Disney has announced that an updated version of The Simpsons in its original 4:3 aspect ratio will be available on its Disney+ streaming service by the end of May.
When Disney released Disney+ with every available episode of The Simpsons, viewers soon discovered that the series was formatted in 16:9 widescreen. This wouldn’t have been so bad if it didn’t actively ruin certain visual gags that The Simpsons is known for.
Comedian Tristan Cooper tweeted a famous example of how the widescreen format removed a sight gag from one of the classic Simpsons episodes.
All the classic Simpsons episodes on Disney+ are in cropped widescreen format — this means you miss out on tons of great visual jokes, like how Duff, Duff Lite and Duff Dry all come from the same tube. pic.twitter.com/cTy9adulFl
— Tristan Cooper (@TristanACooper) November 12, 2019
In November 2019, Disney announced that it would roll out a feature in 2020 that would allow users to choose a 4:3 viewing ratio for the first 19 seasons of The Simpsons, as well as some episodes from season 20.
The feature will now roll out at the end of May, which is a bit more specific though no actual date has been announced yet.
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The Simpsons aired in a 4:3 aspect ratio since its premiere in 1989. In 2010, partway through the 20th season, The Simpsons switched to a widescreen format. Although the original aspect ratio was available when streaming The Simpsons on the FXX app, that option didn’t carry over to Disney+.
For more on streaming, check out IGN’s review of Disney+. Also, check out some recommendations on what to stream while staying at home.
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Matt Kim is a reporter for IGN.
Source: IGN.com Disney+ Will Offer The Simpsons in 4:3 Aspect Ratio at the End of May