) SOYLENT GREEN (Panavision) SPEED (Panavision) SPIDER-MAN 2 (Super 35) STARGATE (Panavision) STARSKY & HUTCH (Panavision) STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN (Panavision) STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE (Panavision) STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE (Hawk Scope) STAR WARS EPISODE VI: RETURN OF THE JEDI (J-D-C Scope) STAR WARS EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES (HD Widescreen) STEALTH (Panavision) SUPERMAN III (Panavision) SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON (Panavision) SYRIANA (Super 35)
TAXI [2004] (Super 35) TEAM AMERICA: WORLD POLICE (Super 35) THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN (CinemaScope) [2.55:1] THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO! (Techniscope) THUNDERBIRD 6 (Techniscope) TICK, TICK, TICK... (Panavision) TRAVELS WITH MY AUNT (Panavision) TRISTRAM SHANDY: A COCK AND BULL STORY (HD Widescreen) TRON (Super Panavision 70) [2.20:1] THE TROUBLE WITH GIRLS (Panavision) TSOTSI (Super 35) TWO FOR THE MONEY (Super 35)
THE UNFORGIVEN [1960] (Panavision) UNLEASHED [Danny the Dog] (Super 35) THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN (Panavision)
V FOR VENDETTA (Super 35) VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED [1995] (Panavision) VIRTUOSITY (Super 35)
WARLOCK [1959] (CinemaScope) WEDDING CRASHERS (Super 35) WE DON'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE (Super 35) WESTWORLD (Panavision) WHO IS CLETIS TOUT? (Super 35) WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S ROMEO & JULIET (Panavision) WIMBLEDON (Super 35) WIN A DATE WITH TAD HAMILTON! (Super 35) THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF THE BROTHERS GRIMM (Cinerama) [2.59:1] THE WORLD'S FASTEST INDIAN (Super 35)
YEAR OF THE DRAGON (J-D-C Scope) THE YELLOW ROLLS ROYCE (Panavision) YOURS, MINE & OURS (Super 35)
