What is open matte?

Open matte is a technique used in film and television production where the top and bottom of the frame are cropped out to achieve a wider aspect ratio. This technique allows for more information to be captured in the frame, as the top and bottom of the original image are not initially intended to be seen by the audience.

In post-production, the image can be digitally enlarged to reveal the additional information, resulting in a wider and more inclusive view of the scene. This process can be used to create a more immersive viewing experience or to correct framing issues that occurred during production.

Open matte is commonly used in the remastering of older films or television shows, as it allows for a higher quality image with more detail to be displayed on modern widescreen displays. However, it can also change the intended composition of the shot and alter the director's original vision for the film.