Every era of art becomes partially defined by hallmarks. 

Commentators gravitate towards macro trends, but micro preponderances can be equally telling. 

For instance, cinema had a oner phase (which appears to be blissfully in the rearview). 

The current fad (or will it be a new normal)? Varying aspect ratios, leaving black bars somewhere on screen.  

But DCTV’s engagement of WTO/99 shifted the masking with the aspect ratio. 

Most of the duration uses the aspect ratio of box TVs from this new documentary’s setting in the 1990s. But when the closing credits bring us through the 21st century, the aspect ratio morphs into the dimensions of widescreen TVS. 

The media has been resized, but its corrosive influence remains. 

Nitehawk’s August 4 screening — with the filmmaking team in attendance! — will show if WTO/99 stipulates this change for all theatrical screenings…