Posted by <normanstrong on 10/21/05 15:55

It may be necessary to letterbox a movie in order to see the entire frame,
but it isn't a good thing. I've never seen a letterboxed picture in a movie
theater. I'd certainly ask for my money back if a movie were to be
presented that way. Apparently theater owners agree with me, since they
always fill the screen, regardless of what difference there might be between
the aspect ratio of the screen and that of the film.

When I watch a 2.35:1 letterboxed picture on my 4:3 television I'm acutely
aware of the arbitrary cut in the vertical direction. When you see a head
cut off that clearly could have been shown in its entirety you have a
slightly unpleasant reaction. At least I do.

Norm Strong

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