Can a widescreen edition DVD switch to full screen and visa versa?

Question

I want to order a dvd on ebay, but I don't know if I should get a widescreen edition or full screen. If I get the widescreen edition, is there an option on the dvd movie for widescreen and full screen mode?

Answer 1

Some DVD have both wide screen and full screen formats on them, and some have only one of the two. You'll always be able to play both, whatever TV you have, but you should always get the wide screen version when you can. If you have a wide screen TV (on plan to get one), then that's just perfect. And if you don't, even if you get black strips at the top & bottom of the screen on your normal TV, at least you'll get the whole image; on fullscreen version, both sides of the images are trimmed.

Answer 2

Generally, no. Widescreen and fullscreen versions are sometimes present on different sides of the disk, but generally you have to choose which one you want when you buy. Increasingly, fullscreen (or "pan and scan") versions are harder to get as 16:9 aspect ratio HDTVs are becoming more prevalent.

It is always preferable -- at least in my opinion -- to view the version (generally the "widescreen" one) defined by the movie's director. That way you see it as intended. See the link for more info. and examples of why you often lose a lot if you watch a fullscreen version of a widescreen movie.