Video & Cinema • Cinematic Formats
What is 1.85:1 aspect ratio?
1.85:1 is a theatrical aspect ratio used in cinema. It's wider than standard TV but narrower than true widescreen cinema. Here's everything you need to know.
Quick Definition:
1.85:1 means:
- For every 1.85 units of width
- There is 1 unit of height
- Creates a wide rectangle (but not ultra-wide)
- Also called "Academy widescreen"
- Used in theatrical releases
What It Looks Like:
1.85:1 is quite wide:
- Width is 1.85 times the height
- Wider than 16:9 (1.78:1)
- Narrower than 2.39:1 (ultra-wide)
- Professional cinema standard
- Between TV and cinemascope
How Wide Is It?
At 1080p height:
- 1.85:1 width: 1998 pixels
- 16:9 width: 1920 pixels
- 2.39:1 width: 2580 pixels
- Difference: Only 78 pixels wider than 16:9
Common Resolutions at 1.85:1:
| Dimensions | Quality | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1480 × 800 | HD | Streaming |
| 1998 × 1080 | Full HD | Theatrical |
| 2560 × 1382 | 2K | Professional |
| 3700 × 2000 | DCI 4K | Cinema |
1.85:1 vs Other Ratios:
| Ratio | Width/Height | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 16:9 | 1.78:1 | Standard TV |
| 1.85:1 | 1.85:1 | Theatrical |
| 2.39:1 | 2.39:1 | Ultra-wide cinema |
| Academy | 1.37:1 | Old standard |
Where You See 1.85:1:
Movie Theaters:
- ✅Many Hollywood films
- ✅Theatrical releases
- ✅Professional cinema
- ✅Arthouse theaters
Streaming Services:
- Netflix (sometimes)
- Amazon Prime (sometimes)
- Apple TV+ (sometimes)
- Varies by film
Why 1.85:1 Exists:
Historical development:
- Developed in 1950s-60s
- Fills theatrical screens better than Academy
- Less extreme than full cinemascope
- Sweet spot between TV and ultra-wide
- Still used today
Professional Standard:
1.85:1 is a recognized format:
- DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives)
- Professional projection standard
- Industry-wide accepted
- Used by major studios
- Theatrical exhibition standard
Key Takeaway:
1.85:1 is a theatrical aspect ratio that's slightly wider than standard 16:9 TV. It's used in movie theaters and professional cinema production. It fills the theatrical screen better than 16:9 while being less extreme than ultra-wide 2.39:1 cinema format.
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