'Paprika' - High-Def Digest review

[SuperBit]

I'm watching Paprika now. It looks very good! Does a lot with in and out of focus techniques. Reminds me of an HD version of "Heavy Metal" or "the Wall."

[bROCKen BeatZ]

Hello fellas, as you can see, I'm new here. I have been lurking the site for a year though. In any case, I have a question about the transfer itself. I just picked this particular disc up, and while I find the sound and visuals to be relatively impressive, I noticed that the disc exhibited some weird framing. The disc is supposed to be framed at 1.85:1, which would mean that it would nearly fill our 1.78:1 HD screens. This is not the case with my disc. It has a slight black border around the entire screen. This border is non-existent with any other 1.85:1 Blu Ray that I own. I read the review, and didn't see anything mentioned, so I am wondering if I have a defective copy. The sound, picture, and menus all seem fine, so it is a tad puzzling.

I noticed this same problem. The menu and all of the special features fill the screen just fine. However the movie has a border of at least half an inch all around the picture. I've also tested my other 1.85:1 blu ray and they fill just fine. If anyone could help or even respond it would be greatly appreciated.

[Josh Z]

I noticed this same problem. The menu and all of the special features fill the screen just fine. However the movie has a border of at least half an inch all around the picture. I've also tested my other 1.85:1 blu ray and they fill just fine. If anyone could help or even respond it would be greatly appreciated.

What you're describing is called "windowboxing", in which black bars are present on all 4 sides of the frame. This is usually done to compensate for TV overscan, so that the entire movie image will be visible on any TV. The problem is that owners of zero-overscan displays will see the black bars. Also, the picture is reduced in size (and hence resolution).

This is not a technical defect in the disc. It was a decision made during the video transfer. Another famous example of windowboxing is the earliest DVD release of Blade Runner.

I also find it annoying.

[bROCKen BeatZ]

Thank you, I can adjust on my new set. I just find it odd that you are forced to do so. I appreciate you taking the time to fill me in