An Open Letter to Universal Studios re: Xena DVD

[RealmRider]

PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION AT: http://www.PetitionOnline.com/xenadvd1/petition.html

This message concerns the upcoming release of the Xena: Warrior Princess Series Finale, currently scheduled for March 26, 2002.

I just wanted to inform you that these episodes were filmed in the 1:1.78 aspect ratio (or enhanced widescreen). They have only ever been broadcast in 4:3 pan and scan format. I hope that you have researched this and will be releasing this product in widescreen as the director originally shot the material. It would be a major selling point to fans who already have these episodes taped off television.

Also, I understand that the overseas arm of Universal has begun releasing Xena on DVD in boxed sets, by season in regions 2 (United Kingdom) and 4 (Austrailia). Xena began filming in widescreen in Season 3, starting with the 3rd episode (as the first two eps of Season 3 were holdovers, originally shot for season 2).

If you haven't already looked into acquiring the 16x9 widescreen masters for this show, I urge you to do so. As more and more television is being shot in widescreen, other studios have taken the initiative to release their product in 16x9. Fox Studios, for instance, is releasing their upcoming X-Files Season 5 boxed set in widescreen, and Fox Int'l is releasing their upcoming Buffy Season 4 and Angel Season 2 in widescreen as well. Fans of these genre shows are understandably very excited about seeing these eps in cinematic widescreen for the first time.

Thank you for your time.