So, after a long talk with stretch009, I’ve been given a mux of the PAL version and the NTSC audio track, which happens to be in the full frame aspect ratio.

I still stand by my statements regarding the 1.85 format being what Kubrick intended, and having a 1.33 version does not change my opinion. However, because of the controversy, and some users swearing by the full frame format, I’m faced with little choice but to take up stretch’s file. I should make a few things clear though.

#1. It’s not hi-def

This should come as no surprise, but it’s in the PAL format. So, we’re dealing with 540p. I also don’t have the money or disk space for upscaling. stretch009 has offered to make a few improvements to bump the file up some more, but I’m not sure I have enough disk space at the moment to give the file an upgrade.

#2. I’m color grading the file

Of course, I plan to color grade the 1.85 version too, as the 2007 blu-ray that I happen to own is in need of it’s own makeover. However, because I’m dealing with a 720x540 resolution file, I figure it wouldn’t hurt to try and fix it up. I may have to do separate color grades for each version, so keep that in mind too.

#3. My work has doubled

Working on the 1.33 format is basically like doing two separate edits simultaneously. I have yet to cut up this file, and apply my own changes as of this posting.

So there you have it. I still believe that 1.85 is the correct format, and if you manage to find some of Kubrick’s production notes for the film, you will most likely find that 1.85 was what he prioritized, but for those who can’t live without 1.33, there you go.