anamorphic distortion

Anamorphic distortion occurs when an image or video is recorded or displayed using a lens or processing method that compresses the width (or height) of the image, allowing a wider scene to fit into the same frame. When viewed or projected correctly, the image is expanded back to its original proportions, creating a wide, cinematic aspect ratio. Without proper correction, this compression causes a distorted appearance with stretched or squished features, especially noticeable in the image's horizontal or vertical dimensions. This technique is often used in filmmaking to capture wide scenes on standard camera sensors while maintaining a taller, more manageable image size.