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No Widescreen of Full Metal Jacket?

As far as I know, Full Metal Jacket has never been released in a Widescreen format [Fullscreen pan & scan only].

I've never seen a Widescreen version on either Laser Disc, or any DVD version, even the special collectors edition.

Does anyone know why? Does it have to do to Kubrick's heirs? This doesnt make sense though, as I believe that the DVD versions were released before his death.

So what's the deal on seeing this great film as it should be seen, in the true theater aspect ratio?
fatparrot
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
FULL METAL JACKET was shown in u.s. theatres in 1.85:1....Kubrick shot it open(4x3)to be matted 1.66:1 which is not really widescreen or scope. the current dvd is not 'matted' correctly, but is missing no visual info....in fact there is a bit of picture at the top and bottom of the screen that should not be there. A newly mastered version for hddvd or blueray is probably forthcoming which will most likely be matted correctly for the composition that the dp and the director wanted......shooting films 'open' and matting for theatres was common for many non-widescreen films. generally if a dvd is fullframe(4x3) and got that way through pan and scan, it was originally 2.35:1...true widescreen......most films and tv shows today are shot 1.85:1 in anticipation of a world full of tv screens they are same dimension.
theduke
372 posts
 
No widescreen version of "The Bridges of Madison County" either!
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
I've heard what Jaybo says about FMJ as well. I've seen a few movies shot where you can see the full 4:3 aspect ratio in the viewfinder, but widescreen crops are drawn on it to show what will show in theaters. Sometimes the boom mikes and lights are visible hanging from above in the viewfinder, but the moviegoer never sees this once it's cropped out.

"This is my rifle. There are many like it but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my rifle is useless. Without my rifle I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than my enemy, who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will. Before God I swear this creed: my rifle and myself are defenders of my country, we are the masters of my enemy, we are the saviors of my life. So be it, until there is no enemy, but peace. Amen."

"I wanted to see exotic Vietnam... the crown jewel of Southeast Asia. I wanted to meet interesting and stimulating people of an ancient culture... and kill them. I wanted to be the first kid on my block to get a confirmed kill!"
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