Widescreen movies smaller than other (picture)?

[X-treme]

I have watched numerous dvd's and it has just occurred to me now that some dvd's that I watch are larger in depth and height, and others are smaller. My settings on my tv/dvd player are correct (widescreen mode), but they differ upon various movies.

Is there a reason for this?

[DVDJunkee]

Some movies are different aspect ratios, such as 2.11 to 1, and 1.85 to 1. This will affect the amount of black on the screen

[X-treme]

Yes, that's correct, but why do each movie company vary?

Is there a purpose?

[DVDJunkee]

yes. the film they use varies, along with the directors vision. Some directors like to shoot full frame super 35 film, while most others use other film that results in different aspect ratios.

someone correct me if i'm wrong

[RowMan]

It's really up to the director and the director of photography as to which aspect ratio is used. Generally, though, big budgeted action movies are shot in the wider sceen ratios over comedies and dramas that don't require as much "scope."

[CaseyComb]

Here's an example... Stanley Kubrick shot most of his movies in a 1:85 ratio to later be made into a 1:33 ratio (T.V. Ratio) He did however shoot 2001: A Space Odyssey in a 2:35 ratio. Kubrick felt that a wider aspect ratio was appropriate for his science fiction film. Most of the time though he mastered his DVD's to a full frame ratio (1:33) feeling that his films would have more longevity to them considering more and more people watch movies on TV. For the most part directors almost always shoot in a 1:85 ratio. Scorsese almost always does. Ridley Scott and his brother Tony Scott shoot almost exclusively in 2:35. It's just a matter of preference as previously stated.

[X-treme]

Thanks for all the help guys!