Anamorph Look Plugin-Effect for Final Cut Pro X (FCPX)

---

Anamorph Look Effect from cinema-luts.com is a powerful and professional plugin-effect to simulate the optical characteristics of expensive anamorphic lenses for Final Cut Pro X (FCPX). It adds the distinct geometric subtle stretch, edge softness, and chromatic separation that give big-budget cinema its unique wide-screen aesthetic.

What is the Anamorph Look Effect?

The Anamorph Look Effect allows you to replicate the coveted visual imperfections of vintage anamorphic glass without spending thousands of dollars on rental lenses. Real anamorphic lenses squeeze the image, but they also introduce specific optical characteristics—such as edge softness and color fringing—that digital sensors lack.

This plugin recreates that "Hollywood" feel by manipulating the geometry and texture of your footage. It subtly stretches the image along the X-axis to mimic the widening aspect ratio factor and applies targeted imperfections to the periphery of the frame.

You have precise control over the optical simulation:

• Amount: Controls the overall intensity of the geometric stretch and the blend of the effect.
• Prism: Simulates chromatic aberration (RGB separation) at the edges of the frame, a hallmark of vintage cinema glass.
• Blur: Adds a soft fall-off or "curvature of field" blur to the side edges, drawing the viewer's eye to the center of the frame.
• Height: A crucial tool for widescreen editors. This adjusts the vertical limit of the effect circle, ensuring the blur and prism effects align perfectly with your footage even if you are using letterboxes (black bars).

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this plugin actually stretch the image?
Yes, it applies a subtle horizontal stretch (X-axis) to mimic the distinct spatial characteristics of an anamorphic lens desqueeze. This adds a subconscious "cinematic" width to objects and faces without distorting them unpleasantly.

How does the "Height" slider help with letterboxes?
Standard blur effects often bleed into or ignore the black bars (letterboxing) added in post. The Height slider allows you to constrain the blur and prism effects so they only affect the visible video area, ensuring a clean, professional look.

Can I use this on 16:9 footage?
Absolutely. It is a great way to add character to standard 16:9 footage, making it feel less "digital" and more like it was shot on high-end cinema optics.

 

Minimal requirements:
macOS Big Sur 11.7.4, Motion 5.6.1 or Final Cut Pro 10.6.2
Compatible chips: Apple silicon, Intel
Aspect ratios: Compatible with all

---