Douglas R
Senior HTF Member
At what aspect ratio was Hitchcock's DIAL M FOR MURDER originally projected? The Region 1 DVD is full frame 1.33:1 and every review which I have read claims that this is the original theatrical ratio, as it also says on the box. However the Region 2 & 4 DVD is 1.85:1 anamorphic and the box for that also says that it is the original theatrical ratio.
I have both DVD versions and the 1.85:1 looks framed correctly. There is no essential information missing from the top and bottom of the frame. The film was first released in May 1954 and by then the vast majority of theaters were no longer showing films in 1.33:1. I have also seen the film projected in a cinema on a re-release at 1.85:1. So it seems to me that the Region 1 full frame version is surely incorrect?
I have both DVD versions and the 1.85:1 looks framed correctly. There is no essential information missing from the top and bottom of the frame. The film was first released in May 1954 and by then the vast majority of theaters were no longer showing films in 1.33:1. I have also seen the film projected in a cinema on a re-release at 1.85:1. So it seems to me that the Region 1 full frame version is surely incorrect?