The 4:3 fullscreen aspect ratio is going away now that HDTV with a 16:9 screen size is the "norm". Yes they still release fullscreen DVDs but I think these will be phased out
I don't mind the black bars on the top and bottom watching on my 4:3 TV, IF that's how it was originally intended to be shown, like the 1953-and-later Stooges pictures were.
So my answer is: I wouldn't want those Stooges DVDs to have a fullscreen option
If any of the aspect-ratio experts on here know more about fullscreen DVDs and why studios still make them, and how long they intend to support 4:3, I'd love to hear from you
There is a lot of confusion about aspect ratios, HD video & Blu-ray. It is understandable. I work for a major, professional post-production company. One of our services is DVD and Blu-ray authoring of major titles (not the Three Stooges titles sadly), so perhaps I can offer an answer or two.
Regarding why studios still release 4:3 DVDs: When a film's original aspect ratio is 4:3 then that is what needs to be released. Not all, but most modern television series are produced in HD and therefore have a widescreen aspect ratio. In that sense, yes, the 4:3 aspect ratio is being phased out.
But many home theater enthusiasts & movie lovers are adamant about films being released in their original aspect ratio whether it be 4:3, 16:9, 1.85:1 or whatever.
There is no need for a "fullscreen" option with widescreen source material. There aren't many DVD releases being released anymore with both fullscreen & widescreen aspects anymore. There are a few, but not many. You might still see some leftover "fullscreen" releases on store shelves, but the majority of new releases only get a widescreen version now. Thank goodness.
The reason "why studios still make them" is because a studio feels they can still sell them. There are still people out there who will never understand aspect ratios. They hate an image not filling their screen. I hate stretching 4:3 material to 16:9 but that is what some people do. A properly authored anamorphic DVD satisfies both 4x3 and 16x9 televisions. That is the best solution, and it has become almost universal.
Regarding whether or not the Stooge films will look better in Blu-ray. The answer is yes.
I'm not hear to argue for or against the Blu-ray format. Some people may say DVD is good enough for them. That's ok.
However, the "Three Stooges Collection" shorts were re-mastered from the original films to High Definition. Then they were down converted from HD to Standard Definition. Then they were compressed & authored onto the DVDs we are watching. If the Stooge films are ever released in HD (either on an HD channel or on Blu-ray), they will feature 1080 lines of resolution & will look stunning. They may be old, but that doesn't mean they won't look better on Blu-ray. They will.
