Disney+ launches IMAX Enhanced format with Marvel films
James R | On 08, Nov 2021
Disney+ is expanding its horizons this week with the launch of IMAX Enhanced, a new aspect ratio available with select Marvel movies.
The new collaboration will see IMAX’s Expanded Aspect Ratio arrive in living rooms for the first time. At 1:90:1, it offers up to 26 per cent more picture for select sequences – meaning more of the action is visible on screen.
Since the Marvel Cinematic Universe first hit IMAX cinema screens in 2020, the MCU has earned more than $1.6 billion across IMAX screens globally, making it the highest grossing franchise in IMAX history. In the future, the partnership between IMAX and Disney will also deliver enhanced audio and visual technology for the streaming platform, including IMAX signature sound by DTS.
The format will launch on 12th November across 13 Marvel titles, including Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings, Iron Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Captain America: Civil War, Doctor Strange, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, Ant-Man and The Wasp, Captain Marvel and Black Widow, plus Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame – the first two films shot entirely with IMAX digital cameras. (Note: Availability will vary by region – Disney hasn’t confirmed the specifics yet, but you can expect all 13 films to be available in IMAX Expanded aspect ratio in the UK.)
“For more than a decade, IMAX has helped filmmakers take fans across the Marvel Cinematic Universe in theaters and now that epic journey crosses into a new world: the home,” says Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX. “IMAX, Disney, and Marvel Studios 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 where they can now watch the Avengers assemble with more picture than ever before.”
“Disney, Marvel Studios, and IMAX have collaborated for years to bring the world’s most popular films to the big screen, and on Friday we’ll start to bring IMAX technology to subscribers with IMAX Enhanced viewing in the Disney+ app,” adds Michael Paull, President of Disney+ and ESPN+. “We’re thrilled to create new value for Marvel fans and audiences on Disney+, and we’re looking forward to offering even more IMAX Enhanced functionality in the future.”