TCM-HD showing Singin' In The Rain in WIDESCREEN (1 Viewer)

[David Weicker]

Normally, I really appreciate TCM. They seem to do a good job at OAR. BUT, today's showing of Singin' In The Rain on TCM-HD is being presented in widescreen. I can't tell if it is 16x9, or slightly less (there appears to be a very narrow bar on the sides). This appears to be a Tilt&Scan, not a squeeze presentation. During the Fit As A Fiddle number, they actually cut off Gene and Donald's feet. I did flip over the the regular TCM channel, and it is in the correct 4x3 aspect. I hope this is a one-time aberration. David

 

[Jim*Tod]

Yes... I just noticed that too. There have been other examples recently. Who has a contact at TCM? This is truly unacceptable, especially from a source so dedicated to correct presentation. Is TCM turning into AMC? Let's hope not. The aspect ratio is about 1.66.

 

[bujaki]

As I posted earlier, TCM-HD has also shown State Fair (1933) and Up the River (1930) in a 16:9 presentation. Regular TCM shows these same broadcasts in their OAR. Someone with connections to TCM should be challenging this unacceptable practice.

 

[Jim*Tod]

I don't have a contact at TCM, but I did leave a message complaining on their website. It is isn't much but it is a start. I hope others will complain as well.

 

[Mark-P]

:jawdrop: I never would have expected this from TCM.

 

[RolandL]

Probably a mistake as its not mentioned on their web site. The following are and should not be. 2/27 3:00 PM Boomerang (1947) A prosecutor fights to prove the defendant in a scandalous murder case is innocent. Dir: Elia Kazan Cast: Dana Andrews , Jane Wyatt , Lee J. Cobb . BW-88 mins, TV-PG, CC, Letterbox Format 2/28 - 4:30 PM On the Riviera (1951) A nightclub entertainer temporarily replaces a tycoon he's famous for impersonating. Dir: Walter Lang Cast: Danny Kaye , Gene Tierney , Corinne Calvet . C-90 mins, TV-G, CC, Letterbox Format

 

[bujaki]

I don't monitor TCM all the time for such anomalies, but have experienced this "mistake" on 3 different occasions. This could be an emerging pattern, and should be nipped in the bud ASAP. TCM is one of our last bastions for deep "catalog" films. Let's hope they start paying more attention to original aspect ratios. As far as I'm concerned, TCM should NOT show any films not in their OAR. I've always considered TCM our ally in the fight for film preservation and enjoyment of the classics. Please, TCM, don't sully your reputation!

 

[Charles Smith]

Someone please post right away the next time you see this happen. I haven't caught it myself. Everything on TCM-HD is window-boxed on my TV, but other people never get that, either.

 

[David Weicker]

I've noticed the window-boxing, at least on originally widescreen movies. However, since window-boxing doesn't alter the OAR, it isn't a problem to me. David

 

[Charles Smith]

I've only been pointing it out because I get it only on that channel, no others.

 

[Jim*Tod]

But everyone posting here should send a message via the TCM site. They may or may not read this forum. As for the window boxing, I can live with that. As another poster noted, this does not affect the aspect ratio.

 

[Jim*Tod]

Tonight TCM HD and standard are showing THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING, shot in 2.35 aspect ratio, in some cropped version. This is twice in one week they have shown a film in the wrong version. What is going on with TCM?

 

[Charles Smith]

And here comes Lawrence of Arabia. Dare we look...?

 

[Charles Smith]

Almost blinded by the very sparkly Christmas ornament style Overture image.

 

[Jim*Tod]

Yet another TCM HD film shown in the wrong aspect ratio. CHARLEY (1968) which is 2.35 but is being shown at about 1.75, except for the occasional shot where there are multiple images. Very strange. I have sent e-mails to TCM about this, but have received no responses in the last two weeks. If anyone has a connection at TCM, please see if you can find out what is going on here. Thanks.