anamorphic

Anamorphic, related to different optical imaging effects, refers to a method of intentionally distorting and creating a widescreen image with standard film, using a conversion process or a special lens on the camera and projector to produce different magnifications in the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the picture; usually appears "squished" horizontally, while retaining its full vertical resolution. Many studios produced anamorphic lenses, using other trade names such as Panavision, Technovision, and Technirama. On the right are examples of anamorphic imaging effects from the film Blade (1998) (with an aspect ratio of 2:35.1). See also aspect ratio and the trade name CinemaScope.