Cinematographer
2.20:1 was Todd-AO's native aspect ratio – a perfect compromise between extreme widescreen and usable image height for 70mm projection.
Historical widescreen aspect ratio of the Todd-AO format — 70mm projection at 2.20:1 used for epic productions like Oklahoma! and Around the World in 80 Days.
What is 2.20:1?
2.20:1 is the aspect ratio of the Todd-AO format – a 70mm widescreen process from the 1950s. It offers an epic, wide image that is less extreme than CinemaScope (2.35:1) but significantly wider than Academy (1.37:1).
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Aspect Ratio | 2.20:1 |
| Film Format | 70mm (5-Perf) |
| Image Width | 48.56mm |
| Image Height | 22.10mm |
| Projection | 70mm |
Comparison with Other Formats
| Format | Aspect Ratio | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Academy | 1.37:1 | Classic |
| Flat | 1.85:1 | US Standard |
| Todd-AO | 2.20:1 | 70mm Premium |
| CinemaScope | 2.35:1 | Anamorphic |
| Ultra Panavision | 2.76:1 | Extremely Wide |
Historical Significance
Todd-AO System
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Inventor | Mike Todd, American Optical |
| Introduction | 1955 |
| First Film | Oklahoma! (1955) |
| Framerate | Originally 30 fps |
The Format Today
| Aspect | Status |
|---|---|
| Production | No longer in use |
| Archiving | Historical Significance |
| Restoration | For classic films |
| Digital | 2.20:1 as a framing option |
Technical Context
The 2.20:1 format utilizes the full width of 70mm film without anamorphic compression. It offers excellent image quality due to the large negative – ideal for epic productions intended to be shown in 70mm and in 35mm blow-ups.
Legacy
Todd-AO and its 2.20:1 format defined premium cinema projection in the 1950s and 60s. The pursuit of larger, sharper images continues today in IMAX and other large-format systems.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
The 2.20:1 aspect ratio offered epic screen presence without the extreme proportions of CinemaScope. Perfect for grand landscapes and crowd scenes.
Producer
Todd-AO with 2.20:1 was premium cinema in the 1950s-60s. Investing in 70mm meant prestige and higher ticket prices.
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