The Industry's First IMAX Enhanced Titles are Released

The Industry's First IMAX Enhanced Titles are Released​

(December 11, 2018) In the weeks leading up to CEDIA 2018, IMAX and DTS announced a new collaboration called IMAX Enhanced. According to IMAX, the program offers enthusiasts access to films benefiting from the “newest, proprietary post-production process developed by IMAX to digitally re-master content to produce more vibrant colors, greater contrast and sharper clarity,” while paired with a “special variant” of DTS’s DTS:X immersive sound codec technology. Currently, that special variant is being defined as one that’s “optimized for IMAX’s signature sound experience…” with a suggested 7.2.4 speaker layout that follows rather strict speaker placement guidelines (a departure from DTS’s claim that standard DTS:X works using nearly any speaker arrangement).

The IMAX Enhanced program also identifies certified IMAX Enhanced equipment partners – including Sony, Denon, Marantz, and ARCAM – that manufacturer gear with a “carefully prescribed set of the highest audio and video specifications” along with an IMAX Mode for playback of content.

On the content front, studio partners include Sony Pictures and Paramount, while IMAX is also dipping into its rich library of films. Until today, IMAX Content content wasn’t available, but that’s changed with the announced release of two IMAX documentary films: A Beautiful Planet and Journey to the South Pacific. The films, narrated by Jennifer Lawrence and Cate Blanchett, are both being launched on IMAX Enhanced 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc.

While these discs have been available for preorder for several months, they can be purchased from nearly any typical retailer (street prices appear to be between $18.99 and $34.99 for either title). IMAX says more content will be released soon.

 

[Asere]

This is great news. I would like to see what users think about IMAX Mode like can they notice a difference, etc.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I'm very curious too, Asere. I completely biffed and missed the IMAX Enhanced demo at Denon/Marantz on the CEDIA show floor this year... I'm super curious to give it a spin in my own theater room. I've been told that demo discs are forthcoming. I'll keep trying to procure some sort of content that provides a good indication of what is ultimately capable from an IE system.

 

[Gerry Iaria]

I'm very curious too, Asere. I completely biffed and missed the IMAX Enhanced demo at Denon/Marantz on the CEDIA show floor this year... I'm super curious to give it a spin in my own theater room. I've been told that demo discs are forthcoming. I'll keep trying to procure some sort of content that provides a good indication of what is ultimately capable from an IE system.

I'm looking forward to see/ hear the difference, I'm in Portugal, have an Arcam 390 that had been updated to IMAX, but I only have 5.2.2, it says it requires 7.2.2, will that be ok with mine?
Gerry

 

[tripplej]

Thanks for the update. Will like to see reviews to see what the differences are between this and the other various formats.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I'm looking forward to see/ hear the difference, I'm in Portugal, have an Arcam 390 that had been updated to IMAX, but I only have 5.2.2, it says it requires 7.2.2, will that be ok with mine?
Gerry

Hey @Gerry Iaria - IMAX/DTS are going to tell you that you need to follow their recommended speaker requirements (7.2.4) and specific placement plans to hear the audio as intended. I have not engaged IMAX Enhanced, but I think your AVR should still allow you to use the IMAX Enhanced playback mode if your receiver is only controlling 5.2.2. That being said, there's an outside shot that your receiver might not. I think it will, though.

Sound-wise, your audio experience will be best with 7.2.4 assuming your room can accommodate that layout. But, if your room dimensions aren't 7.2.4 friendly, forcing that configuration might not sound as good as 5.2.2.

You need to pick up a disc and let us know what you think! ;-)

 

[Gerry Iaria]

Hey @Gerry Iaria - IMAX/DTS are going to tell you that you need to follow their recommended speaker requirements (7.2.4) and specific placement plans to hear the audio as intended. I have not engaged IMAX Enhanced, but I think your AVR should still allow you to use the IMAX Enhanced playback mode if your receiver is only controlling 5.2.2. That being said, there's an outside shot that your receiver might not. I think it will, though.

Sound-wise, your audio experience will be best with 7.2.4 assuming your room can accommodate that layout. But, if your room dimensions aren't 7.2.4 friendly, forcing that configuration might not sound as good as 5.2.2.

You need to pick up a disc and let us know what you think! ;-)

As soon as I find one, I'll get it just to try it out, my room could accommodate 7.2.4, but not sure my wallet would,

 

[Todd Anderson]

Best advice #1: keep within your budget.