 Originally, Stanley Kubrick (qv) had planned to shoot 2001 in the  aspect ratio of 1.85:1. After consultant Robert Gaffney (qv)  convinced the director that Super Panavision (aspect ratio 2.2:1)  was a more visceral experience, Kubrick agreed and got MGM to pay  for the photographic process. Since shooting a 70mm space film with  monaural sound was frowned upon, Kubrick decided to mix the  soundtrack in stereo sound.