Information Design – James Bond Film Aspect Ratios

We recently had the opportunity to create an informational graphic that easily shows the various aspect ratios of James Bond films when released in theaters. The graphic serves as promotional content for the restoration of classic Bond films starring Sean Connery.

Challenge: Create an information design that separate James Bond films by aspect ratio.

Data: It turns out there have been only three different aspect ratios used in US theaters since the James Bond franchise debut in 1962. (UK theater aspect ratios, especially in the early years, may be slightly different.)

Goal: Display the range of aspect ratios in a way the viewer can quickly determine which ratio has been the most dominant, while at the same time providing accurate frames (some with black bars or “letterboxing” that represent each aspect ratio).