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Willy Wonka - Which version is better?

Started by JaseSF, December 06, 2009, 02:48:44 AM

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JaseSF

The widescreen or the full screen (1:33:1). As I understand it, the widescreen DVD of this film is a matted widescreen that cuts off the top and bottom of the movie picture. If this is correct, one certainly it seems to me would be better off with the full screen version. Looking at IMDB, this film appears to have been original filmed in 1:33:1 aspect but was meant to be seen at 1:85:!? Which do you think is best? I certainly want to add this unforgettable classic to my collection but am wondering which version is best to get?
"This above all: To thine own self be true!"

The Burgomaster

"Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me the hell alone."

JaseSF

Good one Burgomaster although I really expected allhallowsday to be the one to post something like that. LOL  :bouncegiggle:
"This above all: To thine own self be true!"

The Burgomaster

Quote from: xXx_JaseSF_xXx on December 07, 2009, 04:19:51 PM
Good one Burgomaster although I really expected allhallowsday to be the one to post something like that. LOL  :bouncegiggle:

I have a copy of this hanging on my office door at work.

"Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me the hell alone."

Jim H

Quote from: xXx_JaseSF_xXx on December 06, 2009, 02:48:44 AM
The widescreen or the full screen (1:33:1). As I understand it, the widescreen DVD of this film is a matted widescreen that cuts off the top and bottom of the movie picture. If this is correct, one certainly it seems to me would be better off with the full screen version. Looking at IMDB, this film appears to have been original filmed in 1:33:1 aspect but was meant to be seen at 1:85:!? Which do you think is best? I certainly want to add this unforgettable classic to my collection but am wondering which version is best to get?

Sounds like you're not familiar with the technical reasons for this.

Basically, look at a 35MM negative.  It's at an aspect ratio of 1.33:1.  Technically, they can use an anamorphic lense to distort an image at whatever ratio they want onto the negative, then use an equivalent anamorphic projector lense to put it out correctly on projection.  But frequently, for technical reasons and because of flexibility, they just shoot at 4:3 fully intending for a big chunk of the top and bottom of the image to be lost.  The director and DP when setting up shots do so with this eventuality in mind, meaning the opened up version is a destruction of their intended visual constructions.

So, go for the widescreen version.  If you're a really big fan of a film, sometimes it is interesting to see the opened up version for comparison (and occasionally you can spot bits of equipment in the frame in the opened up versions, like cables or a boom mic), but in terms of artistry, you'll always find the widescreen version preferable.

BTW, the flexibility I referred to - the advantage of shooting at 4:3 today is that if the framing is slightly off, you can move up or down a bit (taking more/less of the top/bottom) in the cropping to adjust it, something not possible if shooting anamorphic.

JaseSF

Yes I get what you're saying but to me, the film still looks better at the 1:33:1 aspect.....
"This above all: To thine own self be true!"

Jim H

Quote from: xXx_JaseSF_xXx on December 08, 2009, 01:00:39 PM
Yes I get what you're saying but to me, the film still looks better at the 1:33:1 aspect.....

If you've seen both and think the 1.33:1 version looks better, what does our opinion matter then?  You're the one buying it!   :smile:

Allhallowsday

Quote from: xXx_JaseSF_xXx on December 07, 2009, 04:19:51 PM
Good one Burgomaster although I really expected allhallowsday to be the one to post something like that. LOL  :bouncegiggle:
Let me not disappoint you:
If you want to view paradise . . . simply look around and view it!

JaseSF

 :buggedout: :buggedout:

Karma to you for not disappointing, my zany friend.  :wink:

And Jim H, of course you're right only I wanted to get other opinions as to which version they liked best.
"This above all: To thine own self be true!"

Javakoala

Personally, I like the Johnny Depp version more, but that is mainly because it has squirrels.............

JaseSF

#10
You know, Gene Wilder probably wouldn't have been out of place in a Road movie with Hope & Crosby.



I could actually imagine Crosby as lighter version of Wonka too.







"This above all: To thine own self be true!"

retrorussell

Quote from: xXx_JaseSF_xXx on December 27, 2009, 03:24:27 PM

I could actually imagine Crosby as lighter version of Wonka too.




Except, he'd probably beat his kids with Wonka's cane.
"O the legend they say, on a Valentine's Day, is a curse that'll live on and on.."

JaseSF

According to some but I'm not sure that was ever truly proven something undisputable.
"This above all: To thine own self be true!"

retrorussell

We'll probably never know for sure.  Some of his kids thought he was an abusive monster, others loved him.
"O the legend they say, on a Valentine's Day, is a curse that'll live on and on.."