I've actually noticed this (because, technically speaking, widescreen films should still have black bars on them even with "normal" widescreen televisions). I always assumed it was Netflix just accommodating the average user who would get pissed that they bought a widescreen TV and the picture is still showing up with bars on it.
Also consider that the average user usually watches television with their TV that auto-crops and/or zooms and stretches pictures, not to mention interpolates 120Hz viewing for a delicious soap opera effect.
I have to say, though, that cinemaphiles complaining about Netflix quality is a bit like the audiophiles that buy $10k sound systems to listen to their MP3 collection.
Also consider that the average user usually watches television with their TV that auto-crops and/or zooms and stretches pictures, not to mention interpolates 120Hz viewing for a delicious soap opera effect.
I have to say, though, that cinemaphiles complaining about Netflix quality is a bit like the audiophiles that buy $10k sound systems to listen to their MP3 collection.