As if the Marvel films couldn’t get any more epic, the Disney Plus streaming service has announced that they will be upgrading 13 of their Marvel films to the IMAX aspect ratio.
Until now, Marvel Studios' films that were shot in the IMAX format, likeAvengers: Endgame, were not presented in the same aspect ratio on Disney Plus. The new format being launched on the streamer will be called IMAX Enhanced on Disney Plus and will be ready for fans to experience this Friday (which is becoming known asDisney Plus Day, marking the two-year anniversary of the platform’s initial launch).
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While IMAX traditionally uses an aspect ratio of 1.43:1, which tends to give off a square appearance, Disney Plus will be using the expanded IMAX aspect ratio of 1.90:1, making it slightly closer to a standard TV’s 16:9 aspect ratio. The slated Marvel Studios films to stream in IMAX, includingShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, will show 26% more image. Given the advancement in technology, more and more blockbusters continue shooting entirely in IMAX format. While some previous MCU installments, such asCaptain America: Civil War, were only partially shot using IMAX cameras, other future films like the climacticAvengers: Infinity WarandAvengers: Endgamewere filmed entirely with IMAX cameras.
Speaking with Deadline, IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond spoke about the increased demand for an IMAX format presented on streaming services, as he also added the company has held talks with several other studios about offering the IMAX format on other streaming services. “To me, it enhances the notion that streaming and the Imax theatrical experience are complementary,” added Gelfond. “It’s not either/or. A lot of fans want to experience both." Further discussing the newest partnership, Gelfond added, “…are giving the fans what they want: the most immersive viewing experience throughout the life of a Marvel Studios film, from exclusive theatrical release to the library at home.”
Other thanShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the films that will be presented in this new format includeIron 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: EndgameandBlack Widow.Reports have also added that audio specialist DTS will further down the road incorporate the signature IMAX sound for streaming.
