Which film format to choose for matrix resurrections?

In 1999, a film created a cultural moment with its innovative special effects creating breathtaking images, to become the sci-fi cinematic event of the year, and unexpectedly it was not Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace – it was The matrix. With its incredible action, innovative 360 ​​° cameras and philosophical ideas, this is a film that has stood the test of time. Even though its sequels turned out to be disappointing, it just seems like a fourth – the Matrix resurrections – is set to hit theaters with a December 22, 2021 release date. Perhaps aptly, it seems to be aiming for the same beats as the iconic debut movie, as shown in this video. In the US, you can choose to stay home and watch it as this will be the last film to be released simultaneously in both theaters and streaming before a new deal kicks in that will give theaters a Deserved 45-day window on the Warner Bros. movies. You shouldn’t be doing that though – like I explained here, you should go see it in a movie theater.

The question, as always, is what movie format should you be viewing it in? As a highly anticipated blockbuster, the answer is often – and even generally – IMAX and you may have already booked your tickets for this format. However, as many have noted – Spider-Man: No Path Home will still be in theaters at the same time occupying most of the IMAX slots. (It seems surprising that these two long-awaited great films came out so close to each other, but that’s more of a problem for Matrix resurrections that Spider-Man is always going to hang around – if you will excuse me for the pun).

If you look at the listing for Matrix Resurrections (2021) on IMDB it currently shows it as having a 1: 90: 1 aspect ratio, as in an image taller than standard widescreen movies. This is normally reserved for movies that have been shot with IMAX certified cameras, but director Lana Wachowski and cinematographer Daniele Massaccesi John Toll took the red pill when it came to cameras and went for the Red Komodo 6K and the Red Ranger Monstro 8K. While both are good enough to be considered large format cameras, they do not fall under the “Certified for IMAX” camera program.

I have sought to clarify the 1: 90: 1 aspect ratio claim directly with IMAX and can confirm that the IMDB information is not correct – Matrix resurrections will be framed in 2: 40: 1 everywhere, including in IMAX theaters. This means that the IMAX DMR process was used to magnify the image to ensure it looks good on large IMAX screens.

As such, although the size of the IMAX theater will produce, as always, a fantastic experience, you won’t lose anything, as such I will see it in a different format. Indeed, the best possible format for the film will undoubtedly be a Dolby Cinema. The film had a Dolby Vision master, which means it will deliver a high dynamic range picture with intense colors and the deepest black levels you can get in a movie theater. On top of that, it’s mixed for Dolby Atmos, which technically beats IMAX’s 12-channel system with its precise sound direction as well as stupendous bass. The seats aren’t too bad either.

If you can’t find a Dolby cinema near you, there are five in the UK (two in Leicester Square in London, along with Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham), so look for a Superscreen, IMPACT or iSense display, which matches. to 4K projection with Dolby Atmos.

While a 3D version has been prepared, it will likely be reserved for China, the format having lost its luster in the West.

If you want something alternative, you can find ScreenX projections, which projects an additional image to the side of the screen (gimmicky) and also 4DX, which features moving chairs, wind, water and flashing lights (definitely gimmick, but also a lot of fun), and that should be a wild ride. Wherever you choose, for my part, I can’t wait to go back to where it all began – in the Matrix …