The aspect ratio of a picture frame is the relationship
between its width and height. The ratio of the standard 16mm and 35mm frame
is 1.33:1. Reducing the height of the picture while maintaining the width
will increase its aspect ratio. This is done in 35mm projection by using
a mask to crop equally the top and bottom of the picture frame.
35mm prints are projected at a 1.85:1 aspect ratio in the United States and
at 1.66:1 in Europe.
On TV, the picture is viewed at a 1.33:1 aspect ratio.
When shooting a 16mm film for 35mm blowup, the camera person should compose
the subject being photographed for wide screen projection.
A properly composed 16mm negative can be blown up to the standard 35mm aperture
size (style A, PH22.195-1977 ANSI). This negative produces a 35mm print with
a picture in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio. This print can be used for television
and projected theatrically in the United States and Europe with the appropriate
mask. The aspect ratio of the projection mask and the framing position of
the 35mm projector determines what part of the frame will be screened. The
standard Academy leader is used by the projectionist to center the picture
in the aperture of the projector.
If equal cropping of the top and the bottom of the picture eliminates important
picture information, vertical scanning is used to crop the 16mm frame higher
or lower for proper placement in the 1.85:1 or 1.66:1 projection frame.
At Western Cine, scanning can not be done during the blow-up procedure and
would require optional, isolated treatment. Scanned negatives would require
a fixed 1.85:1 or 1.66:1 frame line to guide the projectionist in framing
the print properly. 35mm prints made from a 1.85:1 or a 1.66:1
‘fixed’ frame line negative cannot be used for television unless
the image is enlarged in the telecine chain when transferring to videotape.
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