I watch Film4 mainly on satellite (refuse to use the word Sky and I must refuse the brainwashing) when I do watch it, though I have TW (Starter TV free) and Freeview.

Sad to report, Film 4 has settled into a depressing 'routine', chasing as many viewers as possible, at the expense of artistic integrity. The commercial breaks are a necessary evil, and most of us could probably live with that. But altering compositions from 2.35:1 to 1.78:1 - thereby pandering to those viewers who couldn't care less how their movies are framed on TV - is unforgivable.

A tiny handful are still broadcast correctly, mostly in the early hours of the morning. But not the major titles, screened during peak hours. Yes, it's nice to see TALK TO HER and OLDBOY with CinemaScope framing, but what about BRAVEHEART, PITCH BLACK, LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, CRY FREEDOM, etc.? There doesn't even seem to be a consistent policy on subtitled films, with MANON DES SOURCES and THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE cropped to 1.78:1, and DEEP RED cropped to something like 1.90:1. Most films are broadcast several times a month (sometimes several times a week!), but Film 4 won't even alternate between 2.35:1 and 1.78:1 versions. "Passionate about film", indeed...

All of this dumbing-down leads to an inevitable question: What is Film 4 for? What is it about their current policies that distinguishes the service from every other ho-hum channel on the box? Is it the selection of films? Most of them have already been screened on Channel 4 (or other channels), while those that haven't will make their way to terrestrial TV in due course. Is it the quality of the presentation? Well, the treatment of 2.35:1 movies sets the seal on that question. In fact, Film 4 is no more than the movie-only equivalent of Channel 4, E4 and More4. And since most of the titles have played/will play on those other channels, cropped to 1.78:1, what's the point of a dedicated movie channel which treats its films exactly the same way as everyone else?

I don't hold out much hope of other terrestrial/Freeview broadcasters altering their policy of screening cropped and compromised films, but I'd like to think Film 4 is open to debate on this issue. However, their silence on this forum, whenever the subject has been raised, suggests otherwise. Is there anybody out there? Do you care?...

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, switch off and 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
[11 - 17 November]

633 SQUADRON (Panavision)

AMÉLIE FROM MONTMARTRE [Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain] (Super 35)
AUSTIN POWERS: INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY (Super 35)

THE BUSINESS (HD Widescreen)

THE DEER HUNTER (Panavision)

HEARTBREAKERS (Panavision)

IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE (Universal 3-D) [1.37:1]

KIDNAPPED (Panavision)

PATRIOT GAMES (Panavision)

THE QUILLER MEMORANDUM (Panavision)

STORM OVER THE NILE (CinemaScope)
SWITCHBLADE ROMANCE [Haute Tension] (Super 35)

THE TAILOR OF PANAMA (Panavision)

WE WERE SOLDIERS (Panavision)
WHEN EIGHT BELLS TOLL (Panavision)



Freeview
[11 - 17 November]

ALIEN³ (Panavision)

BLOW OUT (Panavision)

DEVDAS (Kowa Scope)
THE DIRTY DOZEN (Metroscope) [2.00:1]

FORBIDDEN PLANET (CinemaScope)
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY (Panavision)

GATOR (Todd-AO 35)

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS (Super 35)

NORTH STAR [Tashunga] (Technovision)
NURSE BETTY (Super 35)

THE PINK PANTHER (Technirama)

RED PLANET (Panavision)
ROLLERBALL [2001] (Panavision)

TEXAS LADY (Superscope) [2.00:1]

THE WACKIEST SHIP IN THE ARMY (Panavision)
WILD SIDE (Super 35)



Sky
[11 - 17 November]

ACTION OF THE TIGER (CinemaScope)
THE ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO (Panavision)
AFTER THE SUNSET (Super 35)
AIR FORCE ONE (Super 35)
THE ALAMO [2004] (Panavision)
ALEXANDER (Super 35)
ALFRED THE GREAT (Panavision)
ANACONDAS: THE HUNT FOR THE BLOOD ORCHID (Super 35)
ANZIO (Panavision)
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS [2004] (Super 35)
THE AVIATOR (Super 35)
AVP: ALIEN VS. PREDATOR (Super 35)

BACHELOR IN PARADISE (Panavision)
THE BARRETTS OF WIMPOLE STREET (CinemaScope)
BATMAN BEGINS (Panavision)
BE COOL (Super 35)
BEDAZZLED [2000] (Panavision)
BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS (Panavision)
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA (Panavision)
THE BLACK CAULDRON (Technirama)
BLADE: TRINITY (Super 35)
BRASS TARGET (Panavision)
BREAKING THE WAVES (Super 35)
BRIDE & PREJUDICE
THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI (CinemaScope)
BRIDGET JONES: THE EDGE OF REASON (Panavision)
BULLETPROOF (Super 35)

CAPOTE (Super 35)
THE CAREY TREATMENT (Panavision)
THE CAVE (Super 35 / HD Widescreen)
CELLULAR (Super 35)
THE CHAMBER (Panavision)
CHASING LIBERTY (Super 35)
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Super 35)
CINDERELLA MAN (Super 35)
CLUB DREAD (Super 35)
COACH CARTER (Super 35)
COLD MOUNTAIN (Super 35)
CON AIR (Panavision)
CONAN THE BARBARIAN (Todd-AO 35)
CONQUEST OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (Todd-AO 35)
CREEP (Super 35)
CURSED (Hawk Scope)

DANGEROUS CHARTER (Panavision)
DANTE'S PEAK (Super 35)
DARKNESS (Super 35)
DARK WATER (Panavision)
THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW (Super 35)
DELIVERANCE (Panavision)
DERAILED (Super 35)
THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE (Panavision)
DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE (Panavision)
THE DIRTY DOZEN (Metroscope) [2.00:1]
DOMINION: PREQUEL TO THE EXORCIST (Univisium) [2.00:1]
DON'T COME KNOCKING (Hawk Scope)
THE DOOR IN THE FLOOR (Super 35)
DRACULA 2000 (Super 35)
THE DUKES OF HAZZARD (Super 35)

EIGHT BELOW (Super 35)
ELEKTRA (Panavision)
ELVIS ON TOUR (Multiscreen)
EMMANUELLE: A LESSON IN LOVE (Pulfrich 3-D sequences) [1.33:1]
EMMANUELLE: A WORLD OF DESIRE (Pulfrich 3-D sequences) [1.33:1]
EMMANUELLE: CONCEALED FANTASY (Pulfrich 3-D sequences) [1.33:1]
ESCAPE FROM L.A. (Panavision)
EVENT HORIZON (Panavision)
EXECUTIVE DECISION (Panavision)

FAILURE TO LAUNCH (Super 35)
FANTASTIC FOUR (Super 35)
THE FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS [Dance of the Vampires] (Panavision)
FINDING NEVERLAND (Super 35)
FIREWALL (Super 35)
FLATLINERS (Panavision)
FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX [2004] (Panavision)
THE FLY [1958] (CinemaScope)
FREEDOMLAND (Super 35)
FREE WILLY 2: THE ADVENTURE HOME (Panavision)

GALAXINA (Panavision)
GARDEN STATE (Super 35)
THE GIRL ON THE BRIDGE [La Fille sur la Pont] (Panavision)
THE GLASS BOTTOM BOAT (Panavision)

HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN (Super 35)
HIDE AND SEEK (Super 35)
THE HILLS HAVE EYES [2006] (Super 35)
THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY (Super 35)
HOME FROM THE HILL (Panavision)
HOSTAGE (Super 35)
HOSTEL (Super 35)
HOW THE WEST WAS WON (Cinerama) [2.59:1]
THE HUSTLER (CinemaScope)

I HEART HUCKABEES (Panavision)
INSIDE MAN (Super 35)
THE INTERPRETER (J-D-C Scope)
I, ROBOT (Super 35)
THE ISLAND (Panavision)

JARHEAD (Super 35)
JERSEY GIRL (Panavision)
THE JEWEL OF THE NILE (J-D-C Scope)
JOHNSON FAMILY VACATION (Super 35)
JULES ET JIM (Franscope)

KELLY'S HEROES (Panavision)
KICKING & SCREAMING (Super 35)
KILL BILL VOL. 2 (Super 35)
KISS THE GIRLS (Panavision)

THE LAST RUN (Panavision)
LAYER CAKE (J-D-C Scope)
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN (Panavision)
LEGIONNAIRE (Super 35)
LIFE OR SOMETHING LIKE IT (Panavision)
LONDON (Super 35)
THE LONGEST YARD (Panavision)
THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT (Super 35)
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS (Super 35)
LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]

THE MACHINIST [El Maquinista] (Super 35)
MATILDA (Super 35)
MAXIMUM RISK (Super 35)
MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA (Panavision)
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE (Super 35)
ME YOU THEM [Eu Tu Eles] (Super 35)
MICKYBO & ME
MILLION DOLLAR BABY (Panavision)
MISS CONGENIALITY 2: ARMED & FABULOUS (Super 35)
MONSTER-IN-LAW (Super 35)
MR. & MRS. SMITH (Super 35)
MUNICH (Super 35)

NANNY McPHEE (Super 35)
NATIONAL TREASURE (Super 35)
NEVER DIE ALONE (Super 16)
NEVER SO FEW (Panavision)
NEVER STEAL ANYTHING SMALL (CinemaScope)
NINE MONTHS (Panavision)
NORTHFORK (Panavision)
NORTH TO ALASKA (CinemaScope)
THE NOTEBOOK (J-D-C Scope)
NUDE FOR SATAN [Nuda per Satana] (Techniscope)

OCEANS' TWELVE (Super 35)
OPERATION CROSSBOW (Panavision)

THE PACIFIER (Panavision)
PAPARAZZI (Super 35)
PARADISE NOW (Super 35)
THE PASSWORD IS COURAGE (Metroscope) [2.00:1]
PAYBACK (Super 35)
THE PHANTOM (Panavision)
THE POLAR EXPRESS (Digital Widescreen / Imax Digital 3-D)
PRACTICAL MAGIC (Super 35)
PRETTY PERSUASION (Panavision)
PRIDE & PREJUDICE (Super 35)
THE PROPOSITION (Super 35)
THE PUNISHER (Super 35)

QUENTIN DURWARD (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]

RENT (Super 35)
RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE (Super 35)
THE RINGER (Super 35)
ROMANCE AND CIGARETTES (Panavision)
THE ROOTS OF HEAVEN (CinemaScope)

SERENITY (Super 35)
THE SHAGGY DOG [2006] (Super 35)
THE SHOES OF THE FISHERMAN (Panavision)
SHOOT THE PIANIST [Tirez sur le Pianiste] (Dyaliscope)
SILENT HILL (Super 35 / HD Widescreen)
THE SKELETON KEY (Panavision)
SLEEPERS (Super 35)
SOYLENT GREEN (Panavision)
SPARTAN (Super 35)
SPEED (Panavision)
STARSKY & HUTCH (Panavision)
STAR TREK: GENERATIONS (Panavision)
STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK (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 VI: RETURN OF THE JEDI (J-D-C 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)
SWITCHBACK (Panavision)
SWORDSMAN OF SIENA [Lo Spadaccino di Siena] (CinemaScope)
SYRIANA (Super 35)

TAXI 3 (Super 35)
THE TEAHOUSE OF THE AUGUST MOON (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]
THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA (Super 35)
THE THREE FACES OF EVE (CinemaScope)
TILL HUMAN VOICES WAKE US (Super 35)
TIN CUP (Panavision)
TOM AND HUCK (Panavision)
TORPEDO RUN (CinemaScope)
TRAVELS WITH MY AUNT (Panavision)
TRISTRAM SHANDY: A COCK AND BULL STORY (HD Widescreen)
TRON (Super Panavision 70) [2.20:1]
TRUE ROMANCE (Panavision)
TSOTSI (Super 35)
TWO FOR THE MONEY (Super 35)

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE (Panavision)
UNLEASHED [Danny the Dog] (Super 35)

V FOR VENDETTA (Super 35)
VIRTUOSITY (Super 35)

WARLOCK [1959] (CinemaScope)
WEDDING CRASHERS (Super 35)
WE DON'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE (Super 35)
WHEN A STRANGER CALLS (Super 35)
WHERE EAGLES DARE (Panavision)
WHERE THE SPIES ARE (Panavision)
WHO IS CLETIS TOUT? (Super 35)
WIMBLEDON (Super 35)
THE WORLD'S FASTEST INDIAN (Super 35)

xXx: THE NEXT LEVEL [xXx: State of the Union] (Super 35)

THE YELLOW ROLLS ROYCE (Panavision)
THE YOUNG AMERICANS (Panavision)
YOUNG GUNS II (Panavision)
YOURS, MINE & OURS (Super 35)



Next update: 14 November

I made a boob in that last update (11 - 17 November) by adding 633 SQUADRON to the Film 4 section, instead of the Freeview section (it's being screened on BBC2 at a cropped 1.78:1 aspect ratio for the umpteenth time). Apologies for that.

This is the only forum I've ever visited where participants are actively prevented from editing their own material, and it's something of an inconvenience, to say the least...

Though this thread has provided ample opportunity for Film 4 to respond to the issue of reframed movies on their channel (despite most of them being repeated many times per month), their continued silence speaks volumes about their attitude to new and long-term viewers. In most cases where a film has been reformatted from 2.35:1 to 1.78:1 (or 1.33:1), renting the DVD will be a great deal more rewarding than viewing the compromised TV version.

Anyway, here's the list of next week's widescreen movies, scheduled for broadcast on Film 4, Freeview and Sky. 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.



18 - 24 November



Film 4

ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 [1976] (Panavision)
AUSTIN POWERS: INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY (Super 35)

THE DEER HUNTER (Panavision)

KIDNAPPED [1971] (Panavision)

PATRIOT GAMES (Panavision)

THE QUILLER MEMORANDUM (Panavision)

STORM OVER THE NILE (CinemaScope)

THOSE DARING YOUNG MEN IN THEIR JAUNTY JALOPIES [Monte Carlo or Bust!] (Panavision)
THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY (VistaVision) [1.85:1]

WHEN EIGHT BELLS TOLL (Panavision)



Freeview

1941 (Panavision)

ABOUT A BOY (Super 35)

BATTLE FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES (Panavision)
A BRIDGE TOO FAR (Panavision)
BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID (Panavision)

CASINO ROYALE [1967] (Panavision)

THE EIGER SANCTION (Panavision)

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY (Panavision)
THE FRENCH LINE (Future Dimension 3-D) [1.66:1]
FROM HELL (Panavision)
FROM HELL TO TEXAS (CinemaScope)

GERONIMO [1962] (Panavision)

HARD RAIN (Super 35)
THE HOLE (Super 35)

LEGAL EAGLES (Panavision)
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING (Super 35)

MEMOIRS OF AN INVISIBLE MAN (Panavision)

OCTOPUSSY (Panavision)
ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE (Panavision)

PALE RIDER (Panavision)

THE RETURN OF THE PINK PANTHER (Panavision)

SNAKE EYES (Panavision)
SOLARIS [2002] (Panavision)

THE TALL STRANGER (CinemaScope)

THE WAY WEST (Panavision)
WINDTALKERS (Super 35)



Sky

16 BLOCKS (Super 35)
THE 25th HOUR [Le 25e Heure] (Franscope)

THE ABYSS (Super 35)
THE ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO (Panavision)
AFTER THE SUNSET (Super 35)
AIR FORCE ONE (Super 35)
THE ALAMO [2004] (Panavision)
ALEXANDER (Super 35)
ALFRED THE GREAT (Panavision)
ALIEN (Panavision)
ANACONDAS: THE HUNT FOR THE BLOOD ORCHID (Super 35)
ANOTHER STAKEOUT (Panavision)
APOCALYPSE NOW (Technovision)
ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 [2005] (Super 35)
THE AVIATOR (Super 35)
AVP: ALIEN VS. PREDATOR (Super 35)

BATMAN BEGINS (Panavision)
BEAUTY SHOP (Panavision)
BEDAZZLED [2000] (Panavision)
BEYOND THE SEA (Super 35)
BHOWANI JUNCTION (CinemaScope)
BLAZING SADDLES (Panavision)
THE BOURNE SUPREMACY (Super 35)
BRIDGET JONES: THE EDGE OF REASON (Panavision)
BUDDY BUDDY (Panavision)
BUS STOP (CinemaScope)

CAPOTE (Super 35)
CAPTAIN NEMO AND THE UNDERWATER CITY (Panavision)
CASINO (Super 35)
THE CAVE (Super 35 / HD Widescreen)
CELLULAR (Super 35)
THE CHAMBER (Panavision)
CHASING LIBERTY (Super 35)
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Super 35)
CINDERELLA MAN (Super 35)
CLUB DREAD (Super 35)
COACH CARTER (Super 35)
COLD MOUNTAIN (Super 35)
COLLATERAL (HD Scope / DV Widescreen / Super 35)
THE COMEDIANS (Panavision)
CON AIR (Panavision)
CONSTANTINE (Super 35)
CRASH (Super 35)
CUTTHROAT ISLAND (Panavision / Technovision)

DARKNESS (Super 35)
DARK WATER (Panavision)
THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW (Super 35)
DEATH IN VENICE [Morte a Venezia] (Panavision)
DE-LOVELY (Super 35)
THE DESCENT (Super 35)
THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE (Panavision)
DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE (Panavision)
DIRTY HARRY (Panavision)
DON'T COME KNOCKING (Hawk Scope)
THE DOOR IN THE FLOOR (Super 35)
DRACULA [1979] (Panavision)
DRACULA 2000 (Super 35)

EIGHT BELOW (Super 35)
ELEKTRA (Panavision)
EMMANUELLE: A TIME TO DREAM (Pulfrich 3-D sequences) [1.33:1]
EMMANUELLE: ONE FINAL FLING (Pulfrich 3-D sequences) [1.33:1]
EMMANUELLE: THE MEANING OF LOVE (Pulfrich 3-D sequences) [1.33:1]
ENDURING LOVE (Super 35)
ERASER (Panavision)
ESCAPE TO ATHENA (Panavision)
EXECUTIVE DECISION (Panavision)

FAILURE TO LAUNCH (Super 35)
THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER [House of Usher] (CinemaScope)
FANTASTIC FOUR (Super 35)
FANTASTIC VOYAGE (CinemaScope)
A FAREWELL TO ARMS (CinemaScope)
FINDING NEVERLAND (Super 35)
FIREWALL (Super 35)
FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX [2004] (Panavision)
FORCE 10 FROM NAVARONE (Panavision)
FREEDOMLAND (Super 35)
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (Super 35)
FRIENDS WITH MONEY (Super 35)

GARDEN STATE (Super 35)
GATTACA (Super 35)
THE GAUNTLET (Panavision)
GET CARTER [2000] (Super 35)
LES GIRLS (CinemaScope)
THE GREEN SLIME [Gamma Sango Uchu Daisakusen] (Toeiscope)
GREEN STREET (Super 35)
GUNS FOR SAN SEBASTIAN [Les Canones de San Sebastian] (Franscope)

THE HEROES OF TELEMARK (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)
HOSTAGE (Super 35)
HOSTEL (Super 35)
HOTEL RWANDA (Super 35)

ICE STATION ZEBRA (Super Panavision 70) [2.21:1]
I HEART HUCKABEES (Panavision)
THE I INSIDE (Super 35)
INDIAN SUMMER (Panavision)
INSIDE MAN (Super 35)
THE INTERPRETER (J-D-C Scope)
THE ISLAND (Panavision)

THE JACKET (Super 35)
JARHEAD (Super 35)
JAWS 2 (Panavision)
JERSEY GIRL (Panavision)
THE JEWEL OF THE NILE (J-D-C Scope)
JOHNSON FAMILY VACATION (Super 35)
JULES ET JIM (Franscope)

KICKING & SCREAMING (Super 35)
KILL BILL VOL. 2 (Super 35)
KING ARTHUR (Super 35)
KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (Super 35)
KISS ME KATE (Metrovision Tri-Dee 3-D) [1.75:1]
KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]

LADY AND THE TRAMP (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]
LADY L (Panavision)
THE LAST RUN (Panavision)
THE LAST VALLEY (Todd-AO) [2.21:1]
LAWNMOWER MAN 2: BEYOND CYBERSPACE (Panavision)
LAYER CAKE (J-D-C Scope)
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN (Panavision)
THE LEGEND OF THE 7 GOLDEN VAMPIRES (Panavision)
LETHAL WEAPON 4 (Panavision)
THE LONGEST YARD (Panavision)
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING (Super 35)
LORD OF WAR (Super 35)
LUST FOR LIFE (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]

THE MACHINIST [El Maquinista] (Super 35)
MAN OF THE HOUSE (Panavision)
MAN ON FIRE (Super 35)
MATILDA (Super 35)
MAXIMUM RISK (Super 35)
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE (Super 35)
MICKYBO & ME
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)
NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN (Panavision)
NINE MONTHS (Panavision)
NOBODY'S PERFECT (Techniscope)
NORTH TO ALASKA (CinemaScope)
THE NOTEBOOK (J-D-C Scope)

OCEANS' TWELVE (Super 35)
THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES (Panavision)

THE PACIFIER (Panavision)
PALE RIDER (Panavision)
PAPARAZZI (Super 35)
PARADISE NOW (Super 35)
THE PASSWORD IS COURAGE (Metroscope) [2.00:1]
THE PATRIOT [2000] (Super 35)
PAYBACK (Super 35)
THE PELICAN BRIEF (Panavision)
PENELOPE (Panavision)
THE PERFECT FURLOUGH (CinemaScope)
THE PHANTOM (Panavision)
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA [2004] (Panavision)
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Panavision)
THE POLAR EXPRESS (Digital Widescreen / Imax Digital 3-D)
PRETTY PERSUASION (Panavision)
PRIDE & PREJUDICE (Super 35)
THE PRIZE (Panavision)
THE PROFESSIONALS (Panavision)
THE PUNISHER (Super 35)

RENT (Super 35)
RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE (Super 35)
RIDE THE HIGH COUNTRY (Panavision)
ROMANCE AND CIGARETTES (Panavision)
THE RUNNING MAN [1963] (Panavision)

SAHARA (Super 35)
SERENITY (Super 35)
THE SHOES OF THE FISHERMAN (Panavision)
SHOOT THE PIANIST [Tirez sur le Pianiste] (Dyaliscope)
SILENT HILL (Super 35 / HD Widescreen)
THE SKELETON KEY (Panavision)
SLEEPERS (Super 35)
SMILLA'S SENSE OF SNOW [Fraülein Smillas Gespür für Schnee] (Panavision)
SPEED (Panavision)
SPIDER-MAN 2 (Super 35)
THE SPLIT (Panavision)
STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER (Panavision)
STAR TREK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME (Panavision)
STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK (Panavision)
STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN (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 II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES (HD Widescreen)
STAY TUNED (Panavision)
STEALTH (Panavision)
SUPERMAN (Panavision)
SWEET CHARITY (Panavision)
SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON (Panavision)
SYRIANA (Super 35)

TANK GIRL (Super 35)
TAXI [2004] (Super 35)
TAXI 3 (Super 35)
TEAM AMERICA: WORLD POLICE (Super 35)
THEY LIVE (Panavision)
THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA (Super 35)
TRISTRAM SHANDY: A COCK AND BULL STORY (HD Widescreen)
TRUE ROMANCE (Panavision)
TSOTSI (Super 35)
TWO FOR THE MONEY (Super 35)

UNLEASHED [Danny the Dog] (Super 35)

VAMPIRES (Panavision)
V FOR VENDETTA (Super 35)
THE VIPs (Panavision)

THE WARRIORS [The Dark Avenger] (CinemaScope)
WEDDING CRASHERS (Super 35)
WEST SIDE STORY (Super Panavision 70) [2.21:1]
WESTWORLD (Panavision)
WHEN A STRANGER CALLS (Super 35)
WHERE THE SPIES ARE (Panavision)
THE WORLD'S FASTEST INDIAN (Super 35)

xXx: THE NEXT LEVEL [xXx: State of the Union] (Super 35)

YOURS, MINE & OURS (Super 35)

ZIGZAG (Panavision)



Next update: 21 November

Add the following title to the 18 - 24 November listings, in the section for Sky:

BOO, ZINO & THE SNURKS [Zurück nach Gaya] (Digital Widescreen)

Now that Film4 +1 has been introduced on Freeview, it struck me that - unless there's some overriding technical reason for not doing it - Film 4 could use the extra channel to screen 2.35:1 versions of the relevant films, while leaving the original channel for the 1.78:1 versions. I'd be more than happy to wait an extra hour to see films as they were originally intended.

So, how about it, Film 4? Are you ever going to address this issue, here on this forum or anywhere else, for that matter?



25 November - 1 December



Film 4

ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 [1976] (Panavision)

GLADIATOR [2000] (Super 35)

THE IRON PETTICOAT (VistaVision) [1.85:1]
IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE (Universal 3-D) [1.37:1]

KIDNAPPED [1971] (Panavision)

THE LADY VANISHES [1979] (Panavision)
LUCKY BREAK (Super 35)

SWITCHBLADE ROMANCE [Haute Tension] (Super 35)

THOSE DARING YOUNG MEN IN THEIR JAUNTY JALOPIES [Monte Carlo or Bust!] (Panavision)
TWO-LANE BLACKTOP (Techniscope)



Freeview

THE 13th WARRIOR (Panavision)

ALI (Super 35)
ALONG CAME A SPIDER (Panavision)

BILLION DOLLAR BRAIN (Panavision)

CONAN THE DESTROYER (J-D-C Scope)

DAYS OF THUNDER (Panavision)

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN (Panavision)
FIREFOX (Panavision)

GHOST BUSTERS (Panavision)

HAWAII (Panavision)

THE INSIDER (Super 35)

NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN (Panavision)

OCTOPUSSY (Panavision)
THE ONE (Super 35)

THE PARALLAX VIEW (Panavision)

QUIGLEY DOWN UNDER (Panavision)

REVENGE OF THE PINK PANTHER (Panavision)

SHINER (J-D-C Scope)

TOO LATE THE HERO (Metroscope) [2.00:1]
TOUGH GUYS (Panavision)

UNDERWORLD (Super 35)

WYATT EARP (Panavision)



Sky

16 BLOCKS (Super 35)
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (Super Panavision 70) [2.21:1]
20000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA [1954] (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]
36 HOURS (Panavision)

ABSOLUTE POWER (Panavision)
THE ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO (Panavision)
THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT (Arriscope)
AFTER THE SUNSET (Super 35)
AIR FORCE ONE (Super 35)
THE ALAMO [2004] (Panavision)
ALFIE [1966] (Techniscope)
AMERICAN BEAUTY (Super 35)
AN AMERICAN HAUNTING (Super 35)
ANACONDAS: THE HUNT FOR THE BLOOD ORCHID (Super 35)
ANZIO (Panavision)
AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS [1956] (Todd-AO) [2.21:1]
ASK ANY GIRL (CinemaScope)
ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 [2005] (Super 35)
AUSTIN POWERS: INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY (Super 35)
THE AVIATOR (Super 35)
AVP: ALIEN VS. PREDATOR (Super 35)

BATMAN BEGINS (Panavision)
BEDAZZLED [2000] (Panavision)
BELLS ARE RINGING (Panavision)
BHOWANI JUNCTION (CinemaScope)
THE BLACK CAULDRON (Technirama)
BLADE: TRINITY (Super 35)
BOO, ZINO & THE SNURKS [Zurück nach Gaya] (Digital Widescreen)
BOYS' NIGHT OUT (CinemaScope)
BREAKDOWN (Super 35)
BRIDE & PREJUDICE
BULLETPROOF (Super 35)

CAPOTE (Super 35)
CAPTAIN NEMO AND THE UNDERWATER CITY (Panavision)
CASINO (Super 35)
CATWOMAN (Super 35)
THE CAVE (Super 35 / HD Widescreen)
CELLULAR (Super 35)
CHASING LIBERTY (Super 35)
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Super 35)
CINDERELLA MAN (Super 35)
CLUB DREAD (Super 35)
COACH CARTER (Super 35)
COLD MOUNTAIN (Super 35)
CON AIR (Panavision)
CRASH (Super 35)
CREEP (Super 35)
CURSED (Hawk Scope)
CUTTHROAT ISLAND (Panavision / Technovision)

DANGEROUS CHARTER (Panavision)
DARKNESS (Super 35)
DARK WATER (Panavision)
THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW (Super 35)
DEMON SEED (Panavision)
DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE (Panavision)
DOMINION: PREQUEL TO THE EXORCIST (Univisium) [2.00:1]
DOMINO (Super 35)
THE DOOR IN THE FLOOR (Super 35)
DRAGONSLAYER (Panavision)
DR. WHO AND THE DALEKS (Techniscope)
THE DUKES OF HAZZARD (Super 35)

EIGHT BELOW (Super 35)
ENDURING LOVE (Super 35)
ESCAPE FROM L.A. (Panavision)
EVENT HORIZON (Panavision)

FAILURE TO LAUNCH (Super 35)
FANTASTIC FOUR (Super 35)
FANTASTIC VOYAGE (CinemaScope)
FEAR [1996] (Panavision)
THE FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS [Dance of the Vampires] (Panavision)
FINDING NEVERLAND (Super 35)
FIRESTARTER (J-D-C Scope)
FIREWALL (Super 35)
FLATLINERS (Panavision)
FREEDOMLAND (Super 35)
FRIENDS WITH MONEY (Super 35)

GARDEN STATE (Super 35)
GATTACA (Super 35)
GHOST CHASE [Hollywood-Monster]
GREEN STREET (Super 35)
GUNS FOR SAN SEBASTIAN [Les Canones de San Sebastian] (Franscope)

HIDALGO (Panavision)
HIDE AND SEEK (Super 35)
HITCH (Super 35)
THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY (Super 35)
HOMBRE (Panavision)
HOSTAGE (Super 35)
HOSTEL (Super 35)
HOTEL RWANDA (Super 35)
THE HUNGER (Panavision)

I HEART HUCKABEES (Panavision)
THE I INSIDE (Super 35)
INDEPENDENCE DAY (Super 35)
INDIAN SUMMER (Panavision)
INFERNAL AFFAIRS (Anamorphic)
INFERNAL AFFAIRS 2 (Panavision)
INSIDE MAN (Super 35)
THE INTERPRETER (J-D-C Scope)
THE ISLAND (Panavision)
IT'S ALL GONE PETE TONG (HD Widescreen)

THE JACKET (Super 35)
JERSEY GIRL (Panavision)
JOHNSON FAMILY VACATION (Super 35)

KICKING & SCREAMING (Super 35)
KILL BILL VOL. 1 (Super 35)
KILL BILL VOL. 2 (Super 35)
KING ARTHUR (Super 35)
KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (Super 35)
KISMET (CinemaScope)

LADY AND THE TRAMP (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]
THE LAST VALLEY (Todd-AO) [2.21:1]
LAYER CAKE (J-D-C Scope)
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN (Panavision)
LEGIONNAIRE (Super 35)
THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZISSOU (Panavision)
LOGAN'S RUN (Todd-AO 35)
THE LONGEST YARD (Panavision)
LORD OF WAR (Super 35)
LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]

MANHATTAN (Panavision)
MAXIMUM RISK (Super 35)
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE (Super 35)
MICKYBO & ME
MISS CONGENIALITY 2: ARMED & FABULOUS (Super 35)
MONSTER-IN-LAW (Super 35)
MOONLIGHT AND VALENTINO (Panavision)
MOVE OVER, DARLING (CinemaScope)
MR. & MRS. SMITH (Super 35)
MRS. BROWN, YOU'VE GOT A LOVELY DAUGHTER (Panavision)
MUNICH (Super 35)

NANNY McPHEE (Super 35)
NATIONAL TREASURE (Super 35)
NEVER DIE ALONE (Super 16)
NEW SUIT (HD Widescreen)
NINE MONTHS (Panavision)
NORTHFORK (Panavision)
NORTH TO ALASKA (CinemaScope)
THE NOTEBOOK (J-D-C Scope)

OPERATION CROSSBOW (Panavision)

THE PACIFIER (Panavision)
PAPARAZZI (Super 35)
PARADISE NOW (Super 35)
A PATCH OF BLUE (Panavision)
PAYBACK (Super 35)
A PERFECT WORLD (Panavision)
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA [2004] (Panavision)
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Panavision)
THE POLAR EXPRESS (Digital Widescreen / Imax Digital 3-D)
PRETTY PERSUASION (Panavision)
PRIDE & PREJUDICE (Super 35)
THE PUNISHER (Super 35)

THE QUIET AMERICAN (Super 35)

REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]
RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE (Super 35)
ROMANCE AND CIGARETTES (Panavision)

SAHARA (Super 35)
SAVING GRACE (Super 35)
SERENITY (Super 35)
THE SHAGGY DOG [2004] (Super 35)
SILENT HILL (Super 35 / HD Widescreen)
THE SKELETON KEY (Panavision)
SLEEPERS (Super 35)
SOLARIS [1972] (Sovscope)
SPEED (Panavision)
THE STARMAKER [L'Uomo delle Stelle] (Panavision)
STARSKY & HUTCH (Panavision)
STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER (Panavision)
STAR TREK VI: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY (Super 35)
STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE (Panavision)
STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN (Panavision)
STAR WARS EPISODE V: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (Panavision)
STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE (Panavision)
STAR WARS EPISODE VI: RETURN OF THE JEDI (J-D-C Scope)
STAR WARS EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH (HD Widescreen)
STAR WARS EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES (HD Widescreen)
STEALTH (Panavision)
SWEET CHARITY (Panavision)
SYRIANA (Super 35)

TALK TO HER [Hable con Ella] (Panavision)
TANK GIRL (Super 35)
TAXI [2004] (Super 35)
TAXI 3 (Super 35)
TEAM AMERICA: WORLD POLICE (Super 35)
THE TENDER TRAP (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]
TEN THOUSAND BEDROOMS (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]
THE THIRTEENTH FLOOR (Super 35)
THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA (Super 35)
TIME AFTER TIME (Panavision)
TOMORROW NEVER DIES (Panavision)
TRIBUTE TO A BAD MAN (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]
TRISTRAM SHANDY: A COCK AND BULL STORY (HD Widescreen)
TRON (Super Panavision 70) [2.20:1]
TRUE ROMANCE (Panavision)
TSOTSI (Super 35)
TWO FOR THE MONEY (Super 35)

UNDERWORLD (Super 35)
UNFORGIVEN [1992] (Panavision)
UNLEASHED [Danny the Dog] (Super 35)

VANITY FAIR (Super 35)
V FOR VENDETTA (Super 35)
A VIEW TO A KILL (Panavision)
VIRTUOSITY (Super 35)

WEDDING CRASHERS (Super 35)
WHEN A STRANGER CALLS (Super 35)
WHERE EAGLES DARE (Panavision)
WHITE NOISE (Super 35)
WHO IS CLETIS TOUT? (Super 35)
WIMBLEDON (Super 35)
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF THE BROTHERS GRIMM (Cinerama) [2.59:1]
THE WORLD'S FASTEST INDIAN (Super 35)

X-MEN: THE LAST STAND (Super 35)
xXx: THE NEXT LEVEL [xXx: State of the Union] (Super 35)

YOUNG GUNS II (Panavision)
THE YOUNG LIONS (CinemaScope)



NB. Hallmark is screening TO WALK WITH LIONS next week, and this is listed as 2.39:1 in some sources (including the IMDb), though the theatrical aspect ratio hasn't been confirmed. I've seen parts of the film on TV, cropped to 1.33:1, and virtually none of the compositions seem compromised in this ratio. Also, if it was photographed in widescreen, details in the TV print made it impossible to figure if it was shot anamorphically or Super 35. If anyone out there can solve the mystery, I'd be much obliged.



Next update: 28 November

Just so you know, the DVD of Tsotsi is also cropped to 1.78:1.

That's a shame. Can I ask if you've actually seen a copy of the DVD? I only ask, because I can find only one review of the disc online, and that also mentions a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, though the film is available elsewhere (US, mainland Europe, etc.) framed correctly at 2.35:1. It seems odd that the UK version would be compromised this way.

THE WORLD'S FASTEST INDIAN is definitely 1.78:1 on DVD, because director Roger Donaldson has now decided to shoot everything in Super 35, framed at 2.35:1 and 1.78:1. That way, the theatrical version is 'CinemaScope' and the DVD version... isn't. Some people believe the director's word is sacred, and if they want to do this kind of thing, it's OK. Unfortunately, it means the compositions are compromised at whatever ratio it's shown, because it's neither one thing or another. Secondly, Donaldson must know that 2.35 looks perfectly acceptable letterboxed on 1.78 TV screens. Directors who mutilate their work in this fashion should be physically restrained from shooting any wider than 1.85:1.

Donaldson has suggested - rather arrogantly, I believe - that anyone who wants to see the 'full' version should see it in cinemas. Since neither THE WORLD'S FASTEST INDIAN or THE RECRUIT (the other affected film) will ever play cinemas again - at least, not within reach of most people - then Donaldson had no business shotting them in a 'CinemaScope' format in the first place. As far as the DVD versions are concerned, you pays your money and you takes your choice...

Nice to see ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13, THE DEER HUNTER and TWO-LANE BLACKTOP all framed correctly at 2.35:1 on Film 4 last week, though it still feels like crumbs from a banquet. More, please. And it's interesting to note that an official spokesperson has answered a number of enquiries on this board concerning other issues (subtitles, music on trailers, etc.), but there's been no response on this particular subject.

As always, if the following films aren't screened at 2.35:1 (or whatever aspect ratio is appropriate to the individual film), avoid 'em like the plague...



2 - 8 December



Film 4

8mm (Super 35)

ARLINGTON ROAD (Panavision)

LE DIVORCE (Panavision)
DOCTOR AT LARGE (VistaVision) [1.85:1]

FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF (Super 35)

GET OVER IT (Super 35)

HOWARDS END (Super 35)

KIDNAPPED [1971] (Panavision)
K-PAX (Panavision)

THE LADY VANISHES [1979] (Panavision)
LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (Super Panavision 70) [2.21:1]

SUDDEN DEATH (Panavision)



Freeview

AMERICAN WEDDING [American Pie: The Wedding] (Super 35)

BASIC (Panavision)
BATTLE OF BRITAIN (Panavision)
BULLWHIP (CinemaScope)

CHANGING LANES (Super 35)
COYOTE UGLY (Super 35)

DEAD CALM (Panavision)
DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE (J-D-C Scope)

FAR AND AWAY (Panavision Super 70) [2.20:1]

GALLIPOLI (Panavision)

JUST CAUSE (Panavision)

THE KENTUCKIAN (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]

NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN (Panavision)

OUT OF TIME (Super 35)

THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]
THREE VIOLENT PEOPLE (VistaVision) [1.85:1]
A THUNDER OF DRUMS (Panavision)

VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED [1995] (Panavision)

ZOOLANDER (Super 35)



Sky

16 BLOCKS (Super 35)

ACTION OF THE TIGER (CinemaScope)
AIR FORCE ONE (Super 35)
THE ALAMO [2004] (Panavision)
ALEXANDER (Super 35)
AN AMERICAN HAUNTING (Super 35)
ANACONDAS: THE HUNT FOR THE BLOOD ORCHID (Super 35)
ANZIO (Panavision)
ARENA (Metrovision Tri-Dee 3-D) [1.37:1]
ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 [2005] (Super 35)
THE AVIATOR (Super 35)
AVP: ALIEN VS. PREDATOR (Super 35)

BARBARELLA (Panavision)
BARBIE AND THE MAGIC OF PEGASUS (Digital 3-D sequences) [1.66:1]
THE BARRETTS OF WIMPOLE STREET (CinemaScope)
BASIC (Panavision)
BATMAN BEGINS (Panavision)
BE COOL (Super 35)
BEDAZZLED [2000] (Panavision)
BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES (Panavision)
BEYOND THE SEA (Super 35)
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA (Panavision)
BOO, ZINO & THE SNURKS [Zurück nach Gaya] (Digital Widescreen)
THE BOURNE SUPREMACY (Super 35)
BRIDE & PREJUDICE
BRIDGET JONES: THE EDGE OF REASON (Panavision)
BROKEN ARROW (Super 35)
THE BROKEN HEARTS CLUB: A ROMANTIC COMEDY (Super 35)

CATWOMAN (Super 35)
CELLULAR (Super 35)
CHANGING LANES (Super 35)
CHARLIE'S ANGELS (Super 35)
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Super 35)
CIMARRON (Panavision)
CINDERELLA MAN (Super 35)
CLAMBAKE (Techniscope)
CLUB DREAD (Super 35)
COACH CARTER (Super 35)
COLD MOUNTAIN (Super 35)
THE COMEDIANS (Panavision)
CON AIR (Panavision)
CONDORMAN (Panavision)
CRASH (Super 35)
CURSED (Hawk Scope)

DARKNESS (Super 35)
DARK WATER (Panavision)
THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW (Super 35)
DE-LOVELY (Super 35)
DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE (Panavision)
DOMINION: PREQUEL TO THE EXORCIST (Univisium) [2.00:1]
DOMINO (Super 35)
THE DOOR IN THE FLOOR (Super 35)
DOUBLE TAKE [2000] (Panavision)
THE DUKES OF HAZZARD (Super 35)

EIGHT BELOW (Super 35)
ELEKTRA (Panavision)
ELVIS ON TOUR (Multiscreen)
ENDURING LOVE (Super 35)
EXORCIST: THE BEGINNING (Univisium) [2.00:1]

FAILURE TO LAUNCH (Super 35)
FANTASTIC FOUR (Super 35)
FINDING NEVERLAND (Super 35)
FIRELIGHT (Panavision)
FLATLINERS (Panavision)
FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX [2004] (Panavision)
FREEDOMLAND (Super 35)
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (Super 35)
FRIENDS WITH MONEY (Super 35)

GANDHI (Panavision)
GARDEN STATE (Super 35)
GATTACA (Super 35)
A GUIDE FOR THE MARRIED MAN (Panavision)
GUNFIGHT AT THE OK CORRAL (VistaVision) [1.85:1]
GUNS FOR SAN SEBASTIAN [Les Canones de San Sebastian] (Franscope)

HEART AND SOULS (Panavision)
HIDE AND SEEK (Super 35)
HITCH (Super 35)
THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY (Super 35)
HOME FROM THE HILL (Panavision)
HOSTAGE (Super 35)
HOSTEL (Super 35)
HOTEL RWANDA (Super 35)
HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS [Shi Mian Mai Fu] (Super 35)

I HEART HUCKABEES (Panavision)
THE I INSIDE (Super 35)
INDEPENDENCE DAY (Super 35)
INDIAN SUMMER (Panavision)
INFERNAL AFFAIRS 3 (Panavision)
INSIDE I'M DANCING
INSIDE MAN (Super 35)
THE INTERPRETER (J-D-C Scope)
INTO THE BLUE (Super 35)
IRMA LA DOUCE (Panavision)
I, ROBOT (Super 35)
THE ISLAND (Panavision)
IT'S ALL GONE PETE TONG (HD Widescreen)

THE JACKAL (Panavision)
JERSEY GIRL (Panavision)
THE JEWEL OF THE NILE (J-D-C Scope)
JOHNSON FAMILY VACATION (Super 35)
JUDGE DREDD (Panavision)

KELLY'S HEROES (Panavision)
KILL BILL VOL. 2 (Super 35)
KING ARTHUR (Super 35)
KING KONG ESCAPES [Kingu Kongu no Gyakushu] (Tohoscope)
KING KONG VS. GODZILLA [Kingu Kongu Tai Gojira] (Tohoscope)
KISS THE GIRLS (Panavision)
KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE (CinemaScope) [2.55:1]

LAND OF THE DEAD (Super 35)
THE LAST HARD MEN (Panavision)
LAYER CAKE (J-D-C Scope)
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN (Panavision)
LETHAL WEAPON 4 (Panavision)
THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZISSOU (Panavision)
THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA (CinemaScope)
THE LONGEST YARD (Panavision)
LORD OF WAR (Super 35)
LOST HORIZON [1972] (Panavision)

THE MACHINIST [El Maquinista] (Super 35)
MANHATTAN (Panavision)
MAN ON FIRE (Super 35)
MATILDA (Super 35)
MAXIMUM RISK (Super 35)
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE (Super 35)
MICKYBO & ME
MILLION DOLLAR BABY (Panavision)
MISS CONGENIALITY 2: ARMED & FABULOUS (Super 35)
MOHABBATEIN (Kowa Scope)
MONSTER-IN-LAW (Super 35)
MUST LOVE DOGS (Panavision)

NANNY McPHEE (Super 35)
NATIONAL TREASURE (Super 35)
NEVER DIE ALONE (Super 16)
NEVER SO FEW (Panavision)
NORTHFORK (Panavision)
THE NOTEBOOK (J-D-C Scope)

OCEAN'S TWELVE (Super 35)
OPERATION CROSSBOW (Panavision)
THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES (Panavision)

THE PACIFIER (Panavision)
PAPARAZZI (Super 35)
PARADISE NOW (Super 35)
THE PHANTOM (Panavision)
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA [2004] (Panavision)
THE PINK PANTHER [1963] (Technirama)
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Panavision)
THE POLAR EXPRESS (Digital Widescreen / Imax Digital 3-D)
PRACTICAL MAGIC (Super 35)
PRETTY PERSUASION (Panavision)
PRIDE & PREJUDICE (Super 35)
THE PUNISHER (Super 35)

RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE (Super 35)
ROMANCE AND CIGARETTES (Panavision)
RV (Super 35)

SAHARA (Super 35)
THE SANDPIPER (Panavision)
SERENITY (Super 35)
SEVEN HILLS OF ROME (Technirama)
THE SHOES OF THE FISHERMAN (Panavision)
SILENT HILL (Super 35 / HD Widescreen)
SKYJACKED (Panavision)
SLEEPERS (Super 35)
SMILLA'S SENSE OF SNOW [Fraülein Smillas Gespür für Schnee] (Panavision)
A SOUND OF THUNDER (Panavision)
SPEED 2: CRUISE CONTROL (Panavision)
THE STARMAKER [L'Uomo delle Stelle] (Panavision)
STARSKY & HUTCH (Panavision)
STAR TREK: GENERATIONS (Panavision)
STAR TREK VI: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY (Super 35)
STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE (Panavision)
STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN (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 VI: RETURN OF THE JEDI (J-D-C Scope)
STAR WARS EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH (HD Widescreen)
STAR WARS EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES (HD Widescreen)
STEALING BEAUTY [Io Ballo da Sola] (Super 35)
STEALTH (Panavision)
SUPERMAN (Panavision)
SYRIANA (Super 35)

TANK GIRL (Super 35)
TAXI 3 (Super 35)
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT! (Various ratios)
THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA (Super 35)
TICK, TICK, TICK... (Panavision)
A TIME TO KILL (Panavision)
TIN CUP (Panavision)
TORPEDO RUN (CinemaScope)
TRAVELS WITH MY AUNT (Panavision)
TRISTRAM SHANDY: A COCK AND BULL STORY (HD Widescreen)
TRUE ROMANCE (Panavision)
TSOTSI (Super 35)
TWO FOR THE MONEY (Super 35)

UNITED 93 (Super 35)

VANITY FAIR (Super 35)
V FOR VENDETTA (Super 35)
THE VIPs (Panavision)
VIRTUOSITY (Super 35)

WARLOCK [1959] (CinemaScope)
WEDDING CRASHERS (Super 35)
WEST SIDE STORY (Super Panavision 70) [2.21:1]
WESTWORLD (Panavision)
WHEN A STRANGER CALLS (Super 35)
WHERE THE SPIES ARE (Panavision)
WHITE NOISE (Super 35)
WHO IS CLETIS TOUT? (Super 35)
WICKER PARK (Super 35)
WILD SIDE (Super 35)
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S ROMEO & JULIET (Panavision)
WIMBLEDON (Super 35)
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF THE BROTHERS GRIMM (Cinerama) [2.59:1]
THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH (Panavision)
THE WORLD'S FASTEST INDIAN (Super 35)

X-MEN: THE LAST STAND (Super 35)
xXx: THE NEXT LEVEL [xXx: State of the Union] (Super 35)

THE YEAR OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY (Panavision)
YOUNG GUNS II (Panavision)
THE YOUNG LIONS (CinemaScope)

ZOOLANDER (Super 35)



Next update: 5 December

Add the following title to the Freeview list for 2 - 8 December (don't know how I missed this one!):

ROCKETEER [The Rocketeer] (Panavision)

For some unfathomable reason, the version which went out to UK cinemas (the same version which has played on Channel 5 to date) sports the title ROCKETEER, while the original US print features the title THE ROCKETEER. Why anyone should feel it appropriate to drop 'THE' (occasioning unnecessary lab work) is beyond me...

Actually, I think I got that last posting posterior about bosom (ahem!). Channel 5 has actually been screening the US print, with THE ROCKETEER at the beginning, while the UK cinema and video version is credited simply as ROCKETEER.

One of these days, I might get my facts straight before dashing off a posting on the only forum where no one can edit their mistakes...

quote:

Originally posted by Libretio:
That's a shame. Can I ask if you've actually seen a copy of the DVD? I only ask, because I can find only one review of the disc online, and that also mentions a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, though the film is available elsewhere (US, mainland Europe, etc.) framed correctly at 2.35:1. It seems odd that the UK version would be compromised this way.

[snip]

As far as the DVD versions are concerned, you pays your money and you takes your choice...

I actually own a copy, and it is definitely cropped to 1.78:1, with only the end credits left uncropped. There is also another short film on the same DVD (THE STOREKEEPER) which is in non-anamorphic widescreen, but I don't know what the aspect ratio is for that. IMDb appears to be rather short of info.

Really, really strange. And sad, too...

Thanks for that confirmation, much appreciated.

Bear with me for a moment. The following paragraphs may seem off-topic, but all will become clear:

Interesting stuff over at the Melon Farmers censorship website recently, which pertains (in a roundabout way) to the continued silence from Film 4 here in response to my enquiries about the reformatting of 2.35:1 films. A correspondent reports that he wrote to Channel 4 concerning the censorship of the documentary feature INSIDE DEEP THROAT, which More4 had censored (hardcore material was obscured). The correspondent noted that the BBFC had issued an uncut 18 certificate for the video version, and Ofcom rules state that terrestrial channels are free to show any material which has been passed by the BBFC on video, so long as they're scheduled appropriately (More 4 debuted the film at 9pm, though an uncut version would obviously have been scheduled later). Channel 4 replied that they're not allowed to show hardcore material at any time of the day or night, regardless of the video's 18 certicate. The correspondent wrote back and told them that Channel 5 has shown 'hardcore' material on a number of documentaries (including some extraordinary stuff in current series A Girl's Guide to 21st Century Sex), including erections and penetration, and that this material is allowed within a documentary context. Channel 4 wrote back and said they had nothing more to add. In other words, they had formulated a policy and were absolutely not prepared to enter into any kind of discussion on the subject.

There was a time when Channel 4 would have fought tooth and nail to screen acquired material (foreign and home-grown) completely intact, or at least as intact as current law (and Ofcom rules) allow. Nowadays, they treat acquired programmes like so much filler. Remember the debacle over Angel? Hoping to cash in on the success of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, they bought the show and scheduled it for 6pm in the evening!! This, despite the fact Angel was always meant as a darker, more adult-oriented alternative to Buffy and was scheduled at 9pm on US TV. The BBC screened Buffy at 6pm on BBC2, with huge cuts in some of the violence. But - crucially - they also scheduled an uncut late night repeat. Channel 4 made no such provision for Angel, despite advance warnings by fans, and the show was often cut to shreds. However, some of the episodes were still criticised by Ofcom, who ruled they were too inherently frightening for an early evening slot. Channel 4 moved it to late night, but by then, the damage was already done. Disillusioned fans went elsewhere and viewing figures fizzled, so the channel dropped it. Their spectacular mis-management had doomed it to failure from the outset.

Third Watch fans have despaired over the way that show has been treated. The first few seasons were run in the middle of the night, and subsequent seasons have been played (and endlessly re-played) in early mornings or afternoon, where this blatantly adult show - scheduled at 9pm in the US - has been cut to ribbons. Even the mildest bit of violence is cut, reducing some scenes to nonsensical shadows of their former selves, and completely diluting the dramatic flow. Now, Channel 4 has taken to scheduling adult-oriented films during the day (cf. THE TOWERING INFERNO, EYE OF THE NEEDLE, etc.) and cutting them to bits, without advising vie