Disney+ gets support for IMAX Enhanced format

Disney+ streaming service will show thirteen Marvel films with an IMAX aspect ratio of 1.9:1 from November 12. This gives the movies on TVs smaller black bars than with the current versions, which have a wider 2.35:1 ratio.

The IMAX versions of the films have a 26 percent higher aspect ratio than the regular cinema versions. More information can be seen at the bottom and top of the image; no information is cut off to achieve a more filling image. The ratio of 1.9:1 is slightly wider than 16:9, small black bars remain visible on TVs.

The IMAX Enhanced format was already available through a few other streaming services, including Sony Bravia Core and Rakuten TV. The format is a collaboration of IMAX and DTS and also brings support for DTS sound. The IMAX Enhanced movies also support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, spokespersons for the involved parties told Engadget.

For now, thirteen Marvel films will receive IMAX Enhanced support on Disney’s streaming service. It is not yet known whether and when other films will also receive the adjusted image format. To do this, IMAX recordings must have been made of the relevant films.