Exhibition Report: Jurassic Park (1993) — 35mm Open Matte Presentation
In a standard 1.85:1 release, the top and bottom of the filmed frame are cropped out to create a wider cinematic look. An open matte version removes these bars, exposing the vertically expanded image originally captured by the camera sensor and lens. The advantages of the superwide open matte version include:
Here is the visual goosebump factor. The official home video releases are "widescreen" (1.85:1 or 1.78:1). They crop the top and bottom of the frame. However, Jurassic Park was shot "Super 35," meaning the negative exposed a much taller image (roughly 1.33:1 or 1.43:1). The "Open Matte" version reveals this hidden vertical space. "Superwide" suggests the scan maintains the width but adds massive height.
In 1993, Jurassic Park was the launchpad for Digital Theater Systems (DTS) audio technology. Before DTS, optical analog soundtracks on film prints offered limited dynamic range and fidelity. DTS placed a digital timecode on the 35mm film print, which synchronized perfectly with external CD-ROMs containing high-quality, uncompressed multi-channel audio. Exhibition Report: Jurassic Park (1993) — 35mm Open
: Sourced from a 4K scan of an original 35mm theatrical release print, later downscaled to 1080p. Open Matte Format
This allowed for a significantly higher bitrate and less compression than competing formats of the era.
The presentation fills modern 16:9 widescreen televisions completely, maximizing screen real estate without cropping the sides of the image. Cinema DTS: The Sound That Changed Everything The official home video releases are "widescreen" (1
This is a fascinating niche topic, as it sits at the intersection of physical media purism, fan restoration, and the specific technical quirks of early 1990s exhibition. Let’s break down what you’re actually looking at when you see a file labeled:
The low-frequency effects (LFE) are unattenuated and raw. The iconic ripple in the water cup caused by the approaching Tyrannosaurus Rex translates to a visceral, room-shaking bass response that modern home remixes often tame.
The "Jurassic Park 35mm 1080p cinema DTS superwide open matte" version is a time capsule. Commercial home video releases often suffer from overly sharpened edges, altered color palettes, and compressed audio tracks designed for soundbars rather than dedicated home theaters. The "Open Matte" version reveals this hidden vertical space
For those fortunate enough to experience the 35mm 1080p version of Jurassic Park in Cinema DTS Superwide Open Matte, the result is a cinematic experience that feels both timeless and cutting-edge. The combination of exceptional image quality, immersive audio, and a unique aspect ratio creates a viewing experience that is nothing short of breathtaking.
Commercial releases often feature modernized remixes that alter the LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) data and balance. The authentic Cinema DTS track provides:
It retains the natural film grain, organic contrast, and the specific color palette experienced by audiences during the film's original run.