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No Widescreen of Full Metal Jacket?

As far as I know, Full Metal Jacket has never been released in a Widescreen format [Fullscreen pan & scan only].

I've never seen a Widescreen version on either Laser Disc, or any DVD version, even the special collectors edition.

Does anyone know why? Does it have to do to Kubrick's heirs? This doesnt make sense though, as I believe that the DVD versions were released before his death.

So what's the deal on seeing this great film as it should be seen, in the true theater aspect ratio?
fatparrot

Showing 4 responses by gunbei

gunbei
2,327 posts
 
You know, I still haven't seen Deer Hunter in its entirety. I always seem to catch bits and pieces of it. Time to place it up high on my Netflix queue!

If you really want to know what I'm about rent Seppuku [aka Harakiri in the US] some time. The Criterion Collection just released a great edition of it using the beautiful Cuban key art for the DVD amaray cover.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
I've heard what Jaybo says about FMJ as well. I've seen a few movies shot where you can see the full 4:3 aspect ratio in the viewfinder, but widescreen crops are drawn on it to show what will show in theaters. Sometimes the boom mikes and lights are visible hanging from above in the viewfinder, but the moviegoer never sees this once it's cropped out.

"This is my rifle. There are many like it but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my rifle is useless. Without my rifle I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than my enemy, who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will. Before God I swear this creed: my rifle and myself are defenders of my country, we are the masters of my enemy, we are the saviors of my life. So be it, until there is no enemy, but peace. Amen."

"I wanted to see exotic Vietnam... the crown jewel of Southeast Asia. I wanted to meet interesting and stimulating people of an ancient culture... and kill them. I wanted to be the first kid on my block to get a confirmed kill!"
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Private Gunbei: "Sir, five-foot-nine, sir!"

Gunnery Sergeant Rx8man: "Five-foot-nine?! I didn't know they stacked DACs that high!"

Jaybo, THAT screenplay must be cool, heheh. I think I've got the Blade Runner screenplay somewhere at home. I'd like to get the Apocolypse Now script too.

"CHARLIE DON'T SURF!!"
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Rx8man, I'm not sure if it'll be your cup of tea, it's more of a psychological piece. It begins as a slow simmer and progresses to a volcanic and violent ending. Read the Amazom reviews and try to avoid the "spoilers" if you can. Nakadai Tatsuya is one of my favorite actors ever. If you see Harakiri and Sword of Doom [Daibosatsu Toge], you'll find it impossible to believe it's the same guy playing the lead in both movies. He's that good.
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