anamorphic optical system

An anamorphic optical system intentionally distorts an image, often by magnifying it unequally along perpendicular axes. This technique is used in photography and filmmaking to achieve specific visual effects.1

In cinema, anamorphic lenses are employed to create wide-screen images. They compress the image horizontally during filming, and this distortion is then corrected by a complementary lens during projection, resulting in a wider aspect ratio than would be possible with standard lenses.2

The term "anamorphosis" also refers to a perspective technique in art where a distorted image appears normal when viewed from a specific angle or reflected in a curved mirror. This artistic application shares the core principle of intentional visual distortion with anamorphic optical systems used in photography and film.3