16 What is Allen's stand on letterboxing of videotapes?
Description
This article is from the Woody Allen FAQ, by BrYan Westbrook westbrok@hsnp.com with numerous contributions by others.
16 What is Allen's stand on letterboxing of videotapes?
Manhattan is generally considered to have been the first movie ever
released in letterbox format. Although Mr. Allen has not issued an official
statement on the issue, he did sue a European television station for
broadcasting a panned-and scanned version of Manhattan.
No other Woody Allen films were shot in the wide screen Panavision process.
Allen is also notorious for his movies having boom mikes in the "safe area"
above the top of the screen. This is a part of the frame that is not
visible in normal film presentation but appears during panned-and-scanned
video transfers. For an example, watch closely during the cabin scenes in
Annie Hall.
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