16mm film to video transfers

[m. tams]

Okay, so I've just dropped the eight cans or our freshly shot short at the lab to be processed and transfered. They offered the option of a 4:3 or 16:9 transfer. I chose 16:9 figuring that it'll look better, and assuming that this aspect ratio was standard for 16mm film. after some research I have discovered this is not the case.

 

How much of our image will be lost if we transfer to 16:9 and will they 'stretch' the image to obtain this? I checked with my DP and she was framing for 4:3.

 

Does the aspect ratio change happen at the processing stage, or at the transfer stage, because I have the possible option (i hope) of phoning the lab tomorrow to change my desired aspect ratio.

 

any help would be appreciated.

[David Cox]

It happens at the transfer stage - so you can always change your mind :-)

 

If your DOP framed for 4:3, then I suggest you transfer that unless you prefer the 16:9 (TV widescreen) shape, in which case you would likely be transferring the center 75%(ish) height of the frame, cropping the rest off. However, since your DOP didn't frame for this, you need to check that you aren't cutting off important bits of the frame - like heads etc

[m. tams]

It happens at the transfer stage - so you can always change your mind :-)

 

If your DOP framed for 4:3, then I suggest you transfer that unless you prefer the 16:9 (TV widescreen) shape, in which case you would likely be transferring the center 75%(ish) height of the frame, cropping the rest off. However, since your DOP didn't frame for this, you need to check that you aren't cutting off important bits of the frame - like heads etc

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

That's a lot David. That's exactly what I neede to know.