Univisium
Univisium is the formal name of the format in which Doctor Who has been filmed since The Woman Who Fell to Earth. Its name indicates its inventor's ambition to "unify" film and television production by offering content producers an aspect ratio that works well for both outlets. Its aspect ratio is 2:1, a noticeable change from the previous BBC Wales standard of 16:9.
Initial use
According to director Jamie Childs, who initiated the format for the programme, it was achieved through the use of anamorphic lenses.[1] Since such lenses are not strictly required to achieve the format, Childs' explicit mention of the lens choice — confirmed another point of change for the Jodie Whittaker era.
Childs went on to note that while he didn't think the format was right for every project, he strongly felt that it worked for Doctor Who.[1]
Exhibition
Though filmed in Univisium, The Woman Who Fell to Earth was not always exhibited that way. Ironically, the format was not seen on most BBC America-sponsored events, including the very Fathom Events theatrical release of Woman in which Childs' documentary explanation of the virtues of Univisum was given.
Still, theatre-goers in at least the United States were able to get a taste of the new format because the series 11 trailer was shown in the native 2:1 format.
Univisium was also unavailable on any known North American broadcaster's showing of the Series 11 global simulcast. However, the native standard is available on iTunes and other paid digital releases of Woman, and was certainly a part of the BBC One broadcast and on-demand exhibition of the series.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 An unnamed, cinema-only version of the Closer Look behind-the-scenes shorts included with at least American paid subscriptions to series 11
External link
- The format demonstrated by its creator
