The spelling of the term "open matte" is quite straightforward once you break down its phonetic transcription. The word "open" is pronounced as /ˈəʊpən/, and "matte" is pronounced as /mæt/. Therefore, when combined, "open matte" is spelled as /ˈəʊpən mæt/, with stress on the first syllable of "open". This term refers to a filming technique where the top and bottom of a widescreen image are masked off for theatrical release but are "opened up" for full coverage in home video release.
Open matte is a term used in filmmaking and video production to describe a technique where the full frame of 35mm film or the entire digital image sensor is utilized during shooting. This technique allows for additional image information to be captured above and/or below the standard widescreen aspect ratio of the final released version of the film.
In traditional filmmaking, the full aperture of the film negative is masked or matted to achieve the desired aspect ratio, such as 1.85:1 or 2.35:1. This results in the exclusion of image details that fall outside the masked area. However, in the case of open matte, the full frame is exposed, enabling the inclusion of image information that would normally be outside the intended aspect ratio.
The open matte technique offers certain advantages, particularly in post-production. Filmmakers can choose to release a motion picture in different formats with various aspect ratios, such as full screen for television or IMAX screens, since the extra image data captured during shooting can be selectively cropped or framed differently. This also allows for flexibility in future remastering and re-releases, as the open matte version provides the most complete and unaltered visual information.
It is important to note that the decision to use open matte depends on the filmmaker's intention and the final desired aspect ratio. Sometimes, using this technique may result in unintended elements or crew members appearing within the frame, which may not be intended for the final release version.
The term "open matte" originated from the film industry and refers to a technique used in movie post-production. The word "matte" in this context stems from the word "matte painting", which refers to a painted or digitally created background used to represent a location that could not be physically built or filmed on.
In traditional film production, movies were shot using film cameras with a specific aspect ratio, which is the proportional relationship between the width and height of the image. The most commonly used aspect ratios in cinema are 1.37:1 (also called Academy ratio), 1.85:1, and 2.39:1 (known as CinemaScope or widescreen).
When shooting a movie, the cinematographer frames the shots with consideration for the intended aspect ratio.