Just to add my 2cents, movies like Attack of the Clones are 2:35 to 1 and therefore leave black bars, but being anamorphic the bars are about 1 to 1 1/2 inches top and bottom. If it were not anamorphic, the bars are about 3 inches top and bottom such as on "True Lies".
On the anamorphic transfers I don't even notice the bars, but on non-anamorphic they are as annoying as on a regular tv. In fact, I don't have any technical background, but it seems that the image is the same height as it would be on a 4:3 tv, just wider. It might just be my eyes though.
I've never regretted the cash outlay, and for me that's saying something. I'm like you, I don't know another person at all that has one. Everyone around here thinks I'm lost in outer space for buying one, but I love it!
Peace,
Rick