Alternating the aspect ratio over the course of a movie’s duration has become all the rage. 

Three thoughts regarding this phenomenon, inspired by its appearance in Shelby Oaks:

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UNO THOT

I’m a softcore Luddite, but why can’t automated theaters program the masking to move with every onscreen shift?? 

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DOS THOT

Once upon a time, movies were made primarily for theaters. Nowadays, home viewing is as popular (…….if not more so sad face). Which means: which shots contain black bars might not be the same on a television as the big screen.

As such, filmmakers could consider which format to prioritize in their framing decisions.

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TRES THOT

I’ve never seen individual elements of the imagery stretch into the black bars.

Down with the rectangular hegemony!