Is there a bluray version of Dark Knight without the variable imax ratio?

[yoda313]

Ok I was at Blockbuster today and bought some movies including a clearance copy of Dark Knight on bluray for 13.00. I figured what the hell why not. I only have the dvd single disc version and wanted the extras and high def.

But I read this video description on the back and it says "variable 2.4:1 and 1.78:1 ratio" video for imax sequences. What the hell? I looked it up online just now before I open the package (bought new so I'll be able to return it if I need to). It turns out that this not switchable? Its permanent?

I read a couple of different websites with user reviews that the two disc bluray special edition flips back and forth between 2.4:1 and 1.78 through the whole movie? What the hell for? Why not have an option for a single aspect ratio viewing? Or make a third disc for this switching.

Is there a two disc bluray edition for dark knight that DOES NOT HAVE this switching?

I'll gladly return this unopened copy if this is true about this un-turn-offable aspect switching. That would be annoying as all hell. Especially on a smaller 32" set like mine. Perhaps larger sets the ratio difference might not be as bad??

Please let me know if there are single aspect ratio bluray editions for dark knight. I should have read the label more closely but thank god I did before opening it. If this is the way it is I'd be better off buying a two disc dvd set for the background material and forgetting the bluray alltogether. I just want the background material.

More insight is welcome on this issue. I think I have two weeks to return unopened movies.

Edit - I may just keep it after all since all I really do want are the extras on the second disc. I do have a fixed ratio version on my dvd just not in high def obviously.

I won't open it until I get a response. THanks.

[MOVIEGEEK]

Some scenes were shot with an IMAX camera, there isn't a single aspect ratio version. The DVD version is a single aspect ratio but the transfer sucks, grainy and blurry.

[guns1inger]

It actually isn't annoying or even noticeable when you are watching the film. In the major action sequences the screen is filled top to bottom. I have never noticed it as a distraction while watching the film.

[yoda313]

Some scenes were shot with an IMAX camera, there isn't a single aspect ratio version. The DVD version is a single aspect ratio but the transfer sucks, grainy and blurry.

Actually I've been happy with my dvd of the movie. For standard def that is.

It actually isn't annoying or even noticeable when you are watching the film. In the major action sequences the screen is filled top to bottom. I have never noticed it as a distraction while watching the film.

So it doesn't distract too much from the movie?

When you say "filled" you mean no black bars at all correct? Similar to watching any 1.78/1.85 movie like Jurassic Park or Back to the Future?



I think I'll end up keeping it after all. I really just want the extras. This will be different with it popping in an out of the bars.

Thats one thing I don't like about a lot of the hd channels on cable. They crop the movies to 1.85 and you lose the oar. Except TCM and AMC usually show movies in OAR which is preferred.

[guns1inger]

The Dark Knight is actually presented in it's OAR - it just happens to be a mixed AR. I have a copy of Doctor Strangelove that does the same - switches between 1.33 and 1.66 because it was shot on mixed filmstock.

[yoda313]

Thanks guns1inger.