Normal 1.37:1 (20.9 x 15.2)
In 1889 Thomas Edison developed an early type of projector called a Kinetograph,
which used 35mm film with four perforations on each side. The frame area was
an inch wide and three quarters of an inch high, producing a ratio of 1.37:1.
1932 the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the Academy Ratio the
standard Ratio, and was used in cinemas until 1953. Prior to the advent of Sound
on Film in 1926, the Aspect ratio was 1.33:1.
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Matted 1.66:1 (20.9 x 12.6) Paramount was the first to break away from
the traditional 1.37:1 aspect ratio when they released the film Shane in 1953.
Photographed conventionally, it was projected with the top and bottom masked to
achieve a 1.66:1 aspect ratio. Paramount established this aspect ratio for their
conventional matted non anamorphic widescreen productions.
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Matted 1.85:1 (20.9 x 11.3) Another aspect ratio was used by Universal
and Columbia Pictures where they cropped the 1.37 frame to an aspect ratio of
1.85:1. This format is also known as 'Spielberg-Format. It is still used for
commercials, teasers and trailers in the cinema.
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