Spherical vs anamorphic

[hellboy80]

I know the difference between these two processes (matted image vs squeezed image), but I was allways wondering why the word "sperical"? Is this because of the shape of the lenses? (I never saw an anamorphic lens, so I dont know what shape has it).

 

[hellboy80]

You can often see it in technical specs on IMDb...
Cinematographic process: spherical or anamorphic

 

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

Yes, it is reference to the shape of the elements.

Spherical lenses have the typical 'round' shaped lens elements, while anamorphic lenses are either prime or zoom lenses with either front or back integrated anamorphic elements which are mainly 'cylandrically' shaped.

Another word for spherical is 'flat'. Such as, "Are you shooting this film anamorphic or flat?"

 

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

Take a look at the front elements. Not spherical. It's more like the side of a cylinder versus a sphere.