The maximum usable area of 35mm film frame (24.89mm × 18.67mm) utilizing the entire space between perforations – historically called 'silent aperture' as it predates sound tracks, used for Super 35, VistaVision extraction, and modern digital scanning for maximum resolution.
What is Full Aperture?
Full Aperture refers to the complete utilization of the 35mm film area between the perforation rows. This maximum recording area – 24.89mm × 18.67mm – offers the highest resolution and flexibility for various release formats.
Dimensions
| Aspect | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 24.89mm |
| Height | 18.67mm |
| Ratio | ~1.33:1 |
| Area | ~465mm² |
Historical Context
| Era | Significance |
|---|---|
| Silent Film | Original Format |
| Sound Film | Space for soundtrack needed |
| Academy | Reduced area |
| Super 35 | Return to Full |
Silent Aperture
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | "Silent" = without soundtrack |
| Usage | Before Optical Sound |
| Size | Maximum area |
| Ratio | 1.33:1 |
Aperture Comparison
| Format | Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Aperture | 24.89 | 18.67 | 1.33:1 |
| Academy | 21.95 | 16.00 | 1.37:1 |
| Super 35 | 24.89 | Variable | Variable |
| Flat Extract | ~21 | ~11.3 | 1.85:1 |
Academy vs. Full
| Aspect | Academy | Full Aperture |
|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack | Space reserved | No space |
| Width | Reduced | Maximum |
| Usage | Standard Sound | Silent/Super 35 |
| Resolution | Lower | Higher |
Super 35 and Full Aperture
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Principle | Utilize Full Aperture |
| Soundtrack | Not on negative |
| Extraction | Various ratios |
| Flexibility | Maximum |
Format Extraction
| Target Ratio | From Full Aperture |
|---|---|
| 1.85:1 Flat | Utilize horizontally |
| 2.39:1 Scope | Anamorphic or Crop |
| 1.78:1 (16:9) | TV Extraction |
| 4:3 | Completely |
Applications
| Area | Reason |
|---|---|
| Super 35 | Maximum area |
| VistaVision | 8-Perf horizontally |
| Scanning | Complete capture |
| Archival | All information |
Scanning
| Aspect | Full Aperture Scan |
|---|---|
| Capture | Beyond the image |
| Perfs | Visible |
| Flexibility | Reframing possible |
| Resolution | Maximum |
Open Gate (Digital)
| Camera | Description |
|---|---|
| ARRI Alexa | Full Sensor |
| RED | 8K Full Frame |
| Sony Venice | Full Frame Mode |
| Concept | Analogous to Full Aperture |
VistaVision
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Principle | 8-Perf horizontally |
| Size | Double the area |
| Usage | VFX Plates |
| Full Ap | Equivalent concept |
Historical Development
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 1889 | Edison Full Frame |
| 1927 | Sound film, Academy |
| 1950s | Widescreen era |
| 1980s | Super 35 Revival |
Technical Advantages
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Maximum pixels |
| Reframing | Room for maneuver |
| Quality | Less enlargement |
| Options | Multiple Deliverables |
Disadvantages
| Disadvantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Optical Sound | Not directly possible |
| Projection | Not standard |
| Workflow | Conversion necessary |
| Lenses | Full circle needed |
Lens Requirements
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Image Circle | Must cover Full Aperture |
| Vignetting | Avoid |
| Sharpness | To the corners |
| Coverage | Larger than Academy |
Workflow
| Phase | Description |
|---|---|
| Shoot | Full Aperture |
| Scan | Overscan/Full Gate |
| Edit | Desired framing |
| Delivery | Extracted format |
Modern Usage
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| IMAX | Maximum Information |
| 4K Restoration | Full negative utilization |
| Multiple Releases | Various ratios |
| Future-Proofing | Higher resolutions |
Digital Equivalent
| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Sensor | Entire sensor area |
| Open Gate | No crop modes |
| Maximum | Utilize all pixels |
| Flexibility | Post-crop possible |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Framing for Extraction | Safe areas |
| Check lenses | Coverage |
| Document | Intended frame |
| Overscan | Safety |
Today
Full Aperture remains relevant – whether as the basis for Super 35 in film productions or as a scanning standard for archives. The principle of utilizing the maximum available area directly translates to digital "Open Gate" workflows, where maximum sensor utilization offers similar flexibility.