Film Language Tag: widescreen (1.85:1)

Relating to a work with an aspect ratio wider than the standard contemporary aspect ratio. The exact definition of standard varies over time, and therefore so does the definition of widescreen. Following the introduction of new theatrical widescreen processes in the 1950s such as Cinerama and Cinemascope, the standard (non widescreen) aspect ratio widened again to 1.85:1. Academy aperture [see Academy ratio] remains the only official theatrical standard aspect ratio, but 1.85 is in such common use that it is now the de facto standard. Kroon, R. W. A/V a to z: An encyclopedic dictionary of media, entertainment and other Audiovisual terms. McFarland, 2014.