DisneyPlus Allows its users to view certain films in IMAX’s aspect ratio. That means, films that were shot for the IMAX, and with IMAX cameras, can be viewed in 1:90:1 ratio (= up to 26% more picture), eliminating these annoying black bars. Is that good? And what do the film directors think about it?

IMAXing your TV

Basically, the IMAX’s exclusive expanded aspect ratio is 1:90:1, which offers up to 26% more picture for select sequences, meaning more of the action is visible on screen, just as the filmmakers intended (in some cases). Activating ‘IMAX capabilities’  on home TV means eliminating the black bars and getting more picture by utilizing TV’s real estate. There’s still a little bit of black bar space (TVs usually have an aspect ratio of 1.77:1), but you’re getting a lot more picture. Till now, films that were shot on IMAX cameras (and intended for IMAX theaters) were presented in a regular aspect ratio on home TV. Hence, IMAX has partnered with DisneyPlus to launch a dedicated program that allows users to watch the IMAX aspect ratio on their home TV.

IMAX Enhanced

As stated by IMAX: “While the IMAX theatrical experience continues to be the gold standard in immersive movie-going, the companies saw an opportunity to extend a premier, elevated entertainment experience beyond the theater. For those who can’t go to the movies or for when the movies are no longer in the theatre, IMAX Enhanced offers the closest way to the IMAX experience at your fingertips”. The goal is to create a premium streaming experience that remains faithful to the filmmaker’s creative intent. Thus, for the first time ever, fans will be able to stream some of their favorite Marvel titles in IMAX’s Expanded Aspect Ratio at home with IMAX Enhanced on Disney+, launched on November 12th as part of Disney’s company-wide Disney+ Day global celebration.

IMAX and DisneyPlus: Advantages

These are the advantages of the IMAX Enhanced program:

1. Subscribers will get more picture with IMAX’s Expanded Aspect Ratio across 13 Marvel titles – all they need to do is hit play.
2. IMAX’s Expanded Aspect Ratio is 1.90:1, which offers up to 26% more picture for select sequences – meaning more of the action is visible on screen, just as the filmmakers intended
3. In the future, the collaboration will deliver even more enhanced audio and visual technology to Disney+, including immersive IMAX signature sound by DTS

The titles selected

The 13 titles available at launch include the Disney+ premiere of Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings on November 12th as well as other fan-favorite MCU movies like Iron Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Captain America: Civil War, Doctor Strange, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, Ant-Man and The Wasp, Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame, and Black Widow (content availability varies by region). According to IMAX, every IMAX Enhanced film on Disney+ goes through a rigorous visual and audio remastering process in order to fully optimize it for the platform. IMAX Enhanced on Disney+ is launching with these 13, fan-favorite titles to start and we hope to add more titles in the future.

Is IMAX shifting its focus to streaming?

That’s a very interesting question IMAX addressed on its FAQ. Its answer:  “No. IMAX Enhanced on Disney+ is about expanding the storied IMAX and Disney / Marvel relationship, which will continue to center on the theatrical release. IMAX’s proprietary technology has also long been the gold standard for filmmakers and audiences alike, and now with IMAX Enhanced on Disney+, we’re able to bring IMAX and DTS technologies to more fans and consumers for a truly unique and immersive entertainment experience” the company emphasized. 

What directors are saying

An intriguing conversation popped out on Twitter, led by Scott Derrickson, who is the director of the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film Doctor Strange. “Apparently DisneyPlus has elected to stream at least some Marvel movies (including Doctor Strange) in the 1.9 IMAX aspect ratio instead of 2:39. I can only speak for myself, but I never intended that aspect ratio to be used for home viewing.” Derrickson adds and says that: “And then I decided to use 2:40 for Doctor Strange anyway because I simply prefer it”.

Apparently @disneyplus has elected to stream at least some Marvel movies (including Doctor Strange) in the 1.9 IMAX aspect ratio instead of 2:39.

I can only speak for myself, but I never intended that aspect ratio to be used for home viewing.

— N O S ⋊ Ɔ I ᴚ ᴚ Ǝ ᗡ ⊥ ⊥ O Ɔ S (@scottderrickson) November 13, 2021

TV vs. Movie theater

It seems that at the start Scott didn’t like it. Does it mean directors who deliver for IMAX don’t want the audience to see the same aspect ratio in-home TV? However, after a long thread, Scott stated: “Personally, I still prefer the compositions of the 2.40 aspect ratio for those big set pieces on my TV set, but I get that the widening top and bottom is something a lot of viewers would prefer. I approve of both versions”, and added that: “Either way is fine. Your kids will probably enjoy the IMAX version more”.

Today I watched the 1.9 IMAX aspect ratio version of Doctor Strange on @disneyplus, and I actually quite like how it plays. The switch from 2.40 to 1.9 is definitely more noticeable on my 55 inch TV than in an IMAX theater, but it still works. https://t.co/Kywy6fpvtk

— N O S ⋊ Ɔ I ᴚ ᴚ Ǝ ᗡ ⊥ ⊥ O Ɔ S (@scottderrickson) November 13, 2021

And another thought

Finally, Derrickson was convinced that the IMAX experience is pretty worthy for home TVs as well. “To be clear I didn’t express disapproval, nor am I bothered that DisneyPlus gives viewers the option to view the 1.9 aspect ratio. I only said I didn’t intend the 1.9 for home viewing. If people want to watch it that way that’s up to them”. Scoot summarized by saying: “Today I watched the 1.9 IMAX aspect ratio version of Doctor Strange on DisneyPlus, and I actually quite like how it plays. The switch from 2.40 to 1.9 is definitely more noticeable on my 55 inch TV than in an IMAX theater, but it still works.”

To be clear I didn’t express disapproval, nor am I bothered that @disneyplus gives viewer the option to view the 1.9 aspect ratio. I only said I didn’t intend the 1.9 for home viewing. If people want to watch it that way that’s up to them. https://t.co/X6BMLddyOB

— N O S ⋊ Ɔ I ᴚ ᴚ Ǝ ᗡ ⊥ ⊥ O Ɔ S (@scottderrickson) November 13, 2021

Are we ready to get rid of the black bars?

Personally, I’d prefer utilizing all my TV’s real estate. Those black bars are annoying, and if there’s a legit way to eliminate them by getting more picture, then I’ll take it!. IMAX Enhanced is a smart solution for enhancing home viewing regarding films that were made for the huge canvas, and even the directors seem to be fine with it. Hopefully, the project will be expanded beyond DisneyPlus to more streaming services., including Netflix. Imagine that IMAX cameras will be used as the main camera on Netflix projects (not yet ‘Netflix Approved’). That will grant us, the audiences, more pictures, and less ‘black bars’.