Disney Plus Day gave fans a ton of new information, especially for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It also released films like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings for home release. But Disney also re-released several MCU films with a brand new look: the ‘IMAX Enhanced’ version. This version, which is a 1:9 aspect ratio as opposed to the 2:39 ratio that is standard for the streaming service, opens up the world of these films even more so that fans can enjoy the full experience at home. However, according to Scott Derrickson, director of Doctor Strange, some of these films were never intended for this ratio for home viewing.
Derrickson took to Twitter and responded to the news that Disney is releasing some of their films as ‘IMAX Enhanced’:
“Apparently Disney+ has elected to stream at least some Marvel movies (including Doctor Strange) in the 1.9 IMAX aspect ratio instead of 2:39. I can only speak for myself, but I never intended that aspect ratio to be used for home viewing.”
When a fan let Scott know that this change is optional and the original release is still available, Derrickson added to his thoughts:
“This is important – apparently Disney+ provides the 1.9 as an option, and I’ve also been told that option exists on the Blu-ray. This certainly makes this less problematic, but I still maintain that I never intended anyone to see the 1.9 version on tv.”
The director went on to clarify that he isn’t upset over this change, but that he wasn’t consulted on this and never intended this to happen:
“To be clear I didn’t express disapproval, nor am I bothered that gives viewer the option to view the 1.9 aspect ratio. I only said I didn’t intend the 1.9 for home viewing. If people want to watch it that way that’s up to them.”
While Derrickson tells us he is not upset, it does seem a bit odd that he would go on such a rant online if it didn’t bother him. If it is ultimately up to the fans, why make such a fuss over it? Even though Disney may not have consulted the directors when it came to doing the IMAX Enhanced versions, these movies were shot that way to begin with. So why not give fans the full theatrical experience at home? Why crop the movie down just because it’s on your TV?
This is only a good thing, there is no downside, especially since fans have the option of either ratio. Hopefully Derrickson can come to terms with this and understand that this only benefits the fans and his vision for the film. After all, he shot it in IMAX to begin with, so how is this a bad thing?
Do you agree with Scott Derrickson’s reservations over the IMAX Enhanced releases? Let us know in the comments below!