Example The Gladiator.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRZ6B2DWAAAGO1e?format=jpg&name=mediumhttps://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRZ6B2paMAA3kyq?format=jpg&name=small
IMO there are 2 big reasons why color grading changed this way:
- Movie studios want customers to go to the cinema. Not only do they make more money there, it also makes you more likely to get attached to the franchise (Benjamin-Franklin-Effect). The high contrast scene looks good on both your tv and the cinema - the low contrast has an advantage in theater projectors
- Vanity. People just look better without harsh shadows. I'm personally guilty of this as well as a photographer. Probably most of you gravitate to reason 1 but don't underestimate this one