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Movie Terms Wiki Filmmaking

Widescreen

An aspect ratio wider than the standard Academy frame, enhancing cinematic scope.


History

Widescreen formats emerged in the 1950s (CinemaScope, VistaVision) as studios countered television’s rise by offering grander theatrical experiences.

Formats and Techniques

Anamorphic lenses squeeze images onto standard film then unsqueeze during projection, while open-gate and digital sensors capture widescreen directly.

Impact on Composition

Directors and cinematographers compose shots to leverage horizontal space—group blocking, landscape vistas and dynamic camera moves.

Examples

Films like Lawrence of Arabia, Blade Runner 2049 and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood exploit widescreen for epic visuals and immersive world-building.


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