The second BTS video of The Suicide Squad was released. Besides being an amazing commercial for RED Digital Cinema, there’re some very intriguing discoveries regarding the Komodo. For instance, Is Komodo was certified by IMAX as part of the “Filmed In IMAX” program? Also, when will the Stabileye Nano be commercially available?

Update (23/7/21)

As stated by IMAX: “We have not certified the RED Komodo camera. “The Suicide Squad” did use a variety of cameras including primarily our certified RED Ranger/ Monstro models”. 

RED Komodo in The Suicide Squad: An IMAX certified?

This is the second BTS (Behind The Scenes) video released about this crazy film. The Suicide Squad was directed by James Gunn and shot by Henry Braham on RED cameras. “We shot The Suicide Squad on the Red Ranger Monstro 8K VV and the Red Weapon 8K VV & we were the first feature film to use the new RED Komodo,” said Gunn. Also, Gunn emphasized that: “The whole film was shot in IMAX and that’s the best way to see it”. Furthermore, Gunn added that “The Suicide Squad was tailor-made for IMAX filmed completely with IMAX cameras”.

#TheSuicideSquad was tailor made for @IMAX, filmed completely with IMAX cameras. See it when it opens August 6. Tickets on sale TOMORROW! pic.twitter.com/fFuxHy5pqh

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) July 13, 2021

It’s also confirmed by IMDB Trivia that the film was shot entirely with IMAX-certified RED cameras, and this will be the first R-rated movie to be filmed entirely in IMAX. By checking the IMDB Tech Spec, we can see that there’s a “RED Komodo IMAX” camera in the list:

Here’s The Suicide Squad Tech Spec (according to IMDB):

1. Red Komodo IMAX, Leitz Thalia and M 0.8 Lenses
2. Red Ranger IMAX, Leitz Thalia, M 0.8 and Angenieux Optimo Ultra 12x Lenses
3. Red Ranger Monstro IMAX, Leitz Thalia, M 0.8 and Angenieux Optimo Ultra 12x Lenses
4. Red Weapon IMAX, Leitz Thalia, and M 0.8 Lenses

RED Komodo IMAX

Although all the resources indicate that the RED Komodo used in The Suicide Squad is IMAX certified, the camera is not included in the “Filmed In IMAX” list, which incorporates only large sensors (for now). Currently, the cameras included on the “Filmed In IMAX” program are ALEXA LF, MINI LF, 65, Panavision DXL2,  RED Ranger MONSTRO, and Sony’s VENICE. All of them contain large sensors, and the RED Komodo is armed with “only” Super 35 sized sensor. Furthermore, as stated by IMAX: “Through the program, IMAX will certify high-end, best-in-class digital cameras with leading brands including ARRI, Panavision, RED Digital Cinema and Sony to work in the IMAX® format when paired with its proprietary post-production process”. However, it also says that: “ IMAX will select only a limited number of films to participate in the program each year”. If so, was the RED Komodo selected to be a part of the program? Is the RED Komodo IMAX certified? By connecting the dots, the answer might be “Yes”. However, IMAX hasn’t been mentioning nor officially announcing it.

Stabileye Nano

The BTS footage shows a new stabilizing system dedicated to the Komodo. We’ve previously reported about the Nano version by Stabileye that was specially made for The Suicide Squad. The picture was posted by RED Digital Cinema CEO, Jarred Land on REDuser. Now, the BTS footage confirms that. The Komodo was attached to the Stabileye Nano when dynamic shots were needed. However, it seems that this stabilizer was designed for the DP Henry Braham, and it’s not commercially available (yet).

Final thoughts

It’s hard to say if the RED Komodo is “IMAX Approved”. If so, IMAX needs to update its technical requirements regarding the “Filmed In IMAX” program. And for the Stabileye Nano, we’d be happy to get more info from Stabileye, since this product looks like an ideal gimbal for the RED Komodo.

The Suicide Squad is scheduled to be theatrically released in the United Kingdom on July 30, 2021, and in the United States on August 5, before streaming on HBO Max the following day.

Watch the BTS video below:

Product List

Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers. 

• RED Komodo 6K Digital Cinema Camera
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA