Global region codes identify specific DVDs that are compatible with the players typically sold in that region. The majority of all current titles play in only one specific region unless otherwise noted.
Reg 1/NTSC: DVD's imported from the USA. Normally with
subtitles in english, sometimes also spanish and
french. Movies without subtitles exists.
Reg 2/PAL: DVD's sold within Europe. Normally subtitled in
a variety of european languages, although
some issues have english subtitles only or
scandinavian subtitles only.
Reg 3: DVD's bought in or imported from Asia. Normally
with english subtitles or, if the spoken language
is english, sometimes without subtitles.
Reg 0: Uncoded DVD's playable in all regions. Comes
with or without subtitles.
What is Widescreen / Letterboxed
The widescreen or letterbox process is a method by which a movie can be seen on a TV screen the way that the movie was seen in theatres by maintaining its original aspect ratio.
Most movies are filmed in a process where the width of the screen is between 1.85 to 2.4 times greater than the height. This means that for every inch of screen height, the visual portion of the movie is between 1.85 to 2.4 times as wide. This results in a panoramic view that when used properly can add a greater perception of the environment and mood of a movie.
Unfortunately, modern televisions are only 1.33 times as wide as they are high, referred to as 1.33:1 or 4:3. For decades, most movies have been subjected to having about 45% of the visuals removed from the screen so that the TV screen would be full through a process called "pan and scan" which focused on only one section of the total visuals or the "frame".
As a result, many movies lose story information and depth through the pan-and-scan process. In some cases, crucial plot information is lost. This methodology can also result in jerky movement across the frame or - worse yet - the "talking noses" syndrome where two actors on either end of the frame only have the forward part of their profiles on the screen. Regardless of the specific results, the overall result is that the movie is losing up to 45% of its original visuals.
The widescreen or letterbox process takes the entire frame and reduces the size in proportion so that the entire frame fits within the width of the TV. This allows the movie to be seen in its original aspect ratio as the film makers intended the movie to be seen. This also results in what are incorrectly referred to as "black bars" at the top and bottom of the screen. In reality, these "black bars" are actually unused areas of the screen. The areas are black to allow for better contrast.
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