Sky+ Movies Aspect Ratios

[PatrickS]

Why is there a variation in the aspect ratios that Sky Movies use for projection of their movies?

Nearly all modern movies are shot at 1.85.1 or 2.35.1. This should really mean that most movies will show with an element of black framing on the top and bottom of the frame to keep the correct perspective.

However a really sizeable proportion of Sky Movies are shown full frame (16.9) which does not show the film as it was meant to be seen.

Is it that Sky are given digital video copies in this 16.9 format by the film distributors to preserve DVD sales and that full 2.35.1 presentations are only given when the movie would be technically not viable to been seen in 16.9?

We pay a lot of money to Sky each month and there is no real reason why we should not have full theatrical aspect ratio on every movie that shows on Sky Movies 1, 2 & 3 together with Dolby Digital which is absolutely standard on every print. There are far too many Dolby Surround soundtracks being used in current output on those channels.

Patrick

[Starburst]

To all intents and purposes 16:9 is 1.85:1


The term "full frame" is traditionally given to source material that fills a 4:3 display either through being filmed that way or using pan&scan to resize the source material.

The movie/tv industry in league with the manufacturers of televisions agreed that 16:9 was a ratio suitable for the cinema and home display. This of course does not stop directors from using 2.35:1 for movies which of course will be 16:9 protected for the money making DVD and TV sales.
I've never really checked when a SKY 16:9 presentation of a movie has been sourced from a 2.35:1 ratio cinema print, it would be interesting to see how many are "adjusted" for TV broadcasting.
As for DD5.1 audio then yes every movie that has that soundtrack should be broadcast with in intact BUT that would mean more satellite capacity and more playout machines capable of supporting that format and SKY do not spend money unless it brings more money in.

[gmt steve]

To all intents and purposes 16:9 is 1.85:1

Mmm, there is still some cropping involved, 16.9 is actually 1.78:1.
This ratio was chosen for widescreen Tv's because it is halfway between 1.33:1 and 2.35:1.
If a 1.85:1 is shown in 1.33:1 then you should be able to zoom it (albiet with a lose of resolution) to fit a 16.9 tv and still see what was shown theatrically. This is because most 1.85:1 films are shot with a soft matt; the whole of the 35mm frame is exposed and it is only matted to 1.85:1 when projected. So the 1.33:1 version actually has more content at the top and bottom of the frame.
Only 2.35:1 films are actually 'panned and scanned' causing a different look to what the director originally intended.

[Starburst]

Originally posted by gmt steve
Mmm, there is still some cropping involved, 16.9 is actually 1.78:1.

Never
Good job I used a calculator to confirm the figure so when I used the term "to all intents and purposes" I wasn't confusing the pure maths with the actual practical application

[gmt steve]

You needed a calculator?

[Starburst]

To divide 16 by 9 to two decimal places?
Yes