Originally Posted By: ClubNeon
The needed citation.

 Quote:
To optimize the experience for different screens sizes, Cameron made the decision to complete the movie in three aspect ratios: Scope (2:39:1), flat (1:85:1) and Imax (1:43:1). "You are not going to see many directors releasing in different aspect ratios, as most pick their canvas and that is their format," Fox vp postproduction Steve Barnett says.


It's funny to see people who should know better (Barnett & Gagliano) spreading things that aren't exactly accurate. Cameron my have released the film in more than one aspect ratio, but I can tell you for certain that the IMAX version was not 1.43:1, not even close. Cameron also didn't want the largest image possible, as he specifically had us SHRINK the size of his image because he felt our screens were too big. (IMAX is too big...isn't that like saying water is too wet?)

So, bottom line, yeah it was released in a ton of different formats, but the original photography, the version which gives you the MOST image was the digital capture at 1.78:1. If you saw it at 2.35:1 you were losing picture. (kinda the opposite of the old pan & scan days)