While watching The Sandman on Netflix, you might have noticed something a little off about the visuals. Everything looks stretched, elongated toward the top and bottom of the screen. Why? After user complaints flooded Twitter, Netflix has provided an answer.
“As you’ll note, many of the environments are surreal in the series, and we often say it’s quite what a dream would feel like,” Netflix told Variety.
In other words, the wonky visuals were a deliberate artistic decision to represent the look of a dream.
The fantasy show is based on Neil Gaiman’s lauded comic book series that ran for 75 issues from 1989 to 1996. It follows Dream (Tom Sturridge), the king of dreams and nightmares, as he sets out to restore order to his realm, The Dreaming.
While the show has been decorated with rare glowing reviews for a comic book adaptation, fans weren’t overwhelmingly pleased with the skewed aesthetic.
Some called it “distracting” and “unwatchable.”
What is with the aspect ratio on The Sandman? I had to pause to search if it was just me because it’s… distracting.
— Emily Tatti (@EmilyTatti) August 5, 2022
Tried to watch Sandman but the fucked-up aspect ratio makes it unwatchable for me.
I’m not the only one, but it’s apparently a mystery whether it’s an intentional artistic choice or just an error. https://t.co/JhxW5pqLwR
— (BLM) Sean Barrett (@nothings) August 6, 2022
One person gave a useful visual analysis of The Sandman’s wonky look.
Another didn’t even notice the distortion.
Will the creators change the aspect ratio? Netflix didn’t provide any more explanation to Variety and didn’t immediately respond to CNET’s request for comment. Basically, don’t hold your breath.
