Full Screen or Widescreen?

[Predator Collector]

Although we all grew up originally watching most VHS movies in full screen format, now many DVDs are available in widescreen format which preserves the original theatrical composition. I myself prefer widescreen. Besides, if I don't like the black bars, I can just zoom in using my remote control and get rid of them. I voted for widescreen.

[PredalienXenomorph]

(Don't think this thread is in the right area) Fullscreen.

[Predator Collector]

Sorry if its in the wrong area. If you're a moderator reading this and feel that it should be elsewhere, please move it.

[PHANTOM]

I'll watch it in full screen if they can manage to keep the aspect ratio of the widescreen version.

[SM]

Given a choice, I can't see why anyone would prefer full screen.  So much of the image gets cropped it's not funny.

[Space Reaper]

I don't see the point in using Fullscreen anymore. It's horribly outdated, and Widescreen is the intended view of the picture. I don't mind the black bars- it gives a kind of cinematic feel. And besides, not all films have the black bars.

[LLIT]

Fullscreen cuts too much of the shot off.

[TJ Doc]

I'm fine with full-on letterboxed 2.39:1 films because you can easily change the viewing mode and reduce the size of the black bars, but films with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 can be annoying as zooming in may crop off quite a lot of the top and bottom along with the black bars (unless you have a TV which automatically sorts it out for you).

But my knowledge of aspect ratios is a little rusty. 

[MrBrokenTusks.]

The golden ratio is more fitting to the widescreen viewing films so it is more appeasing to the eye. It is very scientific.

[TheMonolith]

Widescreen hands  down. Fullscreen feels cramped to me. After I see a film in proper aspect, when I watch it fullscreen, I know something is missing, even for 1.85 films.
If you have a widescreen TV, that makes it even better.

[85]

if you watch ghostbusters on full screen its just wrong.

[Predator Collector]

Full Screen was fine back in the old VHS rental days and some people still prefer it, but I agree with you Space Reaper that widescreen gives you a kind of cinematic feel.

But my knowledge of aspect ratios is a little rusty. 

Below is a link to an informative website about aspect ratios:
http://events.hometheaterforum.com/home/wsfaq.html

Enjoy!

[TJ Doc]

Thanks, that's actually a pretty good explanation. Interesting how one full screen format crops loads off the picture while another doesn't. 

[AvatarIII]

depends, if the TV has a good aspect ratio so i won't lose too much at the sides i'll watch full screen, but on an old 4:3 you lose so much by doing fullscreen you have to put up with the bars, or else you'll lose so much stuff!

[botched]

Wide screen Nothing less.