MovieChat Forums > The Secret of NIMH (1982) Discussion > Aspect Ratio Help

Aspect Ratio Help

posted 15 years ago by AntoNEO
2 replies | jump to latest

I was wondering if anyone could say what the official aspect ratio of Secret of NIMH is supposed to be. The fullscreen version on the Special Edition appears to be open-matte (with more information included on the top and bottom of the frame), and the widescreen version is a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. However, on IMDb the intended ratio is listed as 1.66:1. Is this true? It seems silly that they would add a larger matte to the film on the DVD in order to make it 1.85:1 if that wasn't the intended ratio. As such, I'm wondering if IMDb is perhaps incorrect? However, using the zoom function on my TV I can approximate a 1.66:1 aspect ratio when watching the fullscreen "open-matte" version of the film, so I think I can essentially watch any of those three framing options. I'm probably going way too overboard with this, but if I can watch the film as close to the original intended framing as possible then that's what I want to do. No harm in asking, right? Thanks in advance for the help!

"I grew up watching TV and I turned out TV." - Homer Simpson

[–] lvd_orders 15 years ago

NERD! *points at AntoNeo*

Actually, I've no idea. The new DVD does give the impression that it's only very slightly different than the size of a TV, but I've seen DVDs where they add a matte (as you suggest), cutting off part of the film to give the perception of a widescreen format.

For what it is worth, I've heard from other sources that the one given on the new DVD is the correct, and original format.

I have a feeling I haven't even been slightly helpful.

[–] AntoNEO 15 years ago

Now now, your response is good enough for me, and I thank you for giving it. And yup, self-appointed nerd right here! *points at self* :-)

"I grew up watching TV and I turned out TV." - Homer Simpson