3.5.4 35mm Anamorphic Frame (Motion Picture Formats - release prints intended for projection)
Description
This article is from the rec.arts.movies.tech FAQ, by Scott E. Norwood snorwood@nyx.nyx.net with numerous contributions by others.
3.5.4 35mm Anamorphic Frame (Motion Picture Formats - release prints intended for projection)
This frame is nearly the same size as the 1.15:1 frame used just after
the introduction of sound-on-film, and represents the most efficient
use of film area possible, while allowing space for a soundtrack. The
2.0x `unsqueeze' achieved during the projection of the film with an
anamorphic lens provides one of several aspect ratios, depending upon
the projector mask to be used.
The first CinemaScope (tm) (anamorphic) feature was The Robe, released
by Fox in 1953. These prints were made with tiny `Fox hole'
perforations, and contained four tracks of magnetic sound (quite
impressive, particularly in a time when most movie-goers had not even
heard regular stereo!). Due to the narrow perforations, an aspect
ratio of 2.55:1 was achieved for early Cinemascope (tm) pictures,
including The Robe, the first Cinemascope (tm) production.
In 1956, the 'scope ratio was narrowed to 2.35:1 in order to
accommodate both magnetic and optical tracks on the same print (so
that it could be shown in theaters not yet equipped with magnetic
sound equipment). This ratio was retained until 1971, when the height
was reduced slightly, resulting in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, in order to
better hide lab splices.
In 1994, the height and width were reduced proportionally, retaining
the 2.39:1 aspect ratio, which is the current standard.
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