One of the reasons that many like to go to the movie theater is to see movies on a giant screen with immersive sound. One popular movie-going option is IMAX. With its visually impactful viewing experience, it is often a letdown when viewing the same movie at home.
However, things just got better for home theater fans as Disney and IMAX have jointly announced that Disney+ will be offering select movies that were shot and presented in IMAX for the cinema will now be available for home viewing in the same eye-popping IMAX cinema aspect ratio. IMAX Enhanced is coming to your living room.
What’s the Big Deal About the IMAX Aspect Ratio?
IMAX Enhanced content on Disney+ features the expanded IMAX aspect ratio of 1.90:1. This differs from most films where the picture appears wide but does not take up the full height of your screen. IMAX’s expanded aspect ratio fills almost the entire height of your TV screen, allowing you to see up to 26% more of the original image as filmed with IMAX cameras.
Device Requirements
The great thing about this move by Disney+ so far is that no special equipment is required. If you already have a Disney+ compatible smart TV or streaming device and have or sign-up for a paid subscription, the IMAX viewing option is available.
There Is A Catch
Being able to access IMAX Enhanced movies on a streaming service is great, but there are some things to take into consideration.
- The IMAX Enhanced viewing option is only available on films that were shot partially or totally using IMAX cameras and mastered in the IMAX aspect ratio. This means that with some films the aspect ratio may change between standard widescreen and IMAX depending on the scene, but in some cases, you will be able to enjoy an entire film in IMAX Enhanced 1.9:1 aspect ratio.
- The full platform of IMAX Enhanced features and functionality (such as IMAX mastered DTS:X immersive audio soundtracks and additional video processing) are not currently available on Disney+ as this narrows compatibility with some TVs and streaming devices. If the initial Disney+ offerings are successful, one or more of the additional enhancements may become available at a future date. Read more about IMAX Enhanced on other platforms and devices. (UPDATE: DTS:X sound is coming to IMAX Enhanced titles on Disney+ on May 15, 2024).
IMAX Enhanced Explained
Marvel Fans Rejoice!
To get things rolling, beginning on November 12, 2021, Disney+ is offering the IMAX Enhanced viewing option for 13 popular Marvel movies:
- Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings
- Iron Man
- Guardians of the Galaxy Volumes 1 and 2
- Captain America: Civil War
- Doctor Strange
- Thor: Ragnarok
- Black Panther
- Avengers: Infinity War
- Ant-Man and The Wasp
- Captain Marvel
- Avengers: Endgame
- Black Widow
Note: Not all titles may be available in all regions upon launch.
There is no extra charge on current or new Disney+ subscriptions, at least for now. Sign-up for Disney+ here.
Happy Streaming!
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