Silly (but possibly smart) question regarding 2.40:1

[4styler]

I'm running a Mitsubishi Hc5500 and I thought to get rid of the pale gray letterbox with 2.40 films and not fork out $2000 AUD for a cinemascope lens, has anyone tried setting up a 2.40:1 mask in front of the projector lens? (I tried with cardboard ) Obviously you can't put it right in front of the lens cos the blur on the edge shows up, but has anyone designed something like this? I guess projecting onto a creamish white wall doesn't help the pale grey 2.40 crop but I thought why spend so much to get a 2.40:1 picture?

[Beta Man]

Have you thought about retractable curtains?

[syncguy]

I don't think it is practical to have masking in front of the lens - that will not work. I expect, the best method is to use screen masking.

[jomari]

likewise, ive heard of others attempting it, yet not getting the results they'd want. you wouldnt get that 'sharp' distinguishment between the picture and well, the borders so to speak.

all in all, a quick fix is normally a screen mask (which can be made quite easily), heck even some retractable curtains have been used as well, to the more complicated yet sophisticated look of a mechanical screen mask.

[4styler]

cheers guys, but i guess a black non reflective curtain is the way to go

[syncguy]

Originally Posted by 4styler

cheers guys, but i guess a black non reflective curtain is the way to go

Yes. If you are thinking of constant image height (CIH), curtains are even easier.