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'The Simpsons' aspect ratio problem will get fixed (again) on May 28th
Next week Disney+ will start streaming old episodes of 'The Simpsons' in their original 4:3 format
Disney+ will fix its 'Simpsons' widescreen problem in 2020
As soon as Disney+ launched, fans of The Simpsons noticed a big problem. In a repeat of an issue that occurred when FXX started playing old episodes a few years ago, someone made the decision to crop and zoom older 4x3 aspect ratio episodes to fill out an HD widescreen frame. It was eventually corrected, and it turns out that new owner Disney will also fix things up -- eventually. In a statement, a Disney spokesperson said that "in early 2020" it will offer a toggle for the first 19 seasons of episodes so people can choose to view them in their original format -- important for many visual gags that extend to the top or bottom of the frame -- or widescreen-adjusted. Disney: We presented "The Simpsons" in 16:9 aspect ratio at launch in order to guarantee visual quality and consistency across all 30 seasons. Over time, Disney+ will roll out new features and additional viewing options. As part of this, in early 2020, Disney+ will make the first 19 seasons (and some episodes from Season 20) of "The Simpsons" available in their original 4:3 aspect ratio, giving subscribers a choice of how they prefer to view the popular series.
HDTV Listings for April 13, 2006
What we're watching: She's no Dennis Haysbert, but Geena Davis returns in a new episode of Commander in Chief tonight. Usually we'd opt for the Earl/The Office 1-2 combination however they are stuck in repeats, but if you somehow missed the "dundies" episode of Office do yourself a favor and check it out anyway. Luckily UPN is filling with all new shows, starting off with Everybody Hates Chris.There is also a replay of the unfortunately-cropped Crash on Showtime and for sports fans you can choose from MLB action on INHD or a doubleheader of basketball on TNT-HD.Our traditional high-def listings continue below.
