Pan and Scan

The term applied to the conversion of a widescreen picture to fit a 4:3 screen. The picture takes up the full vertical height of the screen, whilst the sides are cropped. During the process, the significant areas of the original filmed composition are selected and copied (scanned). When the important action shifts to a new position in the frame, the operator moves the scanner to follow it, creating the effect of a pan shot.

Many film enthusiasts disagree with pan and scan cropping, as it can remove up to 45% (on 2.35:1 films) of the original image, changing the director's original vision and intentions.