For many, Star Wars is cinema personified, so the significance of having it back on the big screen after more than six years is, unlike the co-star of the movie, huge. However, as a spin-off movie from a streaming TV show, the stakes inevitably feel smaller (literally), so the question is, will Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu be cinematic enough to justify going to the cinema to see it? The best way to find out, of course, is to go to the cinema to see it, and make up your own mind, so let’s dive in and see what format choices are on offer.
Filmed For IMAX
The Mandalorian and Grogu is the first Star Wars movie to be ‘Filmed For IMAX’, which means the digital cameras used are IMAX-approved. To avoid any doubt, the movie was not captured on film, and no film prints are being struck; not that this was ever unexpected.
To take advantage of the IMAX format, the film has 53 minutes presented in one of two IMAX-exclusive expanded aspect ratios: full frame 1.43:1 and 1.90:1, with 2.39 used for the remainder of the film.
1.43:1 provides a significant amount of picture above and below the standard image, and on a giant IMAX screen is a hugely immersive format. As we’ve seen from the trailers, this is put to great effect with the dramatic AT-AT falling down a mountainside (clearly the Empire never was one for health & safety).
To be able to show it in the former, the IMAX theater requires both a giant IMAX 1.43:1 screen and a dual-laser projector. However, as indicated by this database resource, there are only a handful of screens in the world with this combined capability. For example, in the UK, there is just one location: the Vue IMAX at the Printworks in Manchester. Other than these rare beasts, the stand IMAX Digital aspect ratio of 1.90:1 will be in effect for those 53 minutes.
Complicating things further, IMAX Digital screens are not all created equal. Newer locations use laser projectors, which deliver a brighter and more color-rich image compared to the older IMAX Digital screens that use Xenon lamps. Most laser-equipped IMAX theaters are also upgraded to 12-channel sound systems, giving more height and surround effects.
The use of laser projection is especially important if you’re choosing a 3D presentation, for which there will be select presentations. In the UK, the only IMAX 3D presentations I could locate are at the mighty BFI IMAX in London (limited for digital to 1.90:1) and again at the Vue Printworks in Manchester. The latter, therefore, is a truly rare thing – combining IMAX 1.43:1 sequences and 3D, so if you’re able to get to it, I’d take the opportunity to check it out.
Aspect Ratio Changes For All
However, while IMAX traditionally is the only way to experience expanded aspect ratios, that’s not the case for Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu. In screens with a “flat” 1.85:1 screen, it will also switch aspect ratios in the selected sequences, starting as “scope” 2.39:1 and then switching back to the screen’s native 1.85:1 for the select sequences. This is very close to the IMAX 1.90:1 aspect ratio, so in that sense, compared to IMAX, you won’t be missing out on any image if you go see it on a flat screen. That said, the switch to the taller format is designed for its immersiveness, which will be more effective on IMAX screens.
If your chosen screen is 2.39:1, the movie will stay in that aspect ratio the whole way through.
HDR by Barco for the Light Side
If you select a theater featuring HDR by Barco projection, you’ll enjoy a true high dynamic range (HDR), similar to the image your television at home can offer, with bright whites and deep blacks, and a greater range of colors than virtually all other formats. The technology is also often combined with Dolby Atmos audio, which, as well as power and clarity, offers the most precise positional audio of any audio format. In the UK and Europe, this is the tech behind the Vue EPIC brand, which means you’ll also get leather recliners.
The extra brightness that HDR by Barco provides is also highly beneficial in 3D, so it’s great news that in its London flagship, which has two EPIC screens, Vue is offering screenings in a choice of 2D and 3D.
As of writing, HDR by Barco is available in 43 locations worldwide, with 25 of those in the U.S.
Dolby Cinema for the Dark Side
While not offering as much raw light output, Dolby Cinema, Dolby Vision dual projection system is still much brighter and more vivid than standard projection systems, and has the darkest black floor, making for excellent contrast. Naturally, it’s always combined with Dolby Atmos and lush recliners, so you get that fantastic 3D audio and, in many cases, comfy recliners.
While these are the elite premium large format systems, apart from these, the major cinema chains also offer their own branded variants. While not HDR, these will still be high-quality projection (often, but not always laser, and 4K), with a large floor-to-ceiling screen, Dolby Atmos audio and premium seating. In the U.S., the major offerings are under brands such as Prime at AMC and XL at AMC, Regal RPX (including HDR by Barco in some locations), and Cinemark XD. In Canada, there’s Cineplex UltraAVX, while in the UK, these PLFs are branded as Cineworld Superscreen, Odeon iSense, Showcase XPlus and OmniplexMAXX.
4DX Madness
Star Wars is about the thrills and spills, which makes 4DX a tempting choice. You’ll be thrown around in your seat, which moves in sync with the action, along with thumps in the back, splashes of water, blasts of air, smoke, and flashes of light. To add to the immersion, for Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, 4DX is also combined with 3D. However, before you book, it would be best to find out if your 4DX theater has laser projection. If it does, then go for it, but if not, avoid. Without laser projection, 3D is dull and dim, and you’ll struggle to see what’s going on.
ScreenX: Side Eye
While the movie expands in height in IMAX and 1.85:1 screens, ScreenX is all about width. It adds additional images to the sides of the screen projected onto screens on the sides of the cinema. The additional light doesn’t help with contrast ratio, and the images are stretched as they are intended to be in your peripheral vision, rather than viewing directly, so it’s best if you sit closer to the screen if you can. My local ScreenX has a laser projector and 5.1 audio, but as a recent viewing of Michael in this format proved, for added immersion, it is effective and offers something different compared to the other formats.
The final choices are standard 2D and 3D. While not premium formats, Star Wars always deserves to be seen on a big screen with other people, and these will be the most affordable way to see it, with the usual caveat of ensuring that laser projection is there if you’re going for 3D.
Related Reading:
Disney Launches ‘Infinity Vision’ Certification For Premium Theaters
ClassPass Adds Regal, Marcus Theatres And LOOK Dine-In To Cinema Discounts
Vue Flagship ‘EPIC’ Amsterdam Cinema Focuses On Technology Innovation
