Disney & Pixar Blu-ray Master List With Aspect Ratios Explained!

[that1guystudios]

UPDATE: It's now the 10th Anniversary of the original post! I've added quite a bit of new information below!
NEW: A "+" at the end of the title denotes a title available in 4K Exclusively on Disney+

Many of the Disney Animated films have been presented in differing and sometimes compromised aspect ratios
on Home Video throughout the years. The following is a Master List of the Disney and Pixar Animated Films from
1937-2019 listed in Theatrical Release Order, grouped together by the Original Aspect Ratio & Sound Format with detailed notes.


WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS - FEATURE FILMS (1937-2019):
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FILMED IN 1.37:1 ACADEMY RATIO and Released Theatrically with Monophonic Sound (Except Fantasia*)

Note: This group of films are all presented in their original 1.33:1 aspect ratio on Home Video.

1937 - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Blu-Ray Releases: Diamond 10/06/09, Signature 02/02/16
1940 - Pinocchio - Blu-Ray Releases: Platinum 03/10/09, Signature 01/31/17 (Disc Recall on Original Platinum for Audio Error)
1940 - Fantasia - (*Released in "Fantasound" 4-Channel Stereo) - Blu-ray 2-Pack Release: 11/30/10 - IN VAULT
1941 - Dumbo - Blu-Ray Releases: 70th Anniversary 09/20/11, 75th Anniversary 04/26/2016
1942 - Bambi (1942) - Blu-Ray Releases: Diamond 03/01/11, Signature 06/06/17
1942 - Saludos Amigos - Blu-ray 2-Pack Disney Movie Club Exclusive Release: 01/30/18
1944 - Three Caballeros - Blu-ray 2-Pack Disney Movie Club Exclusive Release: 01/30/18
1946 - Make Mine Music - Available in Censored DVD Version Only - No HD Release
1947 - Fun and Fancy Free - Blu-ray 2-Pack Release w/Adv. of Ichabod & Mr. Toad: 07/12/14
1948 - Melody Time - Available in Censored DVD Version Only - No HD Release
1949 - Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad - Blu-ray Release: 08/12/14
1950 - Cinderella - Blu-Ray Releases: Diamond Edition 10/02/12, Signature Edition 6/2/19
1951 - Alice in Wonderland - Blu-Ray Releases: 70th Anniversary 02/01/11, 75th Anniversary 04/26/2016
1953 - Peter Pan - Blu-Ray Releases: Diamond 02/05/13, Signature 06/05/18


FILMED IN 2.55:1 WIDESCREEN FORMAT And Released Theatrically with Stereophonic Multi-Channel Sound

1955 - Lady and the Tramp [2.55:1 BD/2.35:1 Limited Issue DVD] - BD Releases: Diamond 7/7/12, Signature 2/2/18
Note: Lady and the Tramp's Theatrical Audio was 3-Channel L-C-R Stereo. Lady in the Tramp also has an alternate 1.37:1 Academy Ratio Version. It features recomposed layouts different from the 2.55:1 version. It has only been released once, on this particular Laserdisc: https://www.lddb.com/laserdisc/08440...-and-the-Tramp

1959 - Sleeping Beauty [2.55:1 BD/2.20:1 DVD, LD] - BD Releases: Platinum 8/7/08, Diamond 8/7/14, Signature 9/24/19
Note: Sleeping Beauty was Animated & Photographed at 2.55:1. It was cropped on both sides to 2:20:1 for Technirama Release Prints to accommodate the multi-channel soundtrack which was L-C-R + Mono Surround and is presented on the Platinum Blu-ray disc. The Widescreen Laserdisc, VHS and First DVD release use a slightly cropped Technirama-based transfers ranging from 2.25:1 (Laserdisc/VHS) to 2.30:1 (DVD) while the Blu-ray opens up the entire width of the image to the originally photographed 2.55:1. The film was originally released and mixed in 4-Channel Stereo, but is often mislabeled as 6-Channel in Ads.


OPEN-MATTE WIDESCREEN: Negatives were 1.37:1, Matted to 1.75:1 "or less" Per Exhibitor Instructions (Except Dalmatians)
Initial Theatrical Releases were monophonic, Subsequent Stereophonic Re-Releases

There is much debate over the aspect ratio of all of these titles - projectionist instructions of the era stated to matte theatrically at 1.75:1 "or less". Some films often feel cramped at that ratio. Both 1.37:1 and 1.75:1 presentations could be considered "correct." Several of these films are often presented in 1.66:1 as a way to meet in the middle between the two ratios. Additionally, when a 1.66:1 film is presented on a television that has overscan enabled it will crop a 1.66:1 16x9 image to the correct 1.75:1 framing. 101 Dalmatians was the only film in this group to be animated and specifically projected at 1.33:1 and presented on home video at this ratio for every home media release. Some films such as Bambi and Dumbo are also mentioned as being matted to 1.75:1 for re-release in pressbooks from that era, which means Disney was actively encouraging matting these films in that era even though they were clearly composed for 1.33:1.

1961 - 101 Dalmatians [1.33:1 BD/DVD/Theatrical] - BD's: Diam. 2/10/15, DMC Exclusive 11/6/18, Signature 9/24/19
1963 - Sword in the Stone+** [1.75:1 BD, 4K D+/1.33:1 DVD] - Blu-ray Release: 06/06/13, 4K Disney+ 11/12/19
1967 - The Jungle Book** [1.75:1 BD/1.33:1 Limited Issue DVD] - Blu-ray Release: 02/11/14, DMC Exclusive 3/26/19
1970 - The Aristocats [1.66:1 BD/1.33:1 Gold Collection DVD] - Blu-ray Releases: 08/21/12, DMC Exclusive 01/02/18
1973 - Robin Hood [1.66:1 BD/1.33:1 Gold Collection DVD] - Blu-ray Release: 8/6/13
1977 - Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh [1.66:1 BD/1.33:1 DVD] - Blu-ray Release: 08/27/13
1977 - The Rescuers [1.66:1 BD/DVD] - Blu-ray 2-Pack Release: 08/21/12
1981 - Fox and the Hound [1.66:1 BD/1.33:1 Gold Collection DVD] - BD 2-Pack Releases: 08/09/11, 01/31/17, 01/02/18

**Note: Sword in the Stone is available in 4K w/Dolby Vision exclusively on Disney+. The Blu-ray release has a particularly egregious DNR filter applied to the Blu-ray release which wipes away most (if not all) image detail and crops the image to 1.75:1. The previous DVD releases (in 1.33:1) are actually superior to the image quality of the Blu-ray. Some early HD streaming/download presentations of the film present the film in HD and at 1.33:1 without the detail being wiped, but are no longer available. Jungle Book was restored at 1.33:1 by Lowry and the original full screen ratio was used for most home video versions and trailers for the first Blu-ray release. However, the Platinum and Diamond Editions suffer from framing issues when presented at 1.75:1 on Blu-ray. Press materials are not available to confirm the original theatrical ratio for this film. It is likely that prints were sent at 1.33:1 open matte with instructions that the ratio was "not to exceeed 1.75:1" as was customary for Disney press materials at the time.


FILMED IN SUPER TECHNIRAMA 70mm (2.20:1) with 6-Channel Stereophonic Sound

1985 - The Black Cauldron+ [2.20:1 Digital HD] - No Blu-ray Release (4K w/Dolby Vision Exclusively at Disney+ 11/12/19, HD Movies Anywhere)


FILMED FOR STANDARD WIDESCREEN (1.66:1 Full Negative, Composed for 1.85:1 Theatrical Ratio with Dolby Stereo Surround)

1986 - Great Mouse Detective [1.78:1 BD/1.66:1 DVD] - Blu-ray Release: 10/09/12
1988 - Oliver & Company [1.85:1 BD/1.66:1 DVD] - Blu-ray Release: 8/6/13
1989 - Little Mermaid [1.78:1 UHD, 2D+3D BD/1.66:1 Limited Issue DVD] - 2D/3D BD Releases: 10/01/13, 4K UHD w/HDR + Atmos 2/26/19
Note: Mermaid Diamond Edition 2D Version had a Disc Replacement Program in place to correct several errors. 3D Versions were never corrected.


ANIMATED IN COMPUTER AT 1.60:1 USING CAPS AT 2K RESOLUTION, MATTED TO 1.85:1 FOR THEATRICAL RELEASE***
w/5.1 DOLBY/DTS Theatrical Mixes Unless Noted

Special Note About the C.A.P.S. (Computer Animation Production System) Process:
Caps was a revolutionary computer animation system. It utilized a 1.60:1 Aspect Ratio wherein all elements shown on screen were able to maintain a resolution of 2K - just slightly higher than 1080p. Little Mermaid was the first film to test the CAPS process which was used on only one shot - the rainbow shot at the end of the film. Rescuers Down Under was the first full length feature to utilize the CAPS system for the entire production. All films animated using CAPS have been released on Blu-ray utilizing the original CAPS digital files as the source with the exception of Rescuers Down Under - it's Blu-ray release is a high quality scan of a film-out transfer. An all-digital caps presentation has never been released, but some all-digital CAPS sequences from the film can be seen in the HD streaming documentary Waking Sleeping Beauty. Home On the Range was the last film animated using the CAPS system. Following Home on the Range the titles were animated using "Toon Boom Harmony" software before Disney moved to an all-CG platform for future animated films.

1990 - The Rescuers Down Under [1.66:1 BD/DVD] - Blu-ray 2-Pack Release: 08/21/12 (Dolby Stereo)
1991 - Beauty & the Beast+ [1.78:1 2D BD, 3D BD, 4K/1.66:1 LD/1.85:1 DVD/1.55:1 IMAX] - BD: Diamond 10/5/10, 3D 10/4/11, Sig. 9/20/16, 4K Disney+ w/Dolby Vision+Atmos 11/12/19, 4K UHD w/HDR-10+Atmos 3/10/20 (Dolby Stereo)
1992 - Aladdin [1.60:1 4K UHD/Signature BD, 1.66:1 LD, DVD, Digital HD/1.85:1 Diamond BD] - Diamond BD 10/13/15, Signature 4K UHD/BD Coming 9/10/19 (1st Disney Theatrical Release in Dolby Digital 5.1)
1994 - Lion King [1.78:1 2D+3D BD/1.85:1 LD/1.66:1 DVD/1.55:1 IMAX] - BD: 2D+3D 10/4/11, Sig. 8/29/17, 4K UHD w/HDR+Atmos 12/4/18
1995 - Pocahontas [1.78:1 BD Theatrical Cut/1.66:1 DVD Extended Cut] Blu-ray 2-Pack Releases: 8/21/12, 3/15/16, 2/28/17
1996 - The Hunchback of Notre Dame [1.78:1 BD/1.85:1 LD, DVD] - Blu-ray 2-Pack Release: 3/12/13
1997 - Hercules [1.78:1 BD/1.66:1 DVD w/Incorrect Framing Throughout] - Blu-ray Release: 8/12/14
1998 - Mulan [1.66:1 BD/1.85:1 Limited Issue DVD] - Blu-ray 2-Pack Releases: 3/12/13, 3/15/16, 02/28/17
1999 - Tarzan [1.78:1 BD/1.66:1 DVD] - Blu-ray Release: 6/10/14
1999 - Fantasia 2000 [1.78:1 BD/1.55:1 IMAX/1.85:1 DVD] - Blu-ray 2-Pack Release: 11/30/10 - IN VAULT
2000 - Dinosaur [1.85:1 BD/DVD] - Blu-ray Release: 09/19/06
2000 - The Emperor's New Groove [1.66:1 BD] - Blu-ray 2-Pack Release: 6/11/13

***=Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Lion King and Pocahontas feature Home Video versions that differ significantly from their Original Theatrical Releases. Changes were made to some logos, opening and end credits, background art and character animation - which was revised or re-animated in certain sequences and shots. The soundtracks were also heavily remixed for IMAX/DVD release. Additional songs and scenes were added/approved by the directors for IMAX and/or DVD re-releases in the Mid-2000's. Lion King added "The Morning Report." Beauty added "Human Again." Pocahontas added "If I Never Knew You" and it's subsequent reprise. Aladdin and Pocahontas did not see an actual IMAX release but changes were implemented on DVD releases. Beauty and Lion King were cropped from 1.66:1 to 1.55:1 for IMAX showings. Beauty was released at several film festivals as a work-in-progress and was later released on Laserdisc. An altered version appears as a branching feature on the Platinum Edition DVD and as a PiP supplement on the Diamond Edition Blu-ray. Beauty has undergone several different color palette revisions on home video - even the 3D and 2D Blu-rays sport completely different color palettes. The coloration on the 3D version appears to be the most accurate available in HD. Beauty and the Beast is available in 4K with Dolby Vision+Atmos exclusiveily at Disney+ - it is the theatrical version of the film with the opening Disney logo changed and also contains a shot that was altered for the special edition at the conclusion of "Something There." Beauty, Lion King and Mermaid were converted to 3D maintaining a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Some Dialog/Songs in Aladdin have been censored/altered. Lion King was altered to remove "SFX" from a short shot due to it's appearance to some as "SEX." There is also a shot that is missing some clouds in the Diamond Edition that was corrected for the Signature Release/4K Release and Digital Platforms. The so-called "Theatrical Versions" of Beauty and Lion King on Blu-ray and DVD are still altered in several shots from the original theatrical presentations. Some Digital Streaming platforms show Aladdin in it's original 1.66:1 - typically with the original opening Blue/White Castle Logo that was replaced with the more modern logo on disc - the 1.66:1 transfer shows the entire CAPS image. Aladdin was the first Disney Animated Film released theatrically in Dolby Digital 5.1.See Article: https://variety.com/1992/film/news/d...stereo-101369/ (Special Thanks to PeterTHX and MisterXDTV for this Dolby/Aladdin information/link.)


ANIMATED IN CAPS SYSTEM AT 2.35:1, PROJECTED AT 2.35:1 THEATRICALLY w/5.1 DOLBY/DTS Theatrical Mixes

2001 - Atlantis: The Lost Empire [2.35:1 BD/DVD] - Blu-ray 2-Pack Release: 08/21/12


ANIMATED IN CAPS SYSTEM AT 1.60:1, 2K RESOLUTION, PROJECTED AT 1.66:1 THEATRICALLY w/5.1 DOLBY/DTS Theatrical Mixes

2002 - Lilo & Stitch [1.66:1 BD/DVD] - Blu-ray 2-Pack Release Dates: 6/11/13, 1/31/17
2002 - Treasure Planet [1.66:1 BD/DVD, 1.55:1 IMAX Crop] - Blu-ray Release Date: 04/03/12
2004 - Home on the Range [1.66:1 BD/DVD] - Blu-ray Release Date: 07/03/12


SHIFTING ASPECT RATIOS 1.75:1 for Prologue, and 2.39:1 for remainder with 5.1 Surround

2003 - Brother Bear [Blu-ray preserves Original Shifting Aspect Presentation] - Blu-ray 2-Pack Release Date: 03/12/13


ANIMATED AND PROJECTED THEATRICALLY AT 1.78:1 w/5.1 DOLBY/DTS Theatrical Mixes - ^Denotes a release In "Disney Digital 3D"

2005 - Chicken Little^ [1.78:1 2D/3D BD] - Blu-ray Releases: 3/20/2007, 3D 11/08/11
2007 - Meet the Robinsons^ [1.78:1 2D BD/1.85:1 3D BD] - Blu-ray Releases: 10/23/07, 3D 11/08/11
2008 - Bolt^ [1.78:1 2D/3D BD] - BD Releases: 3/22/09, Sony Exclusive 3D 12/10/10, Retail 3D Release 11/8/11 [5.1 Dolby EX Theatrical - 5.1 DTS HD ES Disc]
2009 - Princess and the Frog [1.78:1 BD] - Releases: BD 3/16/10, 2/28/17, 4K w/HDR-10: 11/5/19
2010 - Tangled^ [1.78:1 2D/3D BD] - Releases: BD & 3D 3/29/11, 4K w/HDR-10: 11/5/19 [7.1 Dolby Theatrical]
2011 - Winnie The Pooh [1.78:1 BD] - Blu-ray Release: 10/25/11 - 1.78:1


ANIMATED AT 2.39:1 with Simultaneous 2D+3D Theatrical Releases and Theatrical Dolby Atmos Sound Mixes*

2012 - Wreck It Ralph [2.39:1 2D/3D BD/UHD] - Releases: BD + 3D 3/5/13, 4K w/HDR-10 11/6/18 [Dolby 7.1 Theatrical]
2013 - Frozen [2.24:1 2D/3D BD, 2.39:1 UHD] - Releases: BD 3/18/14, 3D Intl. Only 3/31/14, 4K w/HDR-10: 10/1/19
2014 - Big Hero 6 [2.39:1 2D/3D BD/UHD] - BD 2/24/15, 3D Intl. Only 5/25/15, 4K w/HDR-10: 11/5/19
2016 - Zootopia [2.39:1 2D/3D BD/UHD] - Releases: BD + 3D 6/7/16, 4K w/HDR-10: 11/5/19
2016 - Moana [2.39:1 2D/3D BD/UHD] - Releases: BD + 3D: 3/7/17, 4K w/HDR-10: 11/5/19
2018 - Ralph Breaks the Internet [2.39:1 2D/3D BD/UHD] - 4K UHD w/HDR10 & BD 2/29/19 Note: 3D Release Exclusive to 4K Japanese Combo Pack!
2019 - Frozen 2 [2.39:1 2D/3D BD/UHD] - 4K UHD w/HDR10 & BD Now Available [3D BD International Only]
2019 - Raya and the Last Dragon [Disc Ratio TBD] - Coming to Theaters Nov '20


THE PIXAR FILMS* WITH ORIGINAL ASPECT RATIOS AND THEATRICAL SOUND MIXES: (*=Denotes A Pixar Title that was re-composed at 1.33:1 for VHS/Fullscreen DVD release)
------------------------------------------------

1995 - Toy Story [1.78:1] - Releases: BD 3/23/10, 3D 11/01/11, 4K w/HDR-10 6/4/19 [5.1 Theatrical]
1998 - A Bug's Life+* [2.35:1] - Releases: BD (2D Only) 5/19/09, 4K w/HDR-10 3/3/20 (Alt. Version composed at 1.33:1 for VHS/DVD Release) [5.1 Theatrical]
1999 - Toy Story 2* [1.78:1] - Releases: BD 3/23/10, 3D 11/1/11, 4K w/HDR-10 6/4/19 [5.1 EX Theatrical]
2001 - Monsters, Inc+* [1.85:1] - Releases: BD 11/10/09, 3D 2/19/13, 4K w/HDR-10 3/3/20 [5.1 EX Theatrical]
2003 - Finding Nemo* [1.78:1] - Releases: BD + 3D 12/4/12, 4K w/HDR-10 9/10/19 [5.1 EX Theatrical]
2004 - The Incredibles* [2.39:1] - Releases: BD (2D Only) 4/12/11, 4K w/HDR-10 6/5/18 [5.1 EX Theatrical]
2006 - Cars* [2.39:1] - Releases: BD 11/6/07, 3D 10/29/13, 4K w/HDR-10 9/10/19 [5.1 EX Theatrical]
2007 - Ratatouille [2.39:1] - Releases: BD 11/6/07, 3D Reg. B Locked 6/21/14, 4K w/HDR-10 9/10/19 [5.1 EX Theatrical]
2008 - Wall-E+ [2.39:1] - Releases: BD (2D Only) 11/18/08, 4K w/HDR-10 3/3/20 [5.1 EX Theatrical]
2009 - Up+ [1.78:1] - Releases: BD 11/10/09, 3D 12/4/12, 4K w/HDR-10 3/3/20 [5.1 EX Theatrical]
2010 - Toy Story 3 [1.78:1] - Releases: BD 3/23/10, 3D 11/1/11, 4K w/HDR-10 6/4/19 [1st Dolby 7.1 Theatrical Release]
2011 - Cars 2 [2.39:1]- Releases: BD 3/23/10, 3D 11/01/11, 4K w/HDR-10 9/10/19 [7.1 Dolby Theatrical]
2012 - Brave [2.39:1]- Releases: BD + 3D 11/13/12, 4K w/HDR-10 9/10/19 [1st Film Theatrically Mixed in Dolby Atmos]
2013 - Monsters University+ [1.85:1] - Releases: BD + 3D Blu-ray 10/29/13, 4K w/HDR-10 3/3/20 [Dolby Atmos Theatrical]
2015 - Inside Out [1.78:1] - Releases: BD + 3D Blu-ray 11/3/15, 4K w/HDR-10 9/10/19 [Dolby Atmos Theatrical]
2016 - The Good Dinosaur [2.39:1] - Releases: BD + 3D Blu-ray 02/23/16, 4K w/HDR-10 9/10/19 [Dolby Atmos Theatrical]
2016 - Finding Dory [1.78:1] - Releases: BD + 3D Blu-ray 11/15/16, 4K w/HDR-10 9/10/19 [Dolby Atmos Theatrical]
2017 - Cars 3 [2.39:1] - Releases: BD 11/7/17, 3D Intl. Only 11/13/17, 4K w/HDR-10 11/7/17 [Dolby Atmos Theatrical]
2017 - Coco [2.39:1] - Releases: BD 2/27/18, 3D Intl. Only 5/21/18, 4K w/HDR-10 2/27/18 [Dolby Atmos Theatrical]
2018 - Incredibles 2 [2.39:1] - Releases: BD 11/6/18, 3D Intl. Only 11/12/18, 4K w/HDR-10 11/6/18 [Dolby Atmos Theatrical]
2019 - Toy Story 4 [2.39:1] - Releases: BD 10/8/19, 3D Intl. Only 10/21/19, 4K w/HDR-10 10/8/19 [Dolby Atmos Theatrical]
2020 - Onward [2.39:1] - Released early on Streaming due to Coronavirus Outbreak - Disc Release TBD [Dolby Atmos Theatrical]
2020 - Soul [TBD] - Coming to Theaters Summer 2020 [Dolby Atmos Theatrical]

ADDITIONAL TITLES WITH SIGNIFICANT INVOLVEMENT FROM WALT DISNEY FEATURE ANIMATION:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1941 - The Reluctant Dragon [1.37:1] - Included in HD as Bonus Feature on Fun and Fancy Free/Ichabod &Mr Toad BD (Mono Theatrical)
1943 - Victory Through Air Power [1.37:1] - No Blu-ray Release Anticipated, DVD Only [Mono Theatrical]
1946 - Song of the South [1.37:1] - No Blu-ray Release Anticipated [Mono Theatrical]
1949 - So Dear to My Heart [1.37:1] - Available in Digital HD on Some Streaming Platforms [Mono Theatrical]
1957 - Mars and Beyond [1.37:1] - Available on "Roving Mars" Blu-ray Release [Mono Theatrical]
1964 - Mary Poppins* [1.75:1] - Available on Blu-ray at 1.66:1 [4-Channel Stereo Theatrical]
1971 - Bedknobs & Broomsticks* [1.75:1] - Available on Blu-ray at 1.66:1 [Mono Theatrical]
1977 - Pete's Dragon* [1.75:1] - Available on Blu-ray at 1.66:1 [Stereo Theatrical]
1982 - TRON [2.20:1] - Available on Blu-ray at 2:20:1 [70mm 6-Track Stereo Theatrical]
1987 - The Brave Little Toaster [Unknown - Likely 1.33:1] - Unavailable in HD, DVD/Laserdisc Only at 1.33:1 [Stereo Theatrical]
1988 - Who Framed Roger Rabbit?+ [1.85:1] - Available on Blu-ray at 1.85:1 [70mm 6-Track Stereo/Dolby Surround 35mm Theatrical, 4K Version on Disney+ w/Dolby Vision+Atmos]
1990 - Ducktales: Treasure of the Lost Lamp [1.66:1] Available in HD at 1.66:1 on Movies Anywhere [Dolby Stereo Theatrical]
1993 - The Nightmare Before Christmas [1.66:1] - Available at 1.66:1 on 2D BD/1.85:1 3D BD [Dolby 5.1 Theatrical]
1995 - A Goofy Movie [1.85:1] - 1.85:1 BD Exclusive to Disney Movie Club, Available in HD on Disney+, DVD P&S 1.33:1. [Dolby 5.1 Theatrical Mix not available on Home Video.]
1996 - James and the Giant Peach [1.66:1] - BD is 1.66:1 [Dolby 5.1 Theatrical]
2005 - Valiant [1.85:1] - Available in 1.85:1 HD on Movies Anywhere [Dolby 5.1 Theatrical]
2006 - The Wild [1.85:1] - Available on Blu-ray at 1.85:1 [Dolby 5.1 Theatrical]
2007 - Enchanted [1.85:1 & 2.39:1 Animation/2.39:1 Live Action] - BD w/Alternating Aspect Ratios. [Dolby 5.1 Theatrical]
2018 - Mary Poppins Returns [2:39:1] - 4K UHD w/HDR-10, BD Released 3/19/19 [Atmos Theatrical Mix]

*= Theatrical Materials point to a 1.75:1 Ratio for these three films. Bedknobs, Poppins and Dragon were all filmed in 1.37:1 but were framed and matted with a 1.75:1 theatrical aspect ratio intended according to vintage press materials. These films are often presented in 1.66:1 as a way to meet in the middle between the two ratios. Additionally when a 1.66:1 film is presented on a television that has overscan enabled it will crop a 1.66:1 16x9 image to the correct 1.75:1 framing. Mary Poppins was released on a Japanese Laserdisc in it's original 1.75:1 presentation - the only version to ever match the theatrical framing exactly.

[that1guystudios]

ORIGINAL DISNEY PRESSBOOKS:

Presented below is the text from several pressbooks from the era. These pressbooks stated the aspect ratio a Disney film should be projected at. Sometimes they gave a range "not to exceed," while at other times they made a strong recommendation. What is most interesting is that during re-releases of some films the projectionists were instructed to matte/crop 1.33:1 films to 1.75:1.

This information is compiled from several older threads over at what used to be UltimateDisney - now DVDizzy.com.

I've linked to the original post here - but I've also removed the live action titles to focus on animation. I've also reformatted the text here so that we have this historic information at this forum in case the other forum were ever to shut down.

https://www.dvdizzy.com/forum/viewto...555728#p555728


FROM PREMIERE RELEASE, WALT DISNEY PRESSBOOKS:


1959 - Sleeping Beauty Premiere Release Information:
"MR. EXHIBITOR...IMPORTANT NOTE! To Present Sleeping Beauty
In It's Full, Breathtaking Scope, It Is Absolutely Necessary That You Use Aspect Ratio 2:35 to 1"

1961 - 101 Dalmatians Premiere Release Information:
"MR. EXHIBITOR PLEASE NOTE Give your patrons the best possible picture on your theater screen. For top projection results in the presentation of One Hundred and One Dalmatians do not exceed ASPECT RATIO 1:33 to 1 or you will lose top and bottom of picture."

1971 - The Aristocats Premiere Release Information:
"MR. EXHIBITOR THE ASPECT RATIO FOR THE ARISTOCATS FOR BEST SCREEN QUALITY IS 175 TO 1."

1971 - Bedknobs and Broomsticks Premiere Release Information:
"To Create the Utmost Magical Effect, Bedknobs and Broomsticks Must Be Shown at an Aspect Ratio of 1:75 to 1"

1973 - Robin Hood Premiere Release Information:
"The Aspect Ratio for Robin Hood to achieve that OO-DE-LOLLY GOLLY screen image is 1.75 to 1."

1976 - Dumbo Re-Release Information**:
"The Aspect Ratio for DUMBO to achieve the best screen image is 1:75 to 1"
(NOTE**: "Dumbo" was presented in 1975 in an aspect ratio of 1.75:1 which hadn't been invented until almost 15 years after "Dumbo" premiered, and therefore this showing is an example of the critically-frowned upon re-release of Disney animated films in improper aspect ratios.)

1977 - The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh Premiere Release Information:
"To pooh-ject a pooh-rific picture on your screen THE ASPECT RATIO IS 1.75 to 1"

1977 - The Rescuers Premiere Release Information:
"To make the world's smallest secret agents the right size to vanquish the world's wickedest woman, THE ASPECT RATIO is 1.75 to 1"

1977 - Pete's Dragon Premiere Release Information:
"So Elliott the Dragon can be seen at his brazzle dazzle best, please project "Pete's Dragon" at the ASPECT RATIO 1.75 to 1"

1981 - The Fox And The Hound 1981 Premiere Release Information:
"THE ASPECT RATIO FOR A SPARKLING IMAGE IS 1:75 TO 1"

1982 - TRON Premiere Release Information:
"THE ASPECT RATIO FOR AN EXCITING SCREEN IMAGE IS 2:35 TO 1"


PREMIERE RELEASE PRESSBOOKS THAT DO NOT INCLUDE ASPECT RATIO INSTRUCTIONS:

1963 - The Sword In The Stone

1964 - Mary Poppins

1967 - The Jungle Book


RE-RELEASE WALT DISNEY PRESSBOOKS WITH ASPECT RATIO INSTRUCTIONS

1957 - Re-Release of Bambi**:
"MR. EXHIBITOR! PLEASE NOTE!
BEST PROJECTION RESULTS ARE OBTAINED BY USING THE FOLLOWING ASPECT RATIOS IN THE PRESENTATION OF WALT DISNEY'S "BAMBI"
FROM: 1.33 to 1 TO: 1.66 to 1. WARNING! Please do not go beyond 1.66 to 1 aspect ratio or you will lose top and bottom of picture."
(NOTE**: The original theatrical framing for "Bambi" when it premiered in 1942 was always 1.33:1. Therefore the 1.66:1 matting, in some venues, of this 1957 re-release is another example of the critically frowned upon theatrical re-releases of Disney films in improper aspect ratios.)

1958 - Re-Release of Peter Pan**:
"MR. EXHIBITOR PLEASE NOTE For Best Projection Results In The Presentation of "Peter Pan" Use Aspect Ratio 1:75 to 1"
(NOTE**: The premiere of "Peter Pan" was in 1953, just prior to the release of the film "Shane" which introduced the practice of matting films to a widescreen aspect ratio. Therefore it is impossible for the premiere of "Peter Pan" to have been matted. One would include this presentation in the critically frowned upon re-release of Disney animated films with improper framing, however Walt himself was still alive and therefore one has to pause and wonder if he would prefer a widescreen version of the film. Either way, the original theatrical aspect ratio is 1.33:1 and is available on all the DVD releases of this title.)

1958 - Re-Release of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs**:
"MR. EXHIBITOR...PLEASE NOTE
For Best Projection Results In The Presentation Of "Snow White" Use Aspect Ratio 1.75 to 1."
(NOTE**: The original theatrical framing for "Snow White" when it premiered in 1937 was 1.33:1. Therefore the 1.75:1 matting of this 1958 re-release is another example of the critically frowned upon theatrical re-releases of Disney films in improper aspect ratios.)

1972 - Re-Release of The Sword In The Stone:
"The Aspect Ratio for "Sword in the Stone" to achieve maximum screen quality is 1.75 to 1"

1973 - Re-Release of Mary Poppins:
"The Aspect Ratio to create the most Supercalifragilistic screen image is 1.75 to 1"

1973 - Re-Release of Song Of The South**:
"The Aspect Ratio for "Song of the South" is 1.75 to 1."
(NOTE**: The original theatrical framing for "Song of the South" when it premiered in 1946 was 1.33:1. Therefore the 1.75:1 matting of this 1973 re-release is another example of the critically frowned upon theatrical re-releases of Disney films in improper aspect ratios.)

1978 - Re-Release of The Jungle Book:
"THE ASPECT RATIO FOR A SWINGIN' IMAGE IS 1.75 to 1"

[xtop]

this is awesome info. thanks!

[STARSCREAM]

Great info!

[enialal]

Very nice info dude. Thanks for posting this.

[Suntory_Times]

Originally Posted by enialal

Very nice info dude. Thanks for posting this.

agreed, though I don't like the idea that all pixar films seem to be coming in 3d now.

[Pirate King]

Thanks for the info.

[Ernest Rister]

Nice work. I've been telling people for years now that the 60's and 70's Disney animated features were matted for theaters but shot in 1.33:1. When 101 Dalmatians was last released in theaters, Disney chose to release it in 1.33:1 rather than matte the image. Why would Disney produce animated features at 1.33:1 and then crop them for theaters? Well, telelvision broadcast, foreign distribution, and 1.33:1 was a comfort zone for them, as their equipment was largely designed for that aspect ratio.

It was very difficult for certain people to believe me, insisting instead the 1.33:1 of Dalmatians was cropped, when screen grabs from films like Robin Hood and The Aristocats clearly show the opposite was true -- the 1.75:1DVDs are cropped. The one exception I've seen is The Jungle Book, in which the wide-screen Platinum DVD clearly shows more information left to right compared with the old Limited Edition DVD release, while losing information top-to-bottom.

[LOTR07]

Originally Posted by Suntory_Times

agreed, though I don't like the idea that all pixar films seem to be coming in 3d now.

Great list and i'm with you....do not like the home 3D movies...unless you have the giant scren for your HT thenitr doesn't make since its just not the same. the novelty for the 3D seems to range in the age groups of 4-10 after that no dice.

[gtust]

Thank you! Great post!

[Mr. J]

Excellent work!

[Quint van der Vaart]

I miss something in the Pixar listing : Finding Nemo !!!

Why isn't the movie on there ??

[GIHAADWARTS]

Hello What about finding Nemo???

[dvd_mazter]

Thanks man Lots of helpful info up there.

I'm so stoked that Lion King could be coming as early as 2011, my favourite Disney animated feature and I really want it come to Blu-ray

[Rhylliam]

Way to go OP, I think I learned a thing or two here. Being a widescreen snob/nut, I find this info very interesting.

[SquidPuppet]

Nemo?

[assydingo]

I'm glad I find this out after watching Pinocchio. Otherwise seeing that many movies not in widescreen might scare me.

[atomik kinder]

Originally Posted by Suntory_Times

agreed, though I don't like the idea that all pixar films seem to be coming in 3d now.

You don't have to see them in a theater that is showing it in 3-D. There aren't that many theaters around that are capable of showing it that way anyway. I could see them doing 3-D only releases with the older movies, like Toy Story. They do that with Nightmare before Christmas now. They would never do that with a new release, it would severely limit the profitability. There is no way they would ever release a 3-D only version on video either. Yes, the home version of 3-D is terrible at the moment, so like all the other 3-D releases, they would include the 2-D version as well.

[that1guystudios]

Originally Posted by LOTR07

Great list and i'm with you....do not like the home 3D movies...unless you have the giant scren for your HT thenitr doesn't make since its just not the same. the novelty for the 3D seems to range in the age groups of 4-10 after that no dice.

The DVD's and Blu's aren't 3-D,
they are RE-RELEASING THEM THEATRICALLY for the first time in 3-D.
(Toy Story 1, 2 and Beauty and the Beast, that is.)
It is unknown if they will be put on Blu-ray in 3-D.
Panasonic is working on tecnology so that it is possible,
but it'll be a year or two before we'll see full color (no red/blue glasses)
3-D blu-ray discs released.

[that1guystudios]

Originally Posted by Quint van der Vaart

I miss something in the Pixar listing : Finding Nemo !!!

Why isn't the movie on there ??

Sorry, I missed ONE movie! ;-)
I updated it. No release date for it, but at least it's there.