What’s The Best Way To See ‘Supergirl’ In The Cinema?

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Last year we were introduced to David Corenswet’s Superman, heralding a brave new start for James Gunn’s revised DC universe. Milly Alcock’s cameo in that movie as Supergirl was brief, but still a highlight, and she is now about to fly into theaters with her own movie, the first time the character has had its own dedicated feature since 1984.

Director Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya, Cruella) has good form crafting compelling stories with the talented-but damaged female character type and early reviews indicate that with Supergirl he’s done it again, with Alcock receiving praise for her emotional performance, along with Jason Momoa’s as charismatic anti-hero Lobo, aided by a script by Ana Nogueira, whom Gunn has also tasked with penning his take on Wonder Woman for an upcoming reboot.

Reports also suggest that they used as many practical sets as possible and had more time for some films to finish the CGI, so hopefully the effects won’t be as ropey as we too often get these days (I’m looking at you, Superman’s pocket universe anti-proton river sequence).

Whether or not it will soar at the box office is debatable, with the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day already vying for attention, but it looks like a cool blockbuster that deserves to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Big picture, big sound

That means IMAX, as Supergirl has been ‘Filmed For IMAX’ by cinematographer Rob Hardy. Gillespie has revealed that around 70 minutes of the movie is in the IMAX Digital, 1.90:1 expanded aspect ratio, offering additional picture over all other formats, which will be presented in widescreen 2.39:1. This means that IMAX will be offering additional picture in those expanded sequences. Personally, I prefer it when a movie doesn’t use the full IMAX expanded ratio for its entire runtime, as even if you don’t notice it, the jump to a larger image imprints a heightened sense of drama in those moments – at least if it’s done well.

As well as offering extra picture on a very big screen, IMAX also offers its signature sound, which is both huge and crisp, with up to 12-channels in IMAX laser projector-equipped venues.

Supergirl will also be offered in IMAX 3D, and if that’s what you’re going for, you’ll most definitely want to pick a laser venue over standard IMAX Digital with Xenon bulb-based projectors, with the extra brightness from the laser compensating for the light loss from the 3D glasses.

And while IMAX theatres tend not to offer the most luxurious seats, the relatively short 1 hour 47-minute run time means this won’t be an issue here.

HDR Power

While that sounds like a super-punch knockout for IMAX, if you want the technically best quality image, you’ll have to look at theatres equipped with HDR by Barco, which offers the brightest projected image to deliver true 300-nit high-dynamic-range 4K images, along with rich colors and deep black levels. These theatres are also combined with Dolby Atmos audio, which offers a technically superior 3D dimensional sound that uses up to 64-channels to pinpoint sound in space.

This format is slowly rolling out across Europe (primarily in Vue EPIC) and the U.S in Alamo, Cineplex and Regal theatres. You can find a location on this website.

A similar but much more widely established format is Dolby Cinema. While not technically as bright, it still uses dual lasers for an extended dynamic range 4K image and the deepest available projected black levels, so the image still pops. Its theatres are also impeccably designed and have superb recliners.

The only wrinkle is that both the HDR by Barco and Dolby screens vary between flat 1.85:1 and scope 2.39:1: you’ll want one with the latter get a picture that fits the screen without letterboxing.

Premium and Large

If you don’t have any of the above near you, then look for a cinema-branded premium large format (PLF) screen. Each chain has its own branding for these, and the exact specification can’t be locked down. However, you will get a much larger screen than standard and comfortable reclining seats. Many PLFs will also offer laser projection, usually 4K, accompanied by Dolby Atmos sound – so very similar to HDR by Barco and Dolby, though

In the U.S., check out Prime at AMC and AMC XL, Regal RPX, Cineplex UltraAVX, and Cinemark XD. In the UK, these PLFS choose Cineworld Superscreen, Odeon iSense, or OmniplexMAXX.

Laser Side Eye

Next, we come to the more novelty formats. ScreenX uses two additional projectors to present images to the sides of the screen. It’s not necessarily critical information but is designed to remain in your peripheral vision to enhance immersion. It can be hit and miss, so I wouldn’t choose it for a first viewing, however.

Fly With Me

4DX is radically different in that you sit in a row of chairs that buck and move in sync with the action on the screen. At the same time, you will get thumps in the back as characters get punched, blasts of air, flashes of light, smoke, and even splashes of water. If this appeals, there is a fly in the ointment in that the screening for this movie is combined with 3D. I enjoy stereoscopic films more than many, but from my experience, most 4DX screens are still lumbered with older Xenon lamp projectors, making for a dim and dull image that makes it hard to pick out the action. Unless you know that your chosen 4DX screen is laser, I’d steer clear, which is a shame as when it works it can be riotously fun with the right film and Supergirl could be a winner.

The same reservations, of course, apply to RealD 3D in standard theaters – acceptable in laser projection, avoid if not. Your standard 2D projection will naturally also benefit from laser but should be acceptable without if not in 3D.

Personally, Supergirl looks promising and I hope it does well, though sadly, often it seems that when it comes to high-budget films, the more the critics approve, the worse a film does. Either way, we’ll find out soon enough.

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