The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (lost CinemaScope version of film based on Nickelodeon animated series; existence unconfirmed; 2004)

Poster for the film.

Status: Existence Unconfirmed

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is a 2004 animated film based on the Nickelodeon show SpongeBob SquarePants, it follows SpongeBob at first excited to become the new manager for the newly opened Krusty Krab 2, however, the role instead goes to Squidward, due to Mr. Krabs thinking that SpongeBob is simply a kid. He then becomes disappointed by his decision and wants to prove that he is a man by getting King Neptune's stolen crown back with his friend Patrick.

The film was released in theatres with its screen ratio being 1.85:1, a standard ratio for most theatrical films, however, there is evidence for a potential CinemaScope version of the film.

CinemaScope

Created by Spyros P. Skouras, 20th Century Fox's president in 1953, CinemaScope was a way to increase popularity in theatres due to Television gaining more attention and viewership in the 50s. It allowed films to be screened in the aspect ratio of 2.66:1, although due to some circumstances, it was reduced to 2.55:1. It would be phased out by Panavision (who previously worked with Fox on CinemaScope) in the 1960s as the standard for widescreen films, with there being no licensing, unlike Fox.^[1]

Availability

Very little proof exists of the CinemaScope version of the film, with the only substantial evidence being a trailer which uses the CinemaScope format, with more details on the left and right sides that are not seen in any other type of home media release of the film. There is also another trailer using the format, although it remains unavailable outside of some stills.^[2]