Disney+ partners DTS to offer IMAX Enhanced aspect ratio

IMAX Enhanced content is coming to Disney+. The streaming service will begin to offer Marvel movies in the expanded aspect ratio from November 12, following a deal between Disney and DTS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Xperi Holding Corporation.

13 Marvel films will benefit. IMAX’s Expanded Aspect Ratio is 1:90:1, which offers up to 26 per cent more picture for select sequences. The new will be widely welcomed by home cinema fans, who will see the full frame of these movies as screened in IMAX cinemas. There are, of course, implications for home theatre installs that employ a ‘Scope ratio projection screen.

The 13 titles available at launch include the Disney+ premiere of Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings as well as Iron Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Captain America: Civil War, Doctor Strange, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, Ant-Man and The Wasp, Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame, and Black Widow.

The most obvious beneficiaries look to be Infinity War and Endgame; as they the first films shot entirely with IMAX digital cameras.

“For more than a decade, IMAX has helped filmmakers take fans across the Marvel Cinematic Universe in theatres and now that epic journey crosses into a new world: the home,” said 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.”

“We are thrilled that fans of the MCU will soon have the opportunity to experience IMAX’s Expanded Aspect Ratio, in their own homes with the launch of IMAX Enhanced on Disney+,” said Jon Kirchner, chief executive officer of Xperi. “DTS is proud to be an integral part of IMAX Enhanced and we are looking forward to unlocking more exciting technology for Disney+ subscribers in the future, which will include immersive IMAX signature sound by DTS.”

Initially, the IMAX Enhanced support will extend to the enlarged aspect ratio only, although Disney does suggest that IMAX Enhanced audio and video will follow.

The announcement is a huge coup for DTS, which has yet to see any significant adoption of its proprietary technologies or certification.