Univisium
Univisium is the branding sometimes given to the 2:1 aspect ratio in which Doctor Who has been filmed since The Woman Who Fell to Earth. Its name indicates an original proposal's ambition to "unify" film and television (and also analogue and digital) production by offering content producers an aspect ratio that is transferable between both outlets. Its use was a noticeable change from the previous BBC Wales standard of 16:9.
Initial use[[edit] | [edit source]]
Director Jamie Childs, who initiated 2:1 shooting for the programme, stated that it was achieved through the use of anamorphic lenses.[1] Since such lenses are not actually required to achieve the aspect, Childs' mention of the lens choice confirmed a separate point of change for the Jodie Whittaker era. Childs went on to note that while he didn't think they were right for every project, he strongly felt that it worked for Doctor Who.[1]
Exhibition[[edit] | [edit source]]
Though filmed in 2:1, 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 its native format.
"Univisium" was also unavailable on any known North American broadcaster's showing of the Series 11 global simulcast. However, the native aspect is available on iTunes and other paid digital releases of Woman, and was retained for the original BBC One broadcast and on-demand exhibition of the series.
Footnotes[[edit] | [edit source]]
External links[[edit] | [edit source]]
- The format demonstrated by its creator
