Following the remarkable success of 2018’s Black Panther, director Ryan Coogler is making waves again with his latest horror-action film, Sinners. Starring Michael B. Jordan as twin brothers battling a terrifying swarm of vampires in their hometown, this film has already captured the audience’s attention with a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, positioning it as one of the most anticipated films of 2025.
With such a buzz surrounding the film, audiences eager to witness Sinners should embrace the best cinematic experience available. Coogler has collaborated with Warner Bros. to offer a variety of formats, ensuring that every filmgoer can relish the movie in a way that aligns with their preferences. In fact, Coogler has shared a helpful video on YouTube, detailing the multiple viewing formats and how they enhance the overall experience on the big screen globally.
Diverse Viewing Options for Sinners
Exploring Each Format
To bring the film to life, the production team employed two prominent camera systems, one of which included Ultra Panavision 70mm film. This particular format has a rich history, having been utilized in cinematic classics such as 1959’s Ben-Hur and Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight. Coogler and his crew also opted for IMAX 70mm film, featuring 15 perforations that enhance image clarity and size.
Guidance from acclaimed director Christopher Nolan has ensured that the IMAX presentation of Sinners meets high visual standards, comparable to Nolan’s cinematic masterpieces. Furthermore, attendees can immerse themselves in the experience through 4DX theaters, where seats are equipped to simulate vibrations, strobe lights, and even water splashes. Notably, audiences might even experience splashes of red liquid, mimicking scenes of bloodshed.
While there are 50 4DX theaters across the U.S. preparing to screen Sinners, only a mere 10 venues globally will present the film in the much-coveted 70 mm, 15-perf IMAX format. Additionally, it will be showcased in the Immersive Cinema Experience (ICE) format, utilizing side panels to create a wider, more enveloping viewing environment, thus enhancing the dynamic storytelling.
ScreenX theaters will also feature the film in a 270-degree panoramic format, immersing the audience in an expansive visual landscape. Alongside these formats, Dolby Cinema screenings will employ HDR technology to produce vibrant colors, enriching the viewing experience further.
Aspect Ratios and Their Impact on Viewing Experience
Transformative Viewing Experiences Across Formats
Given the variety of formats, viewers will encounter different picture sizes and aspect ratios that redefine the Sinners viewing experience. Primarily shot in Ultra Panavision 70mm film, the film boasts an expansive 2.76:1 ratio, aptly designed for a grand action experience.
However, audiences opting for IMAX may find themselves viewing the film in a 1.90:1 aspect ratio, offering a larger visual canvas but with occasional changes in ratio during the film for emotional impact. Audiences could also experience an IMAX screening with a 1.43:1 ratio, giving them a glimpse of the film as originally intended.
Finding IMAX Showings of Sinners
Rare IMAX Film Screenings Available
While IMAX theaters abound globally, the availability of IMAX 70 mm venues is limited. To catch Sinners in this rare format, viewers may need to visit specific locations. Below is a list of the 10 theaters where this special format will be showcased:
- Lincoln Square 13 – New York
- Citywalk Stadium 19 – Los Angeles
- Irvine Spectrum – Los Angeles
- Metreon 16 – San Francisco
- Indiana State Museum – Indianapolis
- Arizona Mills – Phoenix
- Autonation – Fort Lauderdale
- Webb Chapel – Dallas
- Colossus – Toronto
- BFI – London
Availability of Sinners in 70mm
Rare 70mm Screenings to Discover
In the 70mm format, Sinners will be presented with a narrower aspect ratio of 2.76:1, utilizing five perforations for a stunning visual quality, though accessibility will be limited. Coogler mentioned that only five theaters in the U.S. will screen the movie in Ultra Panavision 70mm:
- Vista Theater – Los Angeles
- Alamo Brooklyn – New York
- Village East Cinemas – New York
- Grand Lake Theater – Oakland
- Prytania Theater – New Orleans
Choosing Your Ideal Viewing Option
Personal Preferences Matter in Viewing Sinners
Given the larger-than-life spectacle that is Sinners, it’s advisable to experience it on the most expansive screen available. Opting for an IMAX showing, when possible, is highly recommended. However, for viewers concerned about the shifting aspect ratios throughout the film, the 2.76:1 version may prove to be the most appealing option.
Coogler has crafted these transitions in aspect ratios to heighten emotional engagement, enhancing audience immersion. Nevertheless, for some viewers, the shifting screen sizes might disrupt the viewing experience, as contrasting black bars could serve as a reminder that they are watching a film. Ultimately, the choice rests in the hands of the viewer, making Sinners availability in various formats a unique and adaptable spectacle.
Source: YouTube