~1.78:1 (fills a standard 16:9 widescreen TV) or ~1.33:1 (for old 4:3 televisions). The Process:
For years, the only way to watch Godzilla (1998) was in its theatrical 2.35:1 aspect ratio. While this provided a cinematic, anamorphic look, it was a "matted" image—meaning the top and bottom of the original 35mm film frame were cropped to achieve a wide, cinematic appearance. Godzilla 1998 Open Matte
. This technique allows for an "open matte" presentation where the top and bottom of the 35mm frame are "unmasked," filling a 1.78:1 (16:9) 1.33:1 (4:3) screen without losing the sides. More Vertical Detail Niko "Nick" Tatopoulos (Matthew Broderick) stands in awe
Consider a key scene where Dr. Niko "Nick" Tatopoulos (Matthew Broderick) stands in awe of Godzilla's massive footprint. In the widescreen version, the shot is tight on Nick and the footprint. In the open matte version, you see significantly more of the background—perhaps a full view of the destroyed landscape or a clear look at the tarmac. This effect continues throughout the film. A shot of Godzilla's head looming over a building in the widescreen version might only show his head and shoulders in open matte, but with so much additional sky and building facade, it completely alters the sense of scale and immersion. Godzilla 1998 Open Matte
The Open Matte frame closes on a title card:
Godzilla 1998 Open Matte: A New Vision of the 90s Blockbuster