Movies with Alternate and/or Variable Aspect Ratios

[jscoggins]

This thread is for discussing movies with alternate and/or variable aspect ratios.

Alternate Ratios: When movies have been shown with completely different aspect ratios (such as On the Waterfront)

Variable Ratios: When movies intentionally have changing ratios, such as Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises, and Interstellar

Some movies, such as Galaxy Quest and Oblivion, could belong on both lists.

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Alternate Ratios:

Apocalypse Now (1979)
2.40:1 in theaters. Cropped to 2.00:1 in some countries per cinematographer Vittorio Storaro's Univisium idea.

Apollo 13 (1995)
Originally 2.40:1. Recomposed to 1.66:1 for 2005 IMAX re-release. Both versions were released on DVD, but the IMAX version is no longer considered desirable since the movie had to be cut due to length.

Avatar (2009)
Both 1.78:1 and 2.40:1 in theaters. Only 1.78:1 available on BD.

The Big Trail (1930)
Two versions were shot: 1.20:1 and 2.10:1. They're technically different movies since the two versions use different takes.

A Bug's Life (1998)
2.40:1 in theaters. The DVD version also included a recomposed 1.33:1 version.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)
2.40:1 in theaters. Open frame 1.78:1 on BD.

[Show spoiler]

The Evil Dead (1981)
1.33:1 and 1.85:1 are both available on BD.

Friends (1994 - 2004)
1.33:1 when first broadcast on TV. Open matte 1.78:1 on BD (you get more information on the left and right sides, though some shots are zoomed to hide cameras, microphones, sets, etc.).

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
2.40:1 in most theaters but 2.00:1 in IMAX theaters. Only 2.40:1 available on BD.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
2.40:1 in most theaters but 2.00:1 in IMAX theaters.

I, Frankenstein (2014)
2.40:1 in most theaters but 1.90:1 in IMAX theaters. Only 2.40:1 available on BD.

[Show spoiler]

The Last Emperor (1987)
2.40:1 in theaters. Cropped to 2.00:1 in some countries per cinematographer Vittorio Storaro's Univisium idea.

Oklahoma! (1955)
Two versions were shot: Todd-AO 2.20:1 (30fps) and CinemaScope 2.55:1. They're technically different movies since the two versions use different takes.

Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)
2.40:1 in theaters. Open frame 1.78:1 on BD.

On the Waterfront (1954)
1.33:1, 1.66:1, and 1.85:1 on BD.

Planet Terror (2007)
2.40:1 in theaters. 2.40:1 on Grindhouse double bill BD with Death Proof. Open frame 1.78:1 by itself on BD.

Prometheus (2012)
2.40:1 in most theaters but 1.90:1 in IMAX theaters. Only 2.40:1 available on BD.

The Recruit (2003)
2.40:1 in theaters. Open frame 1.78:1 on DVD. 2.40:1 on BD.

Riddick (2013)
2.40:1 in most theaters but 1.90:1 in IMAX theaters. Only 2.40:1 available on BD.

Sexy Beast (2000)
2.40:1 in theaters. 2.40:1 and 1.78:1 are on BD (different framing; both versions lose and gain picture information).

Skyfall (2012)
2.40:1 in most theaters but 1.90:1 in IMAX theaters. Only 2.40:1 available on BD.

That '70s Show Season 1 and 2 (1998 - 2006)
1.33:1 when first broadcast on TV. Open matte 1.78:1 on BD (you get more information on the left and right sides).

Titanic (1997)
2.40:1 in most theaters but 1.90:1 in IMAX theaters. 2.40:1 on 2D BD, 1.78:1 on 3D BD.

Tomorrowland (2015)
2.20:1 in most theaters but 1.90:1 in IMAX theaters.

[Show spoiler]

Underworld: Evolution (2006)
2.40:1 in theaters and on BD, open matte 1.78:1 on Polish HD DVD.

[Show spoiler]

[Show spoiler]

Underworld: Awakening (2012)
2.40:1 in most theaters but 1.90:1 in IMAX theaters. Only 2.40:1 available on BD.

The World's Fastest Indian (2005)
2.40:1 in theaters. Open frame 1.78:1 on BD.

(Note: A lot of "big" or "important" movies were released in 70mm during the 1950s-1970s. Compared to their 35mm counterparts, though, they were typically cropped at the sides.)