The EssentialShowbiz Dictionary™

of Entertainment Industry Terms

Aspect Ratio

1 minute read | Last updated: 4 months ago

What does Aspect Ratio mean?

Aspect Ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height of a screen or image. In film and television, the aspect ratio determines how the scene will be displayed and framed. Different aspect ratios can dramatically affect the composition of a scene, influencing the visual storytelling. Common aspect ratios include 4:3 for older television screens, 16:9 for modern widescreen displays, and 2.35:1 for cinematic widescreen formats.

Example:A filmmaker chooses the 2.35:1 aspect ratio for a sweeping landscape shot in a feature film to emphasize the vastness of the environment.
Example: A television show from the 1990s is presented in a 4:3 aspect ratio, giving it a boxy appearance on modern widescreen TVs.

Did you know?
The aspect ratio 16:9 is the standard format for most high-definition TVs and streaming services, but filmmakers often choose wider aspect ratios for a more cinematic feel!

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