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Re: Please tell me...

from dvdfile:

From the Whitney Houston "Crack is whack!" news of the weird department, did you ever think you'd see the day when a major studio was sued over a widescreen DVD?

Los Angeles resident Warren Eallonardo, 28, is suing MGM and several local area retailers over what he claims is false advertising. Citing misleading claims made by MGM on the packaging of many of their DVDs, as well as unnamed employees of the accused retailers, that widescreen movies actually show more of the picture than their full frame counterparts, Eallonardo argues that so-called "open matte" films are actually cropped to widescreen dimensions, thereby showing less, not more, of the picture. Eallonardo named such titles as Rain Man and Hoosiers as prime offenders, and his attorney Clifford Pearson told the press that his client, "Felt like he was being ripped off." The suit, which seeks class action status, was filed late Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court.

While it is tempting to dismiss this guy as a Judge Judy also-ran, it is worth noting that many widescreen transfers do indeed show less picture information than their full frame counterparts. Many films today are shot "open matte," then matted to a widescreen aspect ratio for theatrical distribution. Thus, technically, you are getting "less," not "more." Of course, anyone who reads the back of an MGM DVD box carefully will note that the packaging clear states "Theatrical Release Format," not "You're getting more picture!" I don't know what this guy is suing for (mental anguish?), but perhaps he just needs a good little primer on what widescreen really is. IN any case, can't wait to see what the outcome of this one will be! Stay tuned...



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