When the original CinemaScope arrived in the cinemas in 1953, it brought with it quantum leap forward in the standard of cinematography because the wider image offered so much more creatively. Nowadays, however, with the average size being around 40' and the aspect ratio 16 x 9, it is a different story. This would have been unthinkable then - like watching a narrow strip across the middle of the screen. Think back to before digital transmissions, when the average screen size was 22' and the aspect ratio 4 x 3. The slot-like image certainly offers dramatic perspectives - especially on a large TV, and many are these days. Surely there cannot be any chance of these offerings ever being shown in real cinemas with proper 'Scope screens, so presumably the Beeb regards it as a viable creative tool.

There will be plenty who complain about black bars top and bottom and others, like me, who don't mind at all. Why they do this is a matter for conjecture. They used it for 'The Casual Vacancy' and again for 'The Interceptor' that I know of, and there may be others. Whether that is just for the trailer remains to be seen, of course, but the Beeb has started making drama series in this format. It also appears to be shot in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio (CinemaScope).

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