Hot Topic #4: Will Full-Frame Benefit DVD?

[James Harvey]

Now, there's been recent controversy about some long awaited films being released as only full-frame (Willy Wonka - which'll be widescreen soon). I wonder - whill full frame DVD releases boast sales and bring in new DVDers? Universal is now releasing Widescreen/Full screen editions of their new releases as well. Will this continue to sweep the DVD market?

[Joker85]

Well I have gotten where I won't buy a DVD unless it's widescreen. It is just so much better that way! I think it could affect sells if most people are like me!

[Leaping Larry Jojo]

I didn't know enough people out there cared about having full-frame DVDs, but obviously, they do. Generally, I don't have any big qualms with cropping or modifying a picture unless it's minor, though I enjoy widescreens for the cinematic feel it gives off.

[Vigo Sprax]

I wish more studios would just release both versions in the same package if they're really that worried. Unfortuneatly, this seems to no longer be the trend except for maybe Universal's "Ultimate" line of DVDs.

[Calhoun07]

I think the number of people who insist upon full frame only is a minority of the buying public. From the returns we get at the video store with those complaints, I'd say it's very small. Most people either don't care or prefer widescreen. So I don't think sales would be profoundly affected if they didn't put movies on DVD in full frame, and I don't think it would be a major selling point. From those who were accustomed to the full frame affect of VHS tapes that I talk to, they get used to widescreen DVDs rather easilly.

[Garrett]

Originally posted by calhoun07
I think the number of people who insist upon full frame only is a minority of the buying public.

Precisely. The problem is (in my experience), they are extremely picky, whiny, and fearful of change.......*gasps* I think I just described a few fandoms here.

Garrett

[James Harvey]

Widescreen is real easy to get used to. I got used to it in no time, and I prefer it more than full-frame now. With the next generation of TVs being widescreen, this argument will no doubt become obsolete.

[Matt Hazuda]

Yeah and with shows like The West Wing, THe Sopranos, Six Feet Under, and Angel among others doing their shows in widescreen, more and more people will get on the widescreen bandwagon in the future.