[{HVY-E}Jinxx]

Yes, Ecran Wide will get rid of the bars and put the game into wide mode, BUT, you may end up with problems selecting bases on the map screen. The wide screen mod seems to throw off the icons a bit so that you have to select below them a bit to actually get the cross for base selection.

I couldn't deal with it, especially when I needed to select a base fast, so I just use the method I showed you.
Ecran Wide will also make your in game navigational map wide as well. Lengthening the sides but decreasing the top and bottom coverage in the process.

Try it out and make your own decision.

Something else that make the game better, at least for me, is the Smaller Font mod. Makes all the difference with the wide screen modes.