Link: https://lemmy.today/api/v3/image_proxy?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.postimg.cc%2FSQtYsMrn%2Fcombined%286%29.png

Press statement from Sony:

For the first time in Spider-Man history, Spider-Man: Brand New Day has been filmed, mastered, and delivered in two aspect ratios, enabling exhibitors to present the best version optimized for each auditorium's screen geometry (for both premium formats and standard screens).

This exhibition-first approach ensures audiences experience the most immersive presentation possible with the image maximizing the use of the entire screen and preserving the filmmakers' creative intent across both Flat and Scope environments. By tailoring the presentation to each screen type, Brand New Day delivers a premium theatrical experience that fully leverages the unique strengths of every auditorium.

To support this enhanced presentation strategy, Spider-Man: Brand New Day will by distributed in two versions:

• 2.39:1 in a SCOPE container for presentation on SCOPE screens
• 1.90:1 in a FLAT container for presentation on FLAT screens

Exhibitors should ensure the version is corresponding to their native screen format is scheduled and presented accordingly. As a result, Brand New Day will fill each screen completely and showcase Spider-Man like never before—transforming every theater experience into an unforgettable adventure.

The film is available in 3D & 2D.

The reason Sony is doing this? Because The Odyssey will be taking up all the IMAX screens for at least 4 weeks, on account of Christopher Nolan's exclusive contract. So, this is just a way to work around not having the IMAX screens.

Disney did this for The Mandalorian and Grogu as well. If more movies do this, IMAX will lose its edge...

I mean it looks like the wide version is just cropped which isn’t great

While that is true, the movie was likely framed for 2.39:1 (like most Hollywood movies) in the first place, but they still shot it at a taller aspect ratio just in case they needed to crop something out. So either way, you aren't missing any details.

Encoders must have cropped it themselves.

Most likely the Blu-ray release was cropped and the encoders used that as the source; studios almost never release the full-frame versions officially.

Is this what "ScreenX" means? Also how goes this compare to the upcoming "Disney Infinity Vision"?

I definitely get the sense Disney is trying to compete with IMAX with The Odyssey and later in the year Dune 3 "stealing" IMAX theatres for non-Disney films.

No, ScreenX is a type of Premium Large Format where the sides of the screen each have an additional projector screen, giving the film a 270° panoramic experience. It's very gimmicky in my opinion.

Disney's "Infinity Vision" isn't a PLF at all, and is just a certification program that tells consumers the best movie theaters in their area.

(And technically, this is a Sony film, but the point is that IMAX has new competition.)

So hypothetically which branding would I look for?

There are 7 logos in the bottom left of the graphic. I'm assuming "Real D 3D" just means 3D glasses. ScreenX means panoramic. What about the other 5?

Flat? Screen? Scope?

I've never had much interest in IMAX because it also comes in different sizes(?) and I've always found it confusing.

In my opinion, the only PLFs that are good are IMAX and Dolby Cinema, and RealD 3D if you're not averse to 3D. Since IMAX is not available, the best options would be Dolby Cinema and RealD 3D. Ignore all the rest, they are gimmicks.

If you want to know more about the other logos:

• Dolby Cinema is probably THE best pemium movie experience around. All of the Dolby theaters are equipped with 4K laser projectors, Dolby Atmos sound, and luxury reclining chairs. Also, they paint the entire auditorium black so that all the light can be absorbed, making the picture stand out even more. While IMAX theaters can vary in the way they are constructed, Dolby Cinemas are more consistent.
• "Premium Large Format" (PLF) is just a catch-all term for any non-standard movie theater screen (IMAX, Dolby Cinema, etc.)
• Cinemark XD is only available at Cinemark theaters, and it is slightly better than their standard theaters. Think of Cinemark XD as a "poor man's Dolby Cinema".
• 4DX is an interesting one, in that it aims to immerse you in the movie by giving you a "4D" experience - the seats move and shake, occasional water will spray at you, etc. It's more like a theme park ride than an actual movie theater experience, but with the right movie (like a "turn-your-brain-off" mindless action movie), it can be lots of fun. Sometimes it can distract from the movie itself, which is why I don't really recommend it, at least not for a first-time viewing of the film.
• As for D-BOX...yeah, I got nothing. I still can't figure out what it really is besides some premium sound...chair...thing.

TL;DR: Stick with IMAX and Dolby Cinema (and, if you like 3D movies, RealD 3D). The rest are gimmicks.

Can't really do anything about that unless you want a smaller view with black bars on certain cinema