Charly: Widescreen Release Secured

In 2004, Charly was originally scheduled for a "Pan & Scan" only DVD release. After reviewer Christopher Bligh launched a petition and personally alerted star Cliff Robertson to the issue, MGM delayed the release. By March 2005, the studio reversed course and released the film in its original widescreen format.

Outcome: Widescreen DVD released March 8, 2005.

Castle Keep: The Power of the Directors

When Columbia-TriStar announced a Full Screen only release for Castle Keep, the internet community and high-profile directors took action. George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Sydney Pollack pressured Sony management to respect the 2.35:1 original aspect ratio. Sony complied, issuing an anamorphic widescreen DVD shortly after.

Outcome: Anamorphic Widescreen DVD released Nov 2, 2004.

The Absent-Minded Professor: Disney Listens

Following a colorized Pan & Scan release in early 2003, Disney faced a wave of complaints from the Home Theater Forum and DVD news sites. Within six months, the studio "ate humble pie" and announced a black-and-white widescreen version to satisfy the demands of OAR enthusiasts.

Outcome: Widescreen B&W version released Oct 2, 2003.

Blockbuster Video: Corporate Policy Shift

After Jeremy Conrad’s petition gathered over 25,000 signatures, Blockbuster Video officially acknowledged the demand for widescreen. They announced a new corporate policy to begin stocking widescreen versions of most films in their corporate stores, recognizing that consumers were becoming aware of the format's benefits.

Outcome: Corporate shift to stocking OAR alongside P&S.

Cats & Dogs: Warner Reverses Full Frame

When The Digital Bits revealed that Warner Home Video planned a Full Frame only release for this title, Chris Hillery launched a petition. After 3,000 signatures were collected in short order, Warner announced a widescreen version would be released day-and-date with the Full Screen version.

Outcome: Widescreen release secured via rapid community action.

Willy Wonka: The Foundational Victory

This remains one of the most famous victories in OAR history. When the 30th Anniversary Edition lacked the promised widescreen version, Phong Huynh initiated a petition that gathered 11,500 signatures in weeks. Warner Home Video responded to the massive community pressure by issuing a new press release and delivering the widescreen version that November.

Outcome: Widescreen Wonka released Nov 13, 2001.