Deciding whether or not to watch a movie in theaters is only
the first of many choices audience members now have, especially when it comes
to the blockbuster releases. Which theater chain, where to sit, and what to
snack on remain choices that have long existed, but now audiences have multiple
options in regards to the actual presentation of the film. In an effort to help
audience members make the best choice, we will discuss the specifics of each
available option for Captain Marvel.
Option 1: Digital 2D
For those unwilling to pay any additional charges for the
extras or simply uninterested in an enhanced viewing experience, is more than
adequate. Captain Marvel has plenty
of big moments, which are certainly enhanced by a few of the other options, but
the viewing doesn’t demand it.
Option 2: RealD 3D
Easily the most disappointing of the options, the 3D in Captain Marvel actually takes away from
the crispness of the 2D image. Worse yet, it does little to enhance the viewing
experience. Even with a few action sequences offering some 3D thrills, there
are far better immersion options available. I would choose option #1 over 3D,
if given the choice.
Option 3: IMAX
Although it isn’t for the entire film, there are sequences of
Captain Marvel specifically formatted for IMAX theaters. During these sequences
(or sometimes just single establishing shots), the image is presented with up
to 26% more picture. When the film opens up for these IMAX sequences, it is
extremely noticeable. I found myself more engaged by some of the visuals in
IMAX than I was invested in the actual story. The sound is also enhanced in the
IMAX experience, second only to the Dolby Cinemas. If given the option between
IMAX 2D and 3D, 2D is clearly the best choice.
Option 4: Dolby Cinema
Sound is often one of the most immersive elements of the
theatrical experience, and Dolby Cinemas allow you to feel the sound elements
in Dolby Atmos. The picture is also enhanced with Dolby Vision, though IMAX
still wins out in that category for me. Not only does IMAX look nearly as good
with Laser projection, it also comes with the expanded image during certain
sequences/shots. For a film like Captain Marvel, the sound is fully utilized in
action sequences, particularly the in-air battles. It all comes down to
priorities in your viewing experience.
Option 5: 4DX
If feeling the sound vibrations of Dolby Atmos isn’t enough
immersion, there is always the option of 4DX. With moving/vibrating seats,
fans, flashing lights, and additional elements, 4DX is ideal for superhero
films. The fans are used to simulate movement during the film’s flight
sequences, along with the moving seats. Unfortunately, there were many elements
not utilized in the Captain Marvel experience. It may have just been the
theater I was in, but there were no water elements (not that the film called
for any), or smoke/fog. The limited use of the 4D elements paired with the
missing picture elements and sound advances provided by IMAX and Dolby made
this one of the less impressive of the recent 4DX releases. In particular, Aquaman was spectacular in this format,
but it also had far more elements and even seemed to move the seats more
effectively. There are entire scenes of Captain
Marvel with no movement at all.
Option 6: ScreenX
ScreenX is somewhat like IMAX, but it expands the picture
horizontally instead of vertically. It is also a bit like 3D without the
glasses, and considering how ineffective Captain
Marvel’s 3D is, it may be the best option for those who want that type of
immersion. I wasn’t able to experience Captain
Marvel in ScreenX, but recently reviewed the format with other films.
Final Choice: 2D IMAX
If only it were possible to put the 4DX moving seats in Dolby
theaters equipped with an IMAX screen, you would have the perfect viewing
experience. Unfortunately, this is not possible and a choice must be made. IMAX
is my choice, but it all depends on what elements are most important to you. Captain Marvel has some exciting
sequences which are great in the other formats, but overall IMAX provided the
best experience.
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