Hey, everyone. ”Moriarty” here.

I’m sorry to hear that this event was so mismanaged. I am not sure what would possess anyone to show a film in a theater in the wrong aspect ratio in the year 2007? That’s a basic mistake that no one should make. It’s not the same as the home video debate because we’re talking about a theater. In the theater, it makes sense to show it in the theatrical ratio... hence no need for letterboxing or pan and scanning and digital zooming.

I’ll let these guys tell you what they saw:

So Harry I went to the screening of Poltergeist this evening. I have been looking forward to seeing it since the posting here a few weeks back.

Well it did not go well.

Once upon a time I worked in a theater, so I know just a little something. The show starts off very much full screen and just as the credits start the pictures pulls back and shows the "scope" that should be presented. The darn thing is wide-screen (letter-boxed)just for the opening and closing credits. I am a forgiving sort on some things but when I have to pay for a "pan and scan" version of a beautiful film like this it is a shame.

I was not impressed with the projection system used either. As I understand it most movie theaters have might have two kinds of digital projectors. The very expensive one for the movie and one for the Movie Vision pre-show. Well guess which one was not used. Not the good one, thus a blurry, dull and dark movie experience with those annoying little boxes that show up on titles and very bright images. Why not just throw a sheet up and grab a lap-top and your $500.00 Best Buy LCD projector. Totally not what I wanted this evening.

I do have one good thing to say...the movie was very clean. I found the "print" to be pristine and flawless, just presented poorly.

Needless to say I did get my dollars back and will use them to purchase the DVD movie next week. I am sure my TV will do the trick, once I place my hands on it and proclaim "They're Here!"

Just call me Mr Voice.

This next one is just a quick reaction:

Hey Harry & Crew,

Just got back from the "one night only special screening" of Poltergeist at the AMC theater in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Loved the flick, as always, but was appalled to see that it was PROJECTED IN THE WRONG ASPECT RATIO. Or I guess I should say, since I assume it was all digital, they USED THE WRONG VERSION for the screening. Basically we got a full-screen version of the flick, with correct aspect ratio main and end titles. Jeebus H. Criminy. Even movie theaters don't understand the appeal of widescreen now. Or at least Fathom Entertainment doesn't.

Just thought I'd share ...

Troy "Minnesota T-Rex" Tradup