Which Cinema Format Should You Choose For Mickey 17?

Mickey 17, the new film from South Korean director Bong Joon Ho, is the follow up to Parasite, which off the back of strong critical and audience success, annoyed Donald Trump by winning the best picture at the 2020 Oscars.

As such, expectations are high, especially as unlike Parasite, which was in Korean, Mickey 17 is in English-language sci-fi film with Robert Patterson in the lead role, which certainly hints at a movie aiming for mainstream appeal. That said, from the trailer it’s clear that director Bong’s quirky, satirical sensibilities are still very much in evidence, making it an unusual choice for a movie that can be seen not only in a premium format such as IMAX but also an ‘entertainment’-focused format such as 4DX.

To warm audiences up for the release of Mickey 17, IMAX is also re-releasing Parasite. This was shot digitally on an Arri Alexa 65 and once again, is director Bong’s choice for choice for Mickey 17.

Mickey 17 Aspect Ratio Mystery

While IMDB.com is reporting that the movie will have an aspect ratio of 1.90:1 and 2.39:1, IMAX itself confirmed to me that in its theaters Mickey 17 will have an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 (also known as ‘flat’). This means that on a 1.90:1 IMAX screen it will either be ‘pillar boxed’, with slight black bars at the sides, or the image will be cropped at the sides so it fills the entire screen. (I’ve asked IMAX which it will be, and will update here when I get a response). The purist in me would prefer the pillarboxing, as it means you get the full original image and the bars will likely be too small to be noticeable, but we shall have to wait and see.

Of the 30 IMAX 1.43:1 screens around the world this means that there will be very large back bars at the top and bottom with the movie appearing in the middle of the screen. This might bother some, though it was a non-issue for me when I went to saw The Creator at the BFI IMAX.

Xenon vs Laser

Screen aspect ratio aside, IMAX also has various projection standards. Regular IMAX Digital uses Xeon-bulb-based projection with 2K resolution and 6-channel sound: still a much better experience than standard screens, but compared with the newer IMAX with Laser systems, it’s a bit long in the tooth. IMAX Laser offers a brighter, more color-vibrant image with more detailed 4K projection and will always have 12-channel sound and that’s what you want to seek out.

However, if you want a screen with an aspect ratio that exactly matches the film I’d want to recommend the cinema system with the best image and sound quality, which is Dolby Cinema. (HDRbyBarco offers the best possible image quality but it still early days for this). Dolby Cinema offers a compelling mix of Dolby Vision projection, Dolby Atmos audio, optimized stadium seating and premium quality seats. However, it’s not as simple as that. The one area that isn’t standardized in Dolby Cinema is the screen aspect ratio some are a wide 2.39:1 (known as Scope), while others are 1.85:1 (flat).

If they are the former, movies such as Mickey 17 will have black bars to the sides — though again, as Dolby Cinema offers excellent black levels I wouldn’t let it put you off. I know from experience in London, UK, the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square is ‘Scope’ as is the one in Battersea Power Station. However, the Oden West End (also in Leicester Square) is ‘flat’.

Why the difference? It’s likely due to whatever works best in the venue but having it non-standard does make decision-making difficult. This information is also not generally published by cinemas or Dolby, so you’ll have to essentially contact your local Dolby Cinema to find out.

Move It All About

Mickey 17 also has a surprising cinematic option, which is 4DX. This format essentially combines a theme park experience with movie watching. Your seat will buck and roll in sync with the action on screen, and you’ll also experience water, air, and flashing effects. I’ve had mixed experiences in 4DX – and with the right movie, it can be hilarious fun. Mickey 17 is an action movie with a light tone so it might work, but you’d be brave to make that you’re first choice over IMAX or Dolby Cinema.

Premium Large Format

A more conventional choice will be a Premium Large Format screen. This is a close rival to Dolby Cinema, with a very large floor-to-ceiling screen, raked seating for clear views, better seats, Dolby Atmos audio, and 4K laser projection. The image won’t reach Dolby Vision in terms of black levels and contrast, but you’ll get a much better experience than a regular theater. Again, the aspect ratio is not standardized but most will be ‘Scope’. In the UK these are known under the brand names Cineworld Superscreen, and Odeon iSense, and in the USA, Regal RPX and Prime at AMC Cinemark XD and Cineple UltraAVX.

Of course, your final choice will be a standard 2D screen, which will give you unpredictable projection quality, regular seating and basic 5.1 sound. On the upside, it will be the cheapest ticket option.

If all this seems a bit much, let’s make things easier with a simple list of recommendations. I will likely be seeing it in IMAX with Laser, as I have one local to me, but here is my run down for Mickey 17 in preference order.

1. Dolby Cinema: 1.85:1
2. IMAX with Laser
3. Dolby Cinema 2.35:1
4. Premium Large Format
5. IMAX Digital (Xenon)
6. 4DX
7. 2D