Total newbie, searched for a while.

When I transfer my final production to film I want it to be in the 1:85 aspect ratio. Using the XL1, is putting the camera in 16X9 mode the only thing I have to do to attain this?

After editing the project, would I give the film lab the master edit mini DV tape edited in the 16X9 mode? Would the mini dv to film transfer automatically become a 1:85 film if I did this?

In the end I want to use the XL1 and transfer the video to film and have the final product be in the 1:85 ratio when projected on the screen.

Is this correct? Any help would be appreciated. I know this answer is probably everywhere. Thank you. I'm not being lazy I am just bewildered by the amount of information on these boards.

Michael Hart

16:9 is about 1.77:1. When they print it out to film, it will cut off a few pixels from the top and bottom, perhaps 4 to 6 pixels from the top and bottom.

You can always shoot in 4/3 and matte (I don't know if this is the right word) the bars for 16/9... Do you have the S version or not?
The S version has these bars, so you can frame in 16/9, and add the black lines in post.
Or you could shoot in 16/9.
There have been a lot of discussions in what's best, you can do a search here on the boards.

Good luck!

I have the regular XL1.

Here is an example.

I shot in 16X9 and brought it into FCP studio edition. And compressed it with DVD studio pro with the 16X9 aspect ratio setting. When I brought it out to DVD and popped it in it was framed for 1:85.

I just need to know if that is how it will transfer to film when we give them the 16X9 master.

Searching still, the first poster shed some light. I'm just looking for a bit more detail.

Thanks guys.

Mike

Mike,

Actually, if you captured it, edited it, and burned it, without clipping a few pixels from the top and bottom, the ratio is 1.77:1, not 1.85:1.

However, yes, that is basically what they will do to the image when you do a film out. You may find more detailed answers at a film out site, like DVFilm (http://www.dvfilm.com/).

Josh

O.k. cool

I am just used to saying 1:85 or 2:35. Normally when you watch a DVD like ex. Fargo, the back of the DVD says 1:85, where as Casino it says 2:35 (scope I beleive). So in actuallity, the image that I am seeing exported (my movie)when compared to a 1:85, is actually more image?

Totally unoticable to me. I thought I was a videphile.

Cool

Mike

Mike,

It's not a big deal. There are a few black pixel lines on the top and bottom of the image. It's tough to notice something that is "screen black."

Josh

I guess you have a point. Bottom line, same thing happens when taking the master 16X9 tape to the dv to film people. you get 1:77. thanks josh and every one else.

mike