List of 35mm features released in 1.37 after 1953: Difference between revisions

List of 35mm features released in 1.37 after 1953 (view source)

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 ===Rules of thumb===
 * The big one: Soft-matted widescreen is easily mistaken for full-frame 1.37 - don't be fooled!
+* Also don't doubt your eyes. The best test of an aspect ratio theory is how it looks on screen (or, in a pinch, on the bench). Test a reel while switching up on aperture plates & lenses. The opening credits and title card are often the best frames to eyeball.
 * Films originally released for TV exhibition or on 16mm are more likely than others to be natively 1.37
+* With very few exceptions, Hollywood films made after 1953 are intended to be projected in widescreen aspect ratios
 * With very few exceptions, Japanese films made before the late 1970s are either 1.37 or 'scope
-===Note on films from the 1950s===
+===Note on American films from the 1950s===
-Some films made in the late 1950s, after the rise of widescreen, can be played in either 1.37 or widescreen without suffering. In some cases there is an obvious correct choice. However, during this transitional period many films were framed by their makers with the expectation that they would play in both widescreen cinemas and in cinemas that hadn't yet updated their equipment for widescreen. (For more about this history, see Kyle Westphal's essay "[http://www.northwestchicagofilmsociety.org/2012/07/02/invasion-of-the-aspect-ratios/ Invasion of the Aspect Ratios]").
+Some American films made in the late 1950s, after the rise of widescreen, can be played in either 1.37 or widescreen without suffering. In most cases there is an obvious correct choice.
-Lively debate about the "correct" aspect ratio exists around many films from this period. In situations where the correct choice is unclear, we recommend considering (1) how the print looks on the bench or on the screen (perhaps looking at the film through the aperture plates for the ratios you're considering), (2) historical resources and primary sources (such as interviews with the film director), (3) what it says on the film can or film leader, and (4) what the consensus among other third parties seems to be (check IMDb, look at home video releases, and try searching for your film's title and the phrase "aspect ratio").
+Nonetheless, there is much lively debate among cinephiles about the "correct" aspect ratio of many films from this period. We recommend that projectionists steer clear of these discussions! Instead, focus on the print in front of you (especially any references to aspect ratio written on or printed into the leader) and on primary sources (such as interviews with the filmmaker or historical promotions material).
-===Filmmakers to watch out for===
-Films directed by these filmmakers are in 1.37 often enough that it's worth noting:
-* Jean-Luc Godard
-* Eric Rohmer
-* Gus Van Sant
 ==List of films==
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 * David Bordwell: "[http://www.davidbordwell.net/blog/2007/12/14/godard-comes-in-many-shapes-and-sizes/ Godard comes in many shapes and sizes]" (2007, University of Wisconsin-Madison)
 * Joe Beres: "[http://blogs.walkerart.org/filmvideo/2008/03/20/paranoid-parks-aspect-ratio/ Paranoid Park’s aspect ratio conundrum]" (2008, Walker Art Center)
-* Kyle Westphal: "[http://www.northwestchicagofilmsociety.org/2012/07/02/invasion-of-the-aspect-ratios/ Invasion of the Aspect Ratios]" (2012, Northwest Chicago Film Society)
+* Bob Furmanek: "[http://www.3dfilmarchive.com/home/widescreen-documentation The New Era of Screen Dimensions]" and "[http://www.3dfilmarchive.com/the-first-year-of-widescreen The First Year of Widescreen Production]"
+* Kyle Westphal: "[http://www.northwestchicagofilmsociety.org/2012/07/02/invasion-of-the-aspect-ratios/ Invasion of the aspect ratios]" (2012, Northwest Chicago Film Society)
 [[Category:Resources]]
 [[Category:Film prints]]
 [[Category:Showmanship]]