16mm Pan/Scan Show

16mm, ~100 mins.

The 16mm film format was largely used for television broadcast, experimental filmmaking, classroom instruction and cinema clubs. Films at the time were presented in 16:9 (like your modern TV) or wide screen 21:9 “cinemascope”. When broadcast to a classic 4:3 television, it was considered necessary to fill the screen. In a process known as “pan and scan”, the sides of the picture would be cropped, and the editor would choose where to focus the action, moving left and right across the frame. While not not the optimal way to see a film, this can be a fascinating way to encounter some movies. Especially this ultra rare 16mm print of a classic Japanese monster movie – dubbed into English, of course.