I got this set today.
There's no good reason why the episodes on this disc couldn't have been presented in their original 16:9 ratio (which is how all the episodes have been aired here in the UK).
As noted above, the disc comes with a funny 3'20" section about "widescreen bloopers", introduced by Bryan Cranston. He tells us that the show is shot in 16:9, and that the production generally try and make the best of that ratio, but that they have a saying on set when deadlines get tight: "FHD - 'Fooey' Hi-Def" (sic), which basically means that "it's good enough for the bulk of viewers, watching in 4:3".
The section is a compilation of clips (mostly from the Pilot episode) which show examples of shots where light stands or other film-making equipment - or crew members - is in view on the edge of 16:9 shots. There's also one 4:3 clip of a crewmember handing one of the cast something, to prove that the mistakes don't only happen in the widescreen version.
Needless to say, despite this, I'd rather have the added benefit of increased resolution, and the ability to see the 16:9 compositions (when they're not pushed for time!)
I hope this doesn't set a precedent for other shows (specifically other Fox shows). There are similar mistakes in many widecreen episodes of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, but I'm sure there will be blood on the streets if Fox released those in 4:3?! But, hey, what does it matter - it's "only television", right?
There's no good reason why the episodes on this disc couldn't have been presented in their original 16:9 ratio (which is how all the episodes have been aired here in the UK).
As noted above, the disc comes with a funny 3'20" section about "widescreen bloopers", introduced by Bryan Cranston. He tells us that the show is shot in 16:9, and that the production generally try and make the best of that ratio, but that they have a saying on set when deadlines get tight: "FHD - 'Fooey' Hi-Def" (sic), which basically means that "it's good enough for the bulk of viewers, watching in 4:3".
The section is a compilation of clips (mostly from the Pilot episode) which show examples of shots where light stands or other film-making equipment - or crew members - is in view on the edge of 16:9 shots. There's also one 4:3 clip of a crewmember handing one of the cast something, to prove that the mistakes don't only happen in the widescreen version.
Needless to say, despite this, I'd rather have the added benefit of increased resolution, and the ability to see the 16:9 compositions (when they're not pushed for time!)
I hope this doesn't set a precedent for other shows (specifically other Fox shows). There are similar mistakes in many widecreen episodes of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, but I'm sure there will be blood on the streets if Fox released those in 4:3?! But, hey, what does it matter - it's "only television", right?
