Aspect ratios are something I’ve often taken for granted when it comes to anime; although I acknowledged them, I didn’t necessarily look into their importance and their impact on the concept of space within film. In this episode, I will be looking into what ‘space’ is in the context of filmmaking and how aspect ratios play a big part in warping our perceptions of certain anime. What is the beauty of the 16:9 aspect ratio in anime films today? What is the purpose of 21:9 if it’s perceived as ‘restrictive’? Is the concept of space in anime under attack? This will all be debated in this session.
Small correction – I refer to 21:9 as ‘2.35:1’ quite a lot in this podcast and although that isn’t necessarily ‘wrong’, 2.35:1 isn’t an anamorphic aspect ratio that is used today (2.39:1 is much more common). So when I say that specific ratio, take it with a grain of salt or just know that I’m referring to anamorphic aspect ratios.
LINKS FOR A LOT OF WHAT WAS DISCUSSED:
Main Anime Discussed: Your Name (2016), Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms (2018), Spirited Away (2001), Kizumonogatari Part 1: Tekketsu-hen, Yozakura Quartet: Tsuki ni Naku (2013).
Key Filmmakers mentioned: Tatsuya Oishi, Akiyuki Shinbou, Hayou Miyazaki, Makoto Shinkai.
THIS EPISODE contains minimal spoilers (only plot details for kizumonogatari, in the 2nd half of the episode)
RELEVANT LINKS:
Kizumonogatari (movie) (Bakemonogatari Wiki)
Aspect Ratios Explained: When To Use The Major Three (preniumbeat.com) (Article by Noam Kroll – August 04, 2014)
The Best Moment In ‘Spirited Away’ Is A Scene Where Nothing Happens (Insider (Youtube Video))
MUSIC IN THIS PRODUCTION:
Mandatory Overtime by Joth
8-Bit Title Screen by Joth
Difference by chasersgaming
Get In The Mecha 
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