60's & 70's Aspect Ratios (from Sword in the Stone)

[AlwaysOAR]

Okay, I received these pressbooks about a week ago, just haven't had time to post about them...


"The Littlest Horse Thieves" 1977 Premiere Release Information:

"For the biggest and best picture of "The Littlest Horse Thieves" on your screen THE ASPECT RATIO IS 1:75 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the Anchor Bay DVD is misframed at 1.85:1, and has a Pan & Scan version, while the Disney DVD is at a 1.33:1 (Open-matte/Pan & Scan?) ratio.)

...the theatre kit states a runtime of 1 hr., 44 min., 8 sec., matching its runtime on DVD...


"The Cat From Outer Space" 1978 Premiere Release Information:

"THE ASPECT RATIO FOR AN OUT OF THIS WORLD SCREEN IMAGE IS 1:75 to 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the Anchor Bay release is misframed at 1.66:1. For the Disney release, the packaging states 1.75:1, presenting the film in its original theatrical aspect ratio, though this sites review says it is at 1.78:1.)

...the theatre kit states a runtime of 1 hr., 44 min., matching its runtime on DVD...


I'll update the list shortly...


Scott

[AlwaysOAR]

Just fot in the Pressbook for "Moon Pilot". It has the following text:

"Mr. Exhibitor...Please Note!

Put your patrons in the top entertainment hemisphere and give them the best possible picture on your theatre screen. For maximum projection results in the presentation of Walt Disney's "Moon Pilot" be sure not to exceed Aspect Ratio 1:75 to 1. WARNING: If projected at a ratio less than 1:75 to 1 there will be a black border at the top and/or bottom of screen!"


That makes another 1.75:1. And also another hard matted print released as well.

Thanks fella, I just updated the list with your info...


Also, I ordered the following pressbooks, and I should receive them within two weeks...

1962's The Incredible Journey

1967's Monkeys, Go Home!


Scott

[disneyfella]

I just got Bon Voyage and Never Cry Wolf Pressbooks.....but then I looked at the updated lists...and they were already posted I still would have gotten these pressbooks anyway, because I'm reading up on the films but unfortunately can't contribute much at this point.

We need to have Luke link up a web page with a table of all the Feature Film releases with the aspect ratios (and a questions mark next to the ones still missing). I'll bet we've found and documented over 3/4 of the Disney Feature Film Library prior to 1986 (when it becomes more difficult to find the projection ratios).

[Escapay]

We need to have Luke link up a web page with a table of all the Feature Film releases with the aspect ratios (and a questions mark next to the ones still missing). I'll bet we've found and documented over 3/4 of the Disney Feature Film Library prior to 1986 (when it becomes more difficult to find the projection ratios).

I support this idea. While we do have "Aspect Ratios Explained" and "Pan & Scan DVDs to Avoid" pages, as well as a listing of the aspect ratio used on each DVD in their respective pages (Animated Classics, Pre-1980 Live Action, Other Animated Features, etc.), it'd be great to have a reference page that has a list of all the confirmed aspect ratios for every film, noting which version is used in home media releases.



albert

[AlwaysOAR]

I received these pressbooks awhile ago, just haven't been able to find the time to post...


1963's "The Incredible Journey"...no projection instructions in it, and has a stated runtime of 1 HOUR, 20 MINUTES, matching it's runtime on DVD.


"Monkeys, Go Home!" 1967 Premiere Release Information:

"Mr. Exhibitor!

THE ASPECT RATIO OF "MONKEYS, GO HOME!" is 1.75:1

ADHERE TO THIS RATIO TO ACHIEVE THE BEST POSSIBLE SCREEN IMAGE."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is at a 1.33:1 (Open-matte/Pan & Scan?) ratio.)

...and it has a stated runtime in it's pressbook of 1 HOUR, 41 MINUTES, matching it's runtime on DVD.


I also received the pressbook for "Pollyanna" and is the same of course as the scans of it presented on the Vault Disney release, confirming it's 1.75:1 ratio.


I'll update the list on the previous page shortly...

Scott

[AlwaysOAR]

I've placed an order for the following pressbooks, and should receive them within two weeks...

1960's "Kidnapped"

1963's "Summer Magic"

1981's "The Watcher In The Woods"


Regarding Watcher, Disneyfella acquired the pressbook for the aborted 1980 Premiere, which I believe was this...

http://shop.vendio.com/comicod/item/758 ... index.html


The one I ordered, not from this site below, is for the actual release for it in 1981, and has this front cover (see the upper left of lot)...

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/h ... -kit-1980s


Anyway, my guess is that there were probably no changes from one to the other, other than front cover, but wanted to get to compare.


Also, I ordered the pressbook for "The Light In The Forest", which I had gotten the projection info from a badly cut-out pressbook for it before, and have since sold, but this one is uncut and if I find any other info, will pass on.


Scott

[AlwaysOAR]

I received these pressbooks a week ago, just now getting around to posting about them...



"Kidnapped" 1960 Premiere Release Information:

(NOTE: The theatre kit states a running time of 97 min., while the DVD release states 95 min. That's a loss of 2 minutes.)

"MR. EXHIBITOR PLEASE NOTE

Give your patrons the best possible picture on your theatre screen. For top projection results in the presentation of Walt Disney's "Kidnapped," do not exceed

ASPECT RATIO 1:75 to 1

or you will lose top and bottom of the picture."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is Pan & Scanned at 1.33:1.)

...on a side note, the live action featurette "Mysteries of the Deep" premiered with this, not with "Pollyanna", which came out a couple of months after "Kidnapped", and also showed the featurette before that presentation...



"The Watcher In The Woods" 1981 Premiere Release Information:

"THE ASPECT RATIO FOR A SPIRITED IMAGE IS 1:75 TO 1"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is misframed at 1.85:1.)

*Also, the theatre kit states a runtime of 1 hr., 23 min., 16 sec., matching it's runtime on DVD.



1963's "Summer Magic"...no projection instructions for it, and it states a runtime of 109 MINUTES, while the dvd is at 108 min.



*The pressbook for the aborted 1980 premiere that Disneyfella received stated a runtime of 1 hr., 40 min., which you can somewhat see in the link provided in the post above.


I'll update and correct the list on the previous page shortly...

Scott

[AlwaysOAR]

I also placed an order for the following pressbooks about two weeks ago, and should receive them any day now...

1955's "The African Lion"

1955's "The Littlest Outlaw"

1956's "Secrets Of Life"

1964's "The Moon-Spinners"


Scott

[AlwaysOAR]

I've got those pressbooks in...and no projection instructions for any of them...


1955's "The African Lion"...no runtime stated.


1955's "The Littlest Outlaw"...no runtime stated.


1956's "Secrets Of Life"...states a runtime of 73 Minutes, while it's runtime on DVD is 70 min, a loss of 3 minutes.

Also, throughout the pressbook, it states "Buena Vista is releasing "Secrets of Life," partly in Cinemascope."

And, we have not one, but two featurettes that premiered with this...
The animated "A Cowboy Needs A Horse" and the live action "Cow Dog."


1964's "The Moon-Spinners"...states a runtime of 1 HOUR, 59 MINUTES, matching its runtime on DVD.


I'll update the list shortly...


Scott

[AlwaysOAR]

I've placed an order for the following pressbooks, and will get the projection info out for them when they arrive...

1961's "Greyfriars Bobby"

1967's "Charlie, The Lonesome Cougar"

1969's "Rascal"

1974's "The Castaway Cowboy"


Scott

[AlwaysOAR]

I've got those pressbooks in, and here is the info from them...



"Greyfriars Bobby" 1961 Premiere Release Information:

"MR. EXHIBITOR - PLEASE NOTE!

Give your patrons the best possible picture on your theatre screen. For top projection results in the presentation of "GREYFRIARS BOBBY" you must use

ASPECT RATIO 1:75 to 1

WARNING: IF PROJECTED AT A RATIO LESS THAN 1:75 to 1 THERE WILL BE A BLACK BORDER AT TOP AND/ OR BOTTOM OF SCREEN!"

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for this film was 1.75:1, the DVD release is Pan & Scanned at 1.33:1.)

...the theatre kit states a runtime of 91 MINUTES, matching its runtime on DVD...



1967's "Charlie, The Lonesome Cougar"...no projection instructions given, and states a runtime of 74 Minutes, while the DVD states 75 min...



1969's "Rascal"...no projection instructions given, and states a runtime of 1 HR. 25 MIN., matching its runtime on DVD...

Also, the live-action featurette, "Hang Your Hat On The Wind" premiered with this.



"The Castaway Cowboy" / "The Absent-Minded Professor" 1974 Combo Premiere/ Re-Release Information:

(NOTE: When "The Castaway Cowboy" premiered in theatres, a re-release of "The Absent-Minded Professor" was attached with it.)

"The aspect ratio for "The Castaway Cowboy" and "The Absent-Minded Professor" to achieve that perfect screen image is 1.75 to 1."

(NOTE: While the original theatrical framing for "The Castaway Cowboy" was 1.75:1, the DVD releases are at a 1.33:1 (Open-matte/ Pan & Scan?) ratio.)

...the theatre kit states a runtime of 91 1/2 MINUTES, matching its runtime on DVD...



I'll update the list shortly...


Scott

[AlwaysOAR]

I've placed an order for the following 2 pressbooks, and should have the info out in a couple of weeks...

1957's "Perri"

1972's "Now You See Him, Now You Don't"


Scott

[AlwaysOAR]

I've come across on ebay some re-release pressbooks for sale showing images of some of their pages with projection instructions for them...


"Bambi" 1957 Re-Release Information:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VI ... 0586472872

"MR. EXHIBITOR! PLEASE NOTE!

BEST PROJECTION RESULTS ARE OBTAINED BY USING THE FOLLOWING ASPECT RATIOS IN THE PRESENTATION OF WALT DISNEY'S "BAMBI"

FROM: 1.33 to 1 TO: 1.66 to 1

WARNING! Please do not go beyond 1.66 to 1 aspect ratio or you will lose top and bottom of picture."

(NOTE: The original theatrical framing for "Bambi" when it premiered in 1942 was 1.33:1. Therefore the 1.66:1 matting, in some venues, of this 1957 re-release is another example of the critically frowned upon theatrical re-releases of Disney films in improper aspect ratios.)


*The very bottom of the scan has some of the wording cut off, but from previous instructions of other pressbooks, it's easy to assume what the rest would say...


"Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs" 1958 Re-Release Information:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VI ... 0586469818

"MR. EXHIBITOR...PLEASE NOTE

For Best Projection Results In The Presentation Of "Snow White" Use Aspect Ratio 1.75 to 1."

(NOTE: The original theatrical framing for "Snow White" when it premiered in 1937 was 1.33:1. Therefore the 1.75:1 matting of this 1958 re-release is another example of the critically frowned upon theatrical re-releases of Disney films in improper aspect ratios.)

*Like the Bambi scan, some of the wording on the left is cut off, but again going from previous instructions from other pressbooks, it's easy to assume what the rest would say...


I don't know how long these scans will be up, but I'll update the list, and bump it up as my next post soon...


Scott

[AlwaysOAR]

This post has been bumped to the next page...

Scott

[MattDean]

Thanks for updating the info. You clearly go to a lot time and trouble compiling all the information you share with us.

I just hope The Fox & The Hound receives its first home video widescreen presentation when it comes to blu...

Is Lady & The Tramp Platinum an open matte presentation like Sleeping Beauty is? I actually didn't realise the ltd. ed. L&TT had a different ratio to the platinum!

Matt

[AlwaysOAR]

Well, the credit for finding out about all these pressbooks goes to Disneyfella...I just started to collect them to get the info out and has become somewhat of a hobby.

When L&TT premiered in '55, Cinemascope features were being released at 2.55:1. It was sometime in '56 I believe that the ratio changed to 2.35:1. So when SB came out, the theatrical ratio was 2.35, though it was animated at 2.55.

For L&TT, I believe the 2.55 ratio on the platinum is the correct ratio...


Scott

[AlwaysOAR]

I've ordered the following pressbooks, and will get the info out when I receive them, about 2-3 weeks...

1981's "Condorman"

1982's "Tron"


Scott

[disneyfella]

2.55:1 is the correct ratio that was shown in 1955 for L&TT, and 2.35:1 is the correct ratio that was shown in 1959 for SB.



I almost sent you a message the other day ALWAYSOAR, because I was bidding on a Condorman pressbook on ebay.....I hope we weren't bidding on the same one. If so, I apologize for hiking up the price....I was curious to see what was said in the pressbook, so I'll be doubly curious to see when you post.

Thanks for keeping up the good work. You are literally creating the only resource online with definitive proof of what these movies were displayed in when shown in theatres.

[KubrickFan]

2.55:1 is the correct ratio that was shown in 1955 for L&TT, and 2.35:1 is the correct ratio that was shown in 1959 for SB.

Of course, it depends whether you saw Sleeping Beauty in 70mm or not. SB has two different theatrical ratios, and the one in which it was produced. All are valid.

[AlwaysOAR]

^ True in regards to SB in that in some venues, it was shown at 2.20:1(70mm), somewhat like today when some movies will have showings here and there at IMAX theatres at a different ratio, but will have most of their showings in traditional theatres. As far as animated/ filmed at ratio or intended ratio, well I'm only concerned with the theatrical ratio...have to draw the line somewhere. Of course, both the animated and theatrical ratios could be put on future releases to satisfy everyone...

I almost sent you a message the other day ALWAYSOAR, because I was bidding on a Condorman pressbook on ebay.....I hope we weren't bidding on the same one. If so, I apologize for hiking up the price....I was curious to see what was said in the pressbook, so I'll be doubly curious to see when you post.

No worries...I had paid a little more than I wanted/ planned on for it, but it was someone else after you I believe that hiked it up a little more.

Thanks for keeping up the good work. You are literally creating the only resource online with definitive proof of what these movies were displayed in when shown in theatres.

It was you that discovered that this info was in these pressbooks, so the credit goes to you