Summary of Chapter 4: The Aspect Ratio

While the 4:3 ratio was widely accepted for filmmaking, it was not the standard.  Many differing technologies and aspect ratios were used, depending on the filmmaker's desires.  New technologies, such as adding sound, took precious real estate from the viewing screen.  The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, in an effort to standardize the film industry, created the "Academy Standard" of 1.33 or 4:3.

Still, new technologies and new dramatic effects pushed the aspect ratio beyond the 4:3 aspect ratio.  Several "standard" aspect ratios emerged as a result:

1.33:1 - TV or computer screen
on paper, 3"x4"

1.66:1 - 16mm film (European Projection)
on paper, 3"x5"

1.85:1 - American Projection
on paper, 3"x5.5"

2.35:1 - Widescreen Super 35
on paper, 3"x7"

1.78:1 - High Definition (16:9)

1.43:1 - IMAX