Last updated on 4 July 2025.
The biggest movie of the years needs to be seen in the biggest way possible. Here’s what I learned about Superman in IMAX.
Superman (2025) is Filmed for IMAX
James Gunn’s Superman is officially ‘Filmed for IMAX’. The movie will be entirely presented in 1.90:1 aspect ratio.
You will also get both IMAX 2D and 3D options for Superman. While 3D is not so popular in the US and Europe, this is maybe the right momentum to give it a go. Make your decision before Superman releases on 11 July 2025.
Superman’s cinematographer, Henry Braham, used an IMAX-certified Red V-Raptor camera to shoot the film. Henry worked with Gunn on Guardians of the Galaxy 3 and The Suicide Squad, which are also shot 100% in IMAX.
He also shot 2023’s The Flash, which was made in the same aspect ratio.
Older DCEU is also known to use IMAX a lot. Here is the full list of DC films in IMAX.
However, this time, this 1.90:1 expanded aspect ratio is not exclusive to IMAX. The movie was made in a 1.85:1 ratio. You can notice it from the trailers. James Gunn confirmed it:
So, even if you watch the movie on a normal (non-IMAX) screen, you will get the same aspect ratio. The only difference is that most normal screens are 2.39:1 in size, so you will get black bars on the left and right sides of the screen. Here’s the difference:
This is not the first time such a thing has happened. Marvel did it for The Avengers (2012) and Ant-Man (2015). Their directors decided to use the 1.85:1 aspect ratio for creative reasons.
But I will still recommend IMAX as the best format to watch Superman. Their screens have 4k projectors (in most places) with brighter and sharper images. And most importantly, the footage will fill the whole screen from top to bottom. No black bars.
One minor thing to note is that for IMAX, the movie might be slightly cropped from 1.85:1 to 1.90:1, but this is not something that will be quite noticeable.
The IMAX theatres are also bigger in size with good sound systems to make the movie-watching experience more immersive.
For a movie about a superhero who flies, and shots of the Fortress of Solitude and aerial action scenes, IMAX is the best choice.
There was also a report by YM Cinema that there is some film grain in the Superman footage, even when everything is shot with digital cameras. That is something you don’t quite see in modern films it and it might be done intentionally to add some more depth.
Other best formats to watch Superman
Not every part of the world has IMAX theatres, and if you don’t have that option, there are many more formats to choose from.
The best second choice will be 3D. James Gunn has himself praised how incredible it is in 3D.
If you want more fun, there is also 4DX. It has a 3D projector, with motion-enhanced seats, and effects like rain, scent and strobe lights. This is not something all will like, but kids will surely.
Then, there is the good old Dolby Cinema. Sound is something they are masters of, and they have installed laser projectors in some locations, too.
Last but not least, we have ScreenX. ScreenX gives you the illusion of immersion by having two extra screens on your left and right sides.
More About the Movie
Superman is the first film in the new DC universe, made by DC Studios. James Gunn, who is the co-head of the studio, has written and directed the movie. This will set up a whole new franchise and set a template for what’s to come.
David Corenswet will be playing the titular superhero, along with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. They will be joined by more heroes, including Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi as Mr Terrific.
Takeaways
Now you know why you must go for IMAX for your Superman experience. I will go for IMAX 3D as it is the most popular option here.
And if you don’t know who I am? I am Ranish Chauhan a.k.a. Fulmino Fan, and I love Marvel & DC Superheroes and Sci-Fi movies. You can also check my YouTube channel for amazing videos in Hindi.