DVD Aspect Ratios

[kaaliz]

What is the deal with aspect ratios? I've bought two DVDs recently -- Total Recall and Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey. On the back of both DVDs it says the aspect ratio is 1:85 with the little widescreen logo beside it, which I assumed meant it was set up for widescreen tellys, but when I watched them, both are in 4:3 (standard square telly format) and the titles are chopped off at either end. These are originals bought from HMV, not bootlegs or downloads.

There are no options on the menu to change it. Why does it say this on the case if it isn't in widescreen?

[kempie]

Triplicate question.

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Media-and-TV/Fi lm/Question771773.html