The X-Files series - 4x3 vs 16x9 - Page 3 - Blu-ray Forum

Todd Tomorrow · 07-15-2014, 10:15 PM

I'm generally for preserving the original aspect ratio, but if it got shot protected for 16:9 then I'm fine with that.

Kschreck · 08-16-2014, 02:47 AM

I really want widescreen versions of this on Blu-Ray. I would pretty much pay any amount of money for this and that's coming from someone who works minimal wage. THAT'S how bad I want this show on Blu-Ray along with The Lone Gunmen and Millennium. Fox please make this happen oh and we want more X-Files!

simonynwa · 08-16-2014, 08:47 PM

4x3 all the way.

Protection is not the same as composing and it has been specifically said they composed for 4x3. If they had preparing for the show to be shown in 16:9 in the future they would have actually composed for that and extracted a 4x3 image. Its not like the mainstream audience would have noticed. I have seen nothing in the screenshots other than wasted blank space or worse cuts to the top and bottom to create a so-called protected image. Sure it looks good in HD but then so would 4x3 shots too. The arguments put forth by people wanting 16x9 have nothing to do with anything the creators say but poorly justified reasoning for what they really want which is to fill their TV screens. This whole "open up the sides" and "more picture information" has absolutely nothing to do with OAR and shot composition or intent.

It is no different than the justification for releasing 4x3 releases in the early days of DVD for film.

All that said I also have no doubt that the vast majority want their TV screens filled and that it will be released in 16x9. It's a shame because this is the next step to eventually cropping older shows that were never even protected. I just wish people would stop pretending like they have some pro OAR excuse to want a 16x9 release. People jump on the word "protected" like its the Second Coming or something instead of the important word which is "composition"

I'm also sure that if there is an eventual release the whole protection thing will be advertised by Fox and the creators throughout. I wonder if any of them will come out and say they composed for it, although if they do, I'd like to see them justify it with shot examples

-"You know this shot of some out of focus wall next to Gillian's head was really vital to the shot/"

tommb84 · 08-16-2014, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simonynwa

"You know this shot of some out of focus wall next to Gillian's head was really vital to the shot/"

Haha, that made me giggle

I completely agree with you, but I still want 16:9? I dunno... maybe I just have the urge to see the show in a new way. And yeah, filling the screen would be pretty cool, walls and all.

I would be cool though with seasons one and two in 4:3 if that came to pass, although season 3 onwards seems to be a lot more "protected/composed".

simonynwa · 08-16-2014, 11:00 PM

No at least you are prepared to admit you want it to fill your screen. And I don't really have a problem with that - each to their own and at the end of the day, its entertainment and if you enjoy it that way and more people watch it and get into it that can only be a good thing for the future of the series. I can see the justification for such a release on TV, it just a shame so few can see the value of a 4x3 release too. Filmmakers do frame shots for a certain reason to produce an effect and some seem happy to forget that. I was impressed when Joss Whedon when to the extent of including a note in a Buffy release on this very thing, but it didnt stop it being released 16x9 in some areas. Still at least both are available. A dual option would be nice, but unlikely.

But let's not pretend any artistic integrity is being served by a 16x9 release

.

xwait · 05-22-2015, 01:15 PM

4:3!

Quote:

Originally Posted by chip75

1x06 'Ghost in the Machine' DVD to HDTV Comparisons

16:9 = losing a part of the frame originally shot!

P.S.: Twin Peaks Entire Mystery BD was 4:3 and it was perfect

AaronY · 10-02-2015, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simonynwa

No at least you are prepared to admit you want it to fill your screen. And I don't really have a problem with that - each to their own and at the end of the day, its entertainment and if you enjoy it that way and more people watch it and get into it that can only be a good thing for the future of the series. I can see the justification for such a release on TV, it just a shame so few can see the value of a 4x3 release too. Filmmakers do frame shots for a certain reason to produce an effect and some seem happy to forget that. I was impressed when Joss Whedon when to the extent of including a note in a Buffy release on this very thing, but it didnt stop it being released 16x9 in some areas. Still at least both are available. A dual option would be nice, but unlikely.

But let's not pretend any artistic integrity is being served by a 16x9 release

.

Get a life dude

CouncilSpectre · 10-03-2015, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xwait

16:9 = losing a part of the frame originally shot!

Well it was all originally shot

4:3 for me as well. It was good enough then, it's good enough now. Appreciate that this isn't just a crop job, but still, those that need their screen filled, I'm shaking my head at you right now....

#Darren · 10-07-2015, 08:44 AM

Isn't there a lot of cropping in these WS versions? I've seen some cropped caps.

Moviefan2k4 · 10-09-2015, 10:29 AM

I don't know much about this release, but it seems Chris Carter purposely designed the series with HD presentations in mind for the future. Frankly, I'm amazed that Fox has finally decided to release the show on Blu-Ray at all, much less in such a comprehensive set. I was never a rabid fan, but I saw a few episodes on occasion, and enjoyed the first film. If the price point was reasonable, I'd probably consider picking it up.

Leeon0 · 10-10-2015, 01:40 AM

Subject: X-Files BD Seasons 1-4

Hi,

We ask that you consider rereleasing seasons 1-4 of the forthcoming X-Files Blu-ray series in their correctly framed versions in order to preserve the integrity of the original composition.

That's why I created a petition to 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, which says:

"Please rerelease The X-Files BD Seasons 1-4 in the 4:3 aspect ratio"

Will you sign this petition? Click here:

http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/x-f...&r_by=14366773

Thanks!

Warped Trekker · 11-15-2015, 04:42 PM

No need for petition. X-files in 16:9 is already available on Amazon and looks fantastic! I am glad they protected it for 16:9. Now just need remastered Blu-ray version!

Warped Trekker · 11-15-2015, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xwait

4:3!

16:9 = losing a part of the frame originally shot!

P.S.: Twin Peaks Entire Mystery BD was 4:3 and it was perfect

No this is wrong. You don't understand. X-Files was shot on Super 35mm, and there is NO losing part of frame in 16:9. You get the full frame, unlike 4:3. When they shot x-files, they made decision to make sure it was protected for 16:9.

samukas · 11-15-2015, 04:59 PM

Nope, you are wrong! Just need to look a few posts above yours.
Is there more image on the sides? Yes!
Is there image cropped? Yes there is, and more than I'd like! This is especially true for the first 2 seasons.

chip75 · 11-15-2015, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warped Trekker

No this is wrong. You don't understand. X-Files was shot on Super 35mm, and there is NO losing part of frame in 16:9. You get the full frame, unlike 4:3. When they shot x-files, they made decision to make sure it was protected for 16:9.

35mm film is 1.37:1, all the aspect ratios from 1.33:1 to 2.40:1 are extractions from that area. The most important thing is what ground glass was used during filming and what guides where used to frame the action. With The X-Files the action was always within the 4:3 guides through it's nine seasons, it was protected inasmuch as there were rarely any obstructions in the 16:9 area to the sides of the 4:3 guides (although Academy offset doesn't have a 16:9 protection area), when you reframe for 16:9 and crop the top and bottom you're losing part of the original frame and composition and adding extra information from the 16:9 protection area. The 16:9 image is not the original framing. You can clearly see from the early episodes that they've had to use the information where the sound strip would go, an area never intended to be seen.

Full frame would be 1.37:1 not 16:9 and then you'd probably see the sides of the cameras aperture and a lot of boom-microphones up top. If the show was 16:9 the Blu-rays (which are out in December) would restore the original compositions, but the original compositions are 4:3. The original 4:3 versions have been remastered, but Fox decided against releasing them on BD. They're going with new 16:9 masters.

RandomRob · 12-09-2015, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StingingVelvet

Some of the screenshots look great in widescreen, some of them do not. No clear winner for me yet so I will default to OAR.

Same, and also annoyed the OAR isn't included as an option.

Seeing the tops of people's heads cut off doesn't do anything for me.. framing looks too tight in some shots.

samukas · 12-09-2015, 03:15 PM

I've been watching Season 1 on Streaming (shame on me!) and what bothers me most is actually the amount that's chopped off the bottom. Especially given the height difference between David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, sometimes she is just too low on the frame.

chip75 · 12-09-2015, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samukas

I've been watching Season 1 on Streaming (shame on me!) and what bothers me most is actually the amount that's chopped of the bottom. Especially given the height difference between David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, sometimes she is just too low on the frame.

That's one of the things that annoys me too, it will be funny to see people's reactions if we ever switch to 21:9 TVs and they demand wider versions, Mulder's partner will just be a piece of red hair at the bottom of the screen like Cousin It from The Addams Family.

[Show spoiler]

samukas · 12-09-2015, 03:25 PM

Now THAT would be cinematic

Verisimilitude1984 · 01-19-2016, 07:49 PM

Watching the blu ray collection at the moment.

During the season 3 opening episode 'The Blessing Way' when Mulder and Scully visit the abandoned factory/mine and climb the first set of stairs...was it a blooper or a result of the change to widescreen? You can clearly see through a crack in the wall to the outside on the right-hand side and there is a row of legs - people sitting on a wall or something. Was that the crew?

View Poll Results: The X-Files on blu-ray: 4x3 vs 16x9?
4x3	101	31.66%
16x9	218	68.34%
Voters: 319. You may not vote on this poll

08-16-2014, 08:47 PM	#43
simonynwa Active Member Member since:Mar 2012 Location:Nomadic 4K collection:159 Blu-ray collection:1057 DVD collection:37 iTunes collection:151 Trading Score:61	4x3 all the way. Protection is not the same as composing and it has been specifically said they composed for 4x3. If they had preparing for the show to be shown in 16:9 in the future they would have actually composed for that and extracted a 4x3 image. Its not like the mainstream audience would have noticed. I have seen nothing in the screenshots other than wasted blank space or worse cuts to the top and bottom to create a so-called protected image. Sure it looks good in HD but then so would 4x3 shots too. The arguments put forth by people wanting 16x9 have nothing to do with anything the creators say but poorly justified reasoning for what they really want which is to fill their TV screens. This whole "open up the sides" and "more picture information" has absolutely nothing to do with OAR and shot composition or intent. It is no different than the justification for releasing 4x3 releases in the early days of DVD for film. All that said I also have no doubt that the vast majority want their TV screens filled and that it will be released in 16x9. It's a shame because this is the next step to eventually cropping older shows that were never even protected. I just wish people would stop pretending like they have some pro OAR excuse to want a 16x9 release. People jump on the word "protected" like its the Second Coming or something instead of the important word which is "composition" I'm also sure that if there is an eventual release the whole protection thing will be advertised by Fox and the creators throughout. I wonder if any of them will come out and say they composed for it, although if they do, I'd like to see them justify it with shot examples -"You know this shot of some out of focus wall next to Gillian's head was really vital to the shot/" Last edited by simonynwa; 08-16-2014 at 08:59 PM.

08-16-2014, 11:00 PM	#45
simonynwa Active Member Member since:Mar 2012 Location:Nomadic 4K collection:159 Blu-ray collection:1057 DVD collection:37 iTunes collection:151 Trading Score:61	No at least you are prepared to admit you want it to fill your screen. And I don't really have a problem with that - each to their own and at the end of the day, its entertainment and if you enjoy it that way and more people watch it and get into it that can only be a good thing for the future of the series. I can see the justification for such a release on TV, it just a shame so few can see the value of a 4x3 release too. Filmmakers do frame shots for a certain reason to produce an effect and some seem happy to forget that. I was impressed when Joss Whedon when to the extent of including a note in a Buffy release on this very thing, but it didnt stop it being released 16x9 in some areas. Still at least both are available. A dual option would be nice, but unlikely. But let's not pretend any artistic integrity is being served by a 16x9 release . Last edited by simonynwa; 08-16-2014 at 11:03 PM.

12-09-2015, 03:15 PM	#57
samukas Expert Member Top contributor Member since:Mar 2010 Blu-ray collection:- Digital collection:- Trading Score:541	I've been watching Season 1 on Streaming (shame on me!) and what bothers me most is actually the amount that's chopped off the bottom. Especially given the height difference between David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, sometimes she is just too low on the frame. Last edited by samukas; 12-09-2015 at 03:25 PM.

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07-15-2014, 10:15 PM	#41
Todd Tomorrow Blu-ray Knight Member since:Nov 2008 Location:Berlin, Germany Blu-ray reviews:1	I'm generally for preserving the original aspect ratio, but if it got shot protected for 16:9 then I'm fine with that.

08-16-2014, 02:47 AM	#42
Kschreck Special Member Member since:Aug 2014 Trading Score:70	I really want widescreen versions of this on Blu-Ray. I would pretty much pay any amount of money for this and that's coming from someone who works minimal wage. THAT'S how bad I want this show on Blu-Ray along with The Lone Gunmen and Millennium. Fox please make this happen oh and we want more X-Files!

10-07-2015, 08:44 AM	#49
#Darren Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Feb 2008 Blu-ray collection:1471 Blu-ray reviews: 62	Isn't there a lot of cropping in these WS versions? I've seen some cropped caps.

10-09-2015, 10:29 AM	#50
Moviefan2k4 Blu-ray Champion Member since:Mar 2010 Location:Montgomery, TX Blu-ray collection:304 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:2	I don't know much about this release, but it seems Chris Carter purposely designed the series with HD presentations in mind for the future. Frankly, I'm amazed that Fox has finally decided to release the show on Blu-Ray at all, much less in such a comprehensive set. I was never a rabid fan, but I saw a few episodes on occasion, and enjoyed the first film. If the price point was reasonable, I'd probably consider picking it up.

10-10-2015, 01:40 AM	#51
Leeon0 Power Member Member since:Jan 2012	Subject: X-Files BD Seasons 1-4 Hi, We ask that you consider rereleasing seasons 1-4 of the forthcoming X-Files Blu-ray series in their correctly framed versions in order to preserve the integrity of the original composition. That's why I created a petition to 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, which says: "Please rerelease The X-Files BD Seasons 1-4 in the 4:3 aspect ratio" Will you sign this petition? Click here: http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/x-f...&r_by=14366773 Thanks!

11-15-2015, 04:42 PM	#52
Warped Trekker Junior Member Member since:Jul 2012 4K collection:31 Blu-ray collection:78 Blu-ray reviews:1	No need for petition. X-files in 16:9 is already available on Amazon and looks fantastic! I am glad they protected it for 16:9. Now just need remastered Blu-ray version!

11-15-2015, 04:59 PM	#54
samukas Expert Member Top contributor Member since:Mar 2010 Blu-ray collection:- Digital collection:- Trading Score:541	Nope, you are wrong! Just need to look a few posts above yours. Is there more image on the sides? Yes! Is there image cropped? Yes there is, and more than I'd like! This is especially true for the first 2 seasons.

12-09-2015, 03:25 PM	#59
samukas Expert Member Top contributor Member since:Mar 2010 Blu-ray collection:- Digital collection:- Trading Score:541	Now THAT would be cinematic

01-19-2016, 07:49 PM	#60
Verisimilitude1984 Senior Member Member since:Dec 2015 Location:London 4K collection:20 Blu-ray collection:199 DVD collection:8	Watching the blu ray collection at the moment. During the season 3 opening episode 'The Blessing Way' when Mulder and Scully visit the abandoned factory/mine and climb the first set of stairs...was it a blooper or a result of the change to widescreen? You can clearly see through a crack in the wall to the outside on the right-hand side and there is a row of legs - people sitting on a wall or something. Was that the crew?

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