Welcome to the Techy Tuesdays segment! Each week here on Geek Alabama, Techy Tuesdays will feature something in the world of tech, tech news, or tech reviews. Everyone loves the latest in technology, and Techy Tuesdays will talk about all tech!
Why do Netflix shows still have black bars… on a widescreen TV?
You bought a 16:9 television. Streaming platforms make content specifically for TVs. So why are they still wasting part of your screen?
In this episode, Caya uncovers the 70-year format war between Hollywood and television—from the rise of widescreen movies and anamorphic lenses to IMAX, VistaVision, and the psychological trick behind Netflix’s “cinematic” look.
We break down why black bars exist, why your TV isn’t actually the problem, how Hollywood tried to defeat television, and why streaming platforms intentionally keep those black bars today.
Along the way, we’ll explore Cinerama, CinemaScope, Super Panavision 70, VistaVision, IMAX, aspect ratios, and the surprising history behind the shape of every movie you’ve ever watched.
Because those black bars…
aren’t a bug.
They’re the result of a century-long battle over how we’re supposed to experience movies.
