3D Blu-rays with expanded or variable aspect ratio & frame breaking effects [IMAX]

[Telegram Sam]

Originally Posted by Regislive

Just watched Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 3 - 3D from Japan and it has a ton of aspect ratio changes throughout the whole movie... ...I was super excited to see aspect ratio changes but when I saw the frame breaking was I love 3D!

Genuine question (and same question to anyone else - which I get the feeling is maybe a majority of people on this forum):

Why do you like aspect ratio changes?

Is it because you prefer one of the ratios over the other, and are glad to see that one appear from time to time (most people, I think, seem to prefer 1.78:1, or something similar)?

Or is it because you enjoy the moment when the image "expands" to fill the screen (and I do specifically mean the moment, rather than the entire sequence)?

Perhaps both of the above, and other reasons too?

Another assumption: You're watching on a 1.78:1 screen?

Like I say, it's a genuine question, and I'm not for one moment knocking your appreciation of AR changes, but I am honestly curious as to what it is about this film-making technique that you & others like.

(For what it's worth - and I suspect not very much - I'm not a fan of AR shifts. In fact, generally, I loathe them. As always though, to each their own.)

[Regislive]

Originally Posted by Telegram Sam

Why do you like aspect ratio changes?

I wouldn't say I love them but I use masking panels on my screen so I like to know when a movie does it. If I have the masking up to make it a 2.39 screen and then there are AR changes to 1.85 then I end up missing parts of the scene. The masking I have is super light absorbing and I don't always notice there is an AR change until halfway through a movie. That's why I like to know if there are AR changes.

Now frame breaking 3D effects are just freaking awesome! I wish more movies would do those!

I don't know why I left the masking off for this movie but I just had this feeling that I needed to and I'm so happy I did. The first GOTG had some cool frame breaking too.

[Telegram Sam]

Originally Posted by Regislive

I wouldn't say I love them but I use masking panels on my screen so I like to know when a movie does it. If I have the masking up to make it a 2.39 screen and then there are AR changes to 1.85 then I end up missing parts of the scene. The masking I have is super light absorbing and I don't always notice there is an AR change until halfway through a movie. That's why I like to know if there are AR changes.

Now frame breaking 3D effects are just freaking awesome! I wish more movies would do those!

I don't know why I left the masking off for this movie but I just had this feeling that I needed to and I'm so happy I did. The first GOTG had some cool frame breaking too.

Hi Regislive. Thanks for the response - and it certainly wasn't an answer I was expecting! Like you, I absolutely appreciate the benefits and importance of screen masking to fit aspect ratio - and I'd always felt that that was my main reason for disliking in-film AR switching. Perhaps it's (what I see as) the gimmickry of it that I dislike just as much.

I do agree that frame-breaking effects can be very pleasing. Personally, I think that the best way of doing these is by stealthily introducing a reduced screen size just before the screen breaking moment: This is the way it was done in TS Spivet, for example, and thus still allowed for a 2.35:1 film to be watched correctly masked.

I'd also add that I think it's the moment that the AR expands that's most impressive; that sudden jot of getting a more expansive picture. Again, personally, I think if it was a predominantly 1.85:1 movie that occasionally widened to 2.35:1 it would be equally as impressive - probably even more so - but, of course, that's not going to be TV-shape friendly.

[DVS3D]

Originally Posted by Regislive

Now frame breaking 3D effects are just freaking awesome! I wish more movies would do those!

The new conversion of "Plan 9 from Outer Space" has multiple frame breaking shots and pop out moments, as one would expect from an Ed Wood classic!

There's also a 2.5D version on the Intergalactic Ultratoontastic Special Edition Disc with even more frame breaking effects for viewers who may not have suitable 3D viewing equipment!

Find out more here.

[WaverBoy]

Originally Posted by DVS3D

The new conversion of "Plan 9 from Outer Space" has multiple frame breaking shots and pop out moments, as one would expect from an Ed Wood classic!

There's also a 2.5D version on the Intergalactic Ultratoontastic Special Edition Disc with even more frame breaking effects for viewers who may not have suitable 3D viewing equipment!

Find out more here.

The extra tasty EyePop/Plan D disc of Plan 9 is the only way I’ll watch it from now on! All 3-D compatible Ed Wood fans should have it in their collection.

[Block-Busted]

I've heard that one of the Resident Evil films had at least 1 or 2 3D frame break effects. Is it true or no?

[Jlardonio]

Originally Posted by Block-Busted

I've heard that one of the Resident Evil films had at least 1 or 2 3D frame break effects. Is it true or no?

I have Afterlife and The Final Chapter and both don't have frame breaks.

[Block-Busted]

I would like to know if any of these films have opening/closing credits shown in IMAX aspect ratio:
-The Amazing Spider-Man
-Riddick
-Ant-Man and the Wasp
-Alita: Battle Angel
-Captain Marvel
-Eternals
-Uncharted
-Creed 3
-The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snake

To give you guys some contexts, these films have their credits presented in IMAX aspect ratio:
-TRON: Legacy

Tron Legacy End Titles - YouTube

-Aquaman

Aquaman end credits - YouTube

-Spider-Man: Far from Home

Marvel Studios' Spider-Man: Far From Home - End Credits Main on End Title Sequence - YouTube

-Thor: Love and Thunder

Marvel Studios' Thor: Love and Thunder - End Credits Main On End Title Sequence - YouTube

-Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

OFFICIAL Marvel Studios' Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania Main On End Credits Title Sequence - YouTube

...while these films do not:
-Thor: Ragnarok

Marvel Studios' THOR: RAGNAROK End Credits Main on End Title Sequence Design - YouTube

-Black Widow

Marvel Studios' Black Widow - Opening Credits - YouTube

-Lightyear

Disney & Pixar's Lightyear: End Credits Main On End Title Sequence Designed by Perception - YouTube

-Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

OFFICIAL Marvel Studios' Black Panther: Wakanda Forever End Credits Main on End Title Sequence - YouTube

-The Marvels

Official Marvel Studios' The Marvels: End Credits Title Sequence - YouTube

In a similar vein, I would like to know if any of those 9 films have their animated opening/closing credits presented in IMAX aspect ratio as well.

[TheHutt]

Originally Posted by Tonppa

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
3D movies that had aspect ratio changes and/or frame breaking effects at the theatres, but which are not present on the 3D Blu-ray release.

...

- Mission Impossible: Fallout (2018)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version has aspect ratio changes (2.39:1 <-> 2.10 <-> 1.90:1). No 3D blu-ray release available. Click this for IMAX featurette.

...

I'll keep on updating this list!

Time to update this list, it seems. Turbine's Mission Impossible Fallout 3D release (September 2024) features IMAX scenes in 1.90:1.

[Block-Busted]

Originally Posted by Tonppa

Here's a list of 3D blu-rays that have changing aspect ratio and/or frame breaking effects to enhance the viewing experience.
Click

[Show spoiler](Not this one. The spoiler tags next to the title. )

to see more information.

Updated July the 26th 2023

3D BLU-RAYS WITH ASPECT RATIO CHANGES

- Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

[Show spoiler]- Several aspect ratio changes (2.39:1 <-> 1.90:1), starting at 0:01:00

- Black Panther (2018)

[Show spoiler]- Several aspect ratio changes (1.90:1 <-> 2.39:1), starting at 0:01:50. There's one nice frame opening at 0:49:12.

- Black Widow (2021)

[Show spoiler]- Three scenes in 1.90:1 (0:37:06 - 0:42:02, 0:57:02 - 1:01:38 and 1:49:52 - 2:01:52; the last aspect ratio change (at 1:49:52) opens up very nicely!), the rest of the movie is in 2.39.1

- Captain America - Civil War (2016)

[Show spoiler]- Changes from 2.39:1 to 1.90:1 between 1:28:25 - 1:45:38

- Captain Marvel (2019)

[Show spoiler]- Several aspect ratio changes (2.39:1 <-> 1.90:1), starting at 0:00:45Click this for IMAX featurette.

- Doctor Strange (2016)

[Show spoiler]- Several aspect ratio changes (2.39:1 <-> 1.90:1), starting at 0:02:43. There's a smooth 8 second change at 0:04:26. Total of 69 minutes of IMAX scenes.

- Ghostbusters (2016)

[Show spoiler]- One aspect ratio change (2.39:1 <-> 1.78:1) between 1:39:58 - 1:40:55, and a "frame tilt" at 0:52:02 - 0:52:04. Also excessive frame breaking effects. The aspect ratio change is also in the 2D releases.

- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

[Show spoiler]- Constantly changes from 2.40:1 <-> 1.78:1, starting at 0:04:05. Also two frame breaking effects.

- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

[Show spoiler]- Constantly changes from 2.39:1 <-> 1.90:1, starting at 0:07:50. Also seven frame breaking effects.

- Life of Pi (2012)

[Show spoiler]- Changes from 1.85:1 to 2.35:1 for one scene (1:14:31 - 1:16:26, with frame breaking effects), and from 1.85:1 to 1.37:1 for one scene at 1:23:09 - 1:23:27)

- Mojin: The Lost Legend (2015)

[Show spoiler]- Three aspect ratio changes 2.35:1 <-> 1.85:1. Includes 51:25 of scenes in 1.85:1: 0:01:28 - 0:06:11, 1:01:23 - 1:08:15 & 1:25:09 - 2:04:58. At theaters the aspect ratio changes were seen in both IMAX and DCP presentations.

- Monsters vs Aliens (2009)

[Show spoiler]- Aspect ratio change during the end credits? TBC

- Oz the Great and Powerful (2012)

[Show spoiler]- Movie starts in 1.33:1 aspect ratio (in black & white, within the 2.35:1 area) then expands to 2.35:1 (and color) at 0:20:35. Also two frame breaking effects and exclusive 3D effect shot.

- Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

[Show spoiler]- Constantly changes between 2.39:1 <-> 1.90:1, starting at 0:04:39

- Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)

[Show spoiler]- Constantly changes between 1.90:1 <-> 2.07:1 <-> 2.40:1, starting at 0:02:28

- Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)

[Show spoiler]- Constantly changes between 1.90:1 <-> 2.40:1 in eight different aspect ratios, starting at 0:00:58. The aspect ratio changes are also in the 2D releases.

- Tron: Legacy (2010)

[Show spoiler]- Constantly changes between 2.35:1 <-> 1.78:1, starting at 0:23:51. Also some scenes are in 2D.

- Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

[Show spoiler] - Opening and ending scenes are in 1.90:1 (0:00:00 - 0:11:13 and 2:22:32 - 2:25:35). Rest of the movies is in 2.39:1.

3D BLU-RAYS WITH FRAME BREAKING EFFECTS

- Amphibious 3D (2010)

[Show spoiler]- At 1:22:04 the 1.85:1 aspect ratio changes slowly to around 2.10:1, then there is a "frame breaking effect" at 1:22:11 - 1:22:15

- Despicable Me 2 (2013)

[Show spoiler]- Part of the end credits change from 1.85:1 to 2.35:1 - 3.15:1 with "frame breaking effects"

- Escape From Planet Earth (2013)

[Show spoiler]- Some frame breaking effects? TBC

- G-Force (2009)

[Show spoiler]- Excessive frame breaking effects throughout the movie (movie aspect ratio 2.35:1)

- Ghostbusters (2016)

[Show spoiler]- Excessive frame breaking effects, starting at 0:18:25. Also one aspect ratio change. The frame breakings are also in the 2D releases.

- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

[Show spoiler]- Two frame breaking effects at 0:50:37 and 1:09:01. Also aspect ratio changes.

- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

[Show spoiler]- Frame breaking effects at 0:39:57, 0:39:59, 0:42:04, 0:48:05, 1:10:28, 1:15:03 and 2:03:12. Also aspect ratio changes.

- Happy Family 4D (2016) (short film)

[Show spoiler]- One "freame breaking effect"

- LEGO Batman Movie, The (2017)

[Show spoiler]- Two "frame breaking effects", one between 0:40:10 - 0:40:17 and one quick at 1:36:49

- LEGO Ninjago Movie, The (2017)

[Show spoiler]- Between 1:16:29 - 1:16:47 the 2.35:1 aspect ratio changes to around 3.10:1 and there are few "frame breaking" effects

- Life of Pi (2012)

[Show spoiler]- One scene with frame breaking effects between 1:14:31 - 1:16:26. Also two aspect ratio changes.

- Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

[Show spoiler]- Two quick "frame breaking effects" at 0:03:56 & 0:27:12

- Minions (2015)

[Show spoiler]- After the end credits (at 1:28:24) the bottom part of the 1.85:1 picture gets matted to black. There are some excellent "frame breaking" effects (and pop outs!) between 1:28:59 - 1:30:41.

- Oz the Great and Powerful (2012)

[Show spoiler]- Two frame breaking effects at 0:02:55 & 0:20:21. Also aspect ratio change and exclusive 3D effect shot.

- Penguings of Madagascar (2014)

[Show spoiler]- At least one quick "frame breaking effect" between 0:05:24 - 0:05:28 where the 1.78:1 aspect ratio switches to 2.35:1.

- Pixels (2015)

[Show spoiler]- Few quick "frame breaking effects" at 0:33:38, 1:07:45 - 1:07:51, 1:08:03 and 1:08:06. Then between 1:11:04 - 1:11:06 the 2.35:1 aspect ratio quickly narrows to 2.50:1 and then back to 2.35:1, and there's a quick "frame breaking" in between.

- Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014)

[Show spoiler]- There are few "frame breaking effects". Between 1:03:36 - 1:03:38, 1:14:25 - 1:14:28 and 1:30:37 - 1:30:39 the 1.85:1 aspect ratio changes either to 2.00:1 (only the top or bottom part of the picture is matted) or to 2.20:1, and then there are "frame breaking effects".

- The Stewardesses (1969)

[Show spoiler]- One silly "frame breaking effect" between 0:01:30 - 0:01:41

- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)

[Show spoiler]- One "frame breaking effect": Between 1:23:24 - 1:23:43 the 2.35:1 aspect ratio slowly changes to 2.75:1, and then there is a "frame breaking effect". After that the aspect ratio changes back to 2.35:1.

- The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet (2013)

[Show spoiler]- Few "frame breaking effects". At 0:04:00, 0:14:27, 0:16:09 and 1:16:07 the 2.35:1 aspect ratio slowly changes to around 2.75:1/2.90:1, and then there are a "frame breaking effects" between 0:04:07 - 0:04:09, 0:14:31 - 0:14:34, 0:16:13 - 0:16:16 and 1:16:08 - 1:16:13.

3D BLU-RAYS WITH EXPANDED ASPECT RATIO

- Flying Swords of Dragon Gate (2011)

[Show spoiler]- Hong Kong Limited Edition is presented in 1.78:1 (vs 2.39:1). Aspect ratio in IMAX theaters was 1.90:1.

- I, Robot (2004)

[Show spoiler]- The 3D conversion released in 2012 is presented in 1.78:1. Aspect ratio of the original 2D version is 2.35:1.

- Jumper (2008)

[Show spoiler]- The 3D conversion released in 2013 is presented in 1.78:1. Aspect ratio of the original 2D version is 2.35:1.

- The Mermaid (2016)

[Show spoiler]- Hong Kong 3D Blu-ray is presented in 1.90:1 as it was presented in Chinese theaters (both regular and IMAX). For unknown reason the aspect ratio of the UK/US 2D version is 2.35:1.

- Titanic (1997)

[Show spoiler]- The 3D conversion released in 2012 is presented in 1.78:1. Aspect ratio of the original 2D version is 2.35:1.

3D BLU-RAYS WITH EXCLUSIVE EFFECTS/SCENES

- Oz the Great and Powerful (2012)

[Show spoiler]- At 0:25:27 there's a POV pop out shot; On 2D versions the shot is shown from side perspective. Also includes aspect ratio change and frame breaking effects.

UPCOMING 3D BLU-RAYS WITH ASPECT RATIO CHANGES / FRAME BREAKING EFFECTS (tbc)

-


MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
3D movies that had aspect ratio changes and/or frame breaking effects at the theatres, but which are not present on the 3D Blu-ray release.

- Alita: Battle Angel (2019)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version has 40 minutes of IMAX scenes (1.90:1). Unfortunately the 3D Blu-ray is locked at 2.39:1.Click this for IMAX comparison

- The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version had aspect ratio changes (2.35:1 <-> 1.78:1 (digital) / 1.44:1 (70mm))

- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version has aspect ratio changes (1.90:1 / 2.39:1). The Japanese 3D Blu-ray does not.

- Aquaman (2018)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version has aspect ratio changes. The 2D blu-ray and 4K UHD have those too, but unfortunately the aspect ratio on 3D blu-ray is locked at 2.39:1. NOTE: The UK release (with BBFC 12 rating) is censored; Four minor blood spurts are missing. Click this for IMAX comparison

- Avengers: Endgame (2019)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version is opened to 1.90:1 aspect ratio (vs 2.39:1)

- The Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version is opened to 1.90:1 aspect ratio (vs 2.39:1). Click this for IMAX featurette.

- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version has aspect ratio changes (2.39:1 <-> 1.90:1 (digital) / 1.43:1 (70mm)), the 3D Blu-ray doesn't. The second UHD release has aspect ratio changes (2.39:1 <-> 1.43:1). Click this for IMAX featurette.

- Beauty and the Beast (2017)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version is opened to 1.90:1 aspect ratio (vs 2.35:1). Click this for IMAX featurette.

- Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version is opened to 1.90:1 aspect ratio (vs 2.35:1); only the opening and end credits were in 2.35:1. Click this for IMAX featurette.

- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version is opened to 1.90:1 aspect ratio. All the other releases including the 3D Blu-ray are in 2.39:1. Click this for IMAX trailer.

- Dune Part 1 (2021)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version has aspect ratio changes (2.39:1 <-> 1.90:1 (digital) / 1.43:1 (laser). Total of 61 minutes of IMAX scenes.

- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version had frame breaking effects. The 3D blu-ray doesn't.Click this for IMAX featurette.

- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version had extensive frame breaking. The 3D blu-ray doesn't.

- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version was opened to 2.00:1 aspect ratio (vs 2.35:1)

- The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version was opened to 2.00.1 aspect ratio (vs 2.35:1)

- The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version was opened to 2.00:1 aspect ratio (vs 2.35:1)

- I, Frankenstein (2014)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version was opened to 1.90:1 aspect ratio (vs 2.35:1). Click this for IMAX featurette.

- Jurassic World (2015)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version was opened to 1.90:1 aspect ratio (vs 2.00:1)

- Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version has aspect ratio changes (2.39:1 <-> 1.90:1). No 3D blu-ray release available.

- The Lion King (2019)

[Show spoiler]- The laser IMAX version has aspect ratio changes (1.90:1 <-> 1.43:1), the 3D blu-ray is locked at 1.78:1

- Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version is opened to 1.90:1 aspect ratio (vs 2.39:1). Unfortunately the 3D blu-ray isn't.Click this for IMAX trailer.

- Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version was opened to 1.90:1 aspect ratio (vs 2.39:1). No 3D blu-ray release available. Click this for IMAX featurette.

- Mission Impossible: Fallout (2018)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version has aspect ratio changes (2.39:1 <-> 2.10 <-> 1.90:1). No 3D blu-ray release available. Click this for IMAX featurette.

- No Time to Die (2021)

[Show spoiler] - The IMAX version has aspect ratio changes. No 3D blu-ray release available.

- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales / Salazar's Revenge (2017)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version was opened to 1.90:1 aspect ratio (vs 2.35:1) Click this for IMAX featurette.

- Prometheus (2012)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version was part opened, part cropped. The aspect ratio was opened to 1.90:1 (digital) / 1.66:1 (70mm) (vs 2.35:1).

- Seventh Son (2014)

[Show spoiler]- The opening scene in IMAX version was opened up 1.90:1 aspect ratio; rest of the movie was in 2.39:1

- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version was opened to 1.90:1 aspect ratio (vs 2.39:1)

- Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version had aspect ratio changes (2.39:1 <-> 1.90:1)

- Star Trek: Into Darkness (2013)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version had aspect ratio changes (2.39:1 <-> 1.90:1 (digital) / 1.44:1 (70mm)). One 2D blu-ray and the UHD release have changing aspect ratio. Click this for IMAX featurette.

- Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version had one 5 minute aspect ratio change (2.39:1 <-> 1.90:1 (digital) / 1.44:1 (70mm)) Click this for IMAX featurette.

- Underworld: Awakening (2012)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version was opened to 1.90:1 aspect ratio (vs 2.35:1)

- Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon (2013)

[Show spoiler]- The IMAX version was opened to 1.90:1 aspect ratio (vs 2.35:1)

I'll keep on updating this list!

THANK YOU (in alphabetical order): Biss Skyler Bluray, BozQ, Breakspear, cinerama, dvdfever, Freakyguy666, GKintz, grayg007007, Jonnyxll, kidglov3s, MattMN, Movieman66, nycomet, Paul H, rwc, Scorpion Soldier, silentbob, Smaugone, Suntory_Times, the13thman, UFAlien

I have a question. Where did you hear that The Amazing Spider-Man has 1.43:1 scenes?

[cdx47]

Originally Posted by Block-Busted

I have a question. Where did you hear that The Amazing Spider-Man has 1.43:1 scenes?

This movie is described in the post as a "missed opportunity" for screen ratio changes and frame breaks. I also quickly scanned the whole movie frame by frame and saw no ratio changes.

[Block-Busted]

Originally Posted by cdx47

This movie is described in the post as a "missed opportunity" for screen ratio changes and frame breaks. I also quickly scanned the whole movie frame by frame and saw no ratio changes.

Well, it DOES seem to be true that the film still had at least 1.78:1 IMAX aspect ratio scenes for IMAX screenings. My question is whether it actually got expanded to 1.43:1 or not. :P

[Block-Busted]

One correction about Star Trek Into Darkness. The film's IMAX aspect ratio was 1.66:1, not 1.43:1.