Studios typically prefer widescreen for physical media because it looks "cinematic." The Open Matte version is often created exclusively for TV broadcasts (to avoid "black bar" complaints from casual viewers) and early streaming contracts. Over time, streaming services replace these Open Matte versions with the standard widescreen version.
is a different beast.
| Feature | Standard Blu-ray | Open Matte Web-DL | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 2.35:1 (CinemaScope) | 1.78:1 (16:9 Full Screen) | | Resolution | 1920 x 800 (approx) | 1920 x 1080 | | Black Bars | Yes (Top & Bottom) | No | | Color Grading | Warm, teal-orange push | Neutral, sometimes cooler | | Visible Gag Reel | No | Occasionally (in early Web-DLs) | | Best For | Projectors, critical cinephiles | OLED/LED TVs, PC monitors | Fast And Furious -2009- OPEN MATTE -1080p Web-D...
When a film is shot on 35mm film or digital sensors, the camera often captures a taller image than what is shown in theaters. Directors and cinematographers "matte" (mask) the top and bottom to achieve the cinematic widescreen look. | Feature | Standard Blu-ray | Open Matte