Spider-Man: Brand New Day is going to become one fo the biggest theatrical releases ever, but choosing where to watch it has become interesting since it has been confirmed that they are not getting IMAX screens. So, what are the other options?
Here is the premium format guide to watch it in the theatres.
Why Is Spider-Man: Brand New Day Not Playing in IMAX in the US?
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is not releasing in IMAX in the US because Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey secured an exclusive IMAX window that overlaps with Spider-Man’s release.
It is a scheduling decision and not a technical limitation.
Universal Pictures booked the IMAX theatres for a multi-week exclusive engagement. The Odyssey is the first feature shot entirely with IMAX 70mm film cameras, so even IMAX is giving it priority across North America and many other international markets.
Sony scheduled July 31, 2026, for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which placed the movie directly in the middle of The Odyssey’s exclusive IMAX run. So, no IMAX theaters in the US will play Brand New Day for a couple more weeks.
This does not mean Spider-Man: Brand New Day is not made for IMAX. In fact, production details reveal that the movie was shot in an expanded 1.90:1 aspect ratio version, especially for IMAX theaters.
Even Director Destin Daniel Cretton confirmed this in a recent interview:
“We shot this movie in two aspect ratios. We shot it in 2.39:1 for our scope theaters, and we also shot specifically for IMAX. I love the IMAX experience, and I think this movie, in particular, is made for the IMAX experience.”
That’s why many other countries are getting an IMAX release for Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
China will have Brand New Day in IMAX for 2 weeks because The Odyssey is releasing there on August 14.
Same with South Korea, where The Odyssey is delayed until August 5.
And as soon as The Odyssey’s IMAX exclusive run ends, you might see IMAX shows for Brand New Day in the US as well.
But PLF Theaters Can Show the Expanded Image
Because IMAX screens were unavailable in the US, Sony has made their IMAX version available for all theaters.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day has been mastered in two versions: 2.39:1 (scope) and 1.90:1 (FLAT).
Note: 1.90:1 is not exactly the Flat format. Flat aspect ratio is 1.85:1. But to keep things simple here, I will call the 1.90:1 version Flat.
See the difference:
So, the taller 1.90:1 version, which was once made for IMAX only, is now given to all the Flat screens.
On Flat screens, you will see more image at the top and bottom of the frame. Buildings look larger, and swimming scenes have more vertical space.
If your local theater has a flat screen (you should confirm it before booking tickets), it can project the expanded 1.90:1 version. That means you still receive full frame even though you are not sitting inside an IMAX auditorium.
All other normal screens will get the scope version like usual.
Another important note. Some theaters might mistakenly show the 2.39:1 scope version, even on a flat screen. This happened with The Odyssey. This is the mistake:
Most theaters later corrected it, but this might happen with your show.
Best Viewing Formats for Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Now that the technical side is clear, the next question is simple. Which format should you actually choose?
1) IMAX
IMAX is usually the top choice, and since it might become available later, I had to put it in the first position.
But until the first couple of weeks (or maybe longer), this is not a practical option. As explained earlier, IMAX screens are occupied by The Odyssey.
If IMAX shows open later, audiences can watch the movie in the expanded 1.90:1 aspect ratio. IMAX offers larger-than-usual movie screens, 4K laser projection (at IMAX with Laser locations), and one of the best sound systems available in theaters.
2) Dolby Cinema
For most people in the USA, Dolby Cinema is the best format to watch Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
The format combines 4K projectors with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound. Together, these features produce deep blacks, bright highlights, and precise surround sound.
If your local Dolby Cinema has a Flat screen, you can watch the 1.90:1 version as well.
3) ScreenX
If you want to try something new, ScreenX is worth it in this case.
Spider-Man Brand New Day has become the first movie ever to be “Shot for ScreenX”.
The ScreenX team visited the set to film selected scenes using their specialized three-sided camera system, capturing additional footage during production.
In this format, you get one main screen in front, just like a regular theater, plus two additional screens on the left and right that display extended footage during selected scenes, creating a more immersive 270-degree viewing experience.
This approach should work especially well during Spider-Man’s swinging scenes, aerial shots, and large-scale action setpieces.
4) PLFs (Prime at AMC, Regal RPX, Cinemark XD)
Premium Large Formats (PLFs) screens are larger than standard ones and include better projectors, sound systems, and sometimes, comfortable seating asd well.
AMC has PRIME, Regal has RPX, and Cinemark has XD. Each cinema chain offers its own premium large format. There is no industry-wide standard, but all are designed to deliver a better movie experience.
Depending on the location, some of these are flat screens capable of showing the Flat 1.90:1 version.
5) 4DX or D-BOX
I personally don’t like 4DX, but some do, especially kids, and for a proper family movie like Spider-Man, this might work.
4DX enhances your experience by having motion-enabled seats that move during action scenes, and includes effects like wind, rain, scent, and flashing lights synchronized with the film.
A movie about a swinging superhero might naturally fit this format.
If you want a less intense format, then try D-BOX. There are no environmental effects here. They use motion seats. The seats tilt, vibrate, and move in sync with the action on screen.
6) RealD 3D
3D is not so popular in the US, but Spider-Man: Brand New Day is made in both 3D and 2D formats. The choice between them depends on your personal preference.
RealD 3D will add depth to web-swinging action and aerial shots. But the 3D glasses will slightly dim brightness, and image sharpness will also be reduced.
7) Standard Screen
Last is your standard digital screen. If you don’t want to try something new or have no such option near you, go for your standard screen.
Most digital projectors are now 4K, and if you watch the 2D version, you get the sharp 4K quality. Aspect ratio, however, will be limited to 2.39:1 scope.
Takeaways
While most Marvel movies launch with IMAX as the best format to watch it, this one takes a different path. But now you know what the best theaters are to watch Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
I know IMAX fans will be disappointed, but such things happen. This will happen with Avengers Doomsday as well because Dune Part 3 is in an exclusive partnership for IMAX screens. Both Doomsday and Dune 3 are releasing on the same day.
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.