The Aspect Ratio Rollercoaster: Why IMAX Needs to Rethink Its Visual Language
There’s something undeniably magical about watching a film in IMAX. The sheer scale, the immersive visuals—it’s like stepping into another world. But lately, I’ve found myself less enchanted and more distracted, thanks to one frustrating trend: the constant, seemingly arbitrary aspect ratio changes. Take Mortal Kombat 2, for example. As a fan of the franchise, I was excited to see the film, especially in IMAX. The fight scenes were a blast, and the visuals were stunning—until the screen started shrinking and expanding like a visual accordion.
The Problem with Whiplash Cinema
One thing that immediately stands out is how jarring these shifts can be. Personally, I think the aspect ratio should serve the story, not distract from it. In Mortal Kombat 2, the changes felt random—an establishing shot in the expanded frame, then a sudden return to the letterboxed look. Sometimes, it even switched mid-scene. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it breaks the immersion. Instead of being lost in the world of Outworld, I was hyper-aware of the screen’s dimensions. It’s like the film was shouting, “Look at me! I’m in IMAX!” instead of letting the experience unfold naturally.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the Baraka scene, where the screen expands to mimic the side-view of a fighting game. It’s a clever nod to the games, but then it immediately snaps back to the standard ratio. Why? If you take a step back and think about it, this moment could have been a highlight—a seamless blend of nostalgia and cinema. Instead, it felt like a missed opportunity.
When Aspect Ratios Work: A Lesson from *Project Hail Mary*
What many people don’t realize is that aspect ratio changes can be powerful when used intentionally. Project Hail Mary is a perfect example. The film uses the expanded IMAX ratio for space scenes, making the vastness of the cosmos feel truly grand. Scenes on Earth, meanwhile, are confined to a standard 2.35:1 ratio. This isn’t just a technical choice—it’s a storytelling one. The shifts symbolize the contrast between the intimacy of human life and the infinite unknown of space.
From my perspective, this is how aspect ratios should be used: as a tool to enhance the narrative, not as a gimmick. When the change serves a purpose, it’s immersive. When it’s random, it’s alienating.
The Broader Trend: IMAX as a Double-Edged Sword
IMAX has always been a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers unparalleled visual spectacle. On the other, its technical limitations—like the expense and difficulty of shooting in the format—often lead to compromises. Not every film can be The Odyssey, a film that fully embraces the IMAX format from start to finish. But that doesn’t mean filmmakers should resort to haphazard aspect ratio changes.
What this really suggests is that IMAX needs to rethink its approach. If a film can’t fully utilize the format, maybe it shouldn’t try to shoehorn it in. Personally, I’d rather see a film in a standard theater with consistent framing than an IMAX screen that feels like a visual rollercoaster.
The Psychology of Immersion
If you ask me, the core issue here is immersion. Cinema is at its best when it transports us to another world. Aspect ratio changes, when done well, can enhance that experience. But when they’re inconsistent, they do the opposite. They pull us out of the story, reminding us that we’re watching a film—not living it.
This raises a deeper question: Are filmmakers prioritizing technical flair over emotional connection? In the case of Mortal Kombat 2, it certainly feels that way. The film is packed with fun action and great one-liners (Johnny Cage and Kano’s banter alone is worth the price of admission), but the aspect ratio changes undermine its impact.
Looking Ahead: The Future of IMAX
So, where do we go from here? In my opinion, IMAX needs to set clearer guidelines for filmmakers. If a film can’t commit to the format, it shouldn’t use it at all. Alternatively, filmmakers could embrace the standard ratio and focus on other ways to create spectacle—like practical effects, dynamic cinematography, or compelling storytelling.
One thing’s for sure: the aspect ratio rollercoaster needs to stop. Cinema should be about losing yourself in a story, not being distracted by technical choices. Until then, I’ll be sticking to standard theaters for films like Mortal Kombat 2. Because, as much as I love IMAX, I love a seamless viewing experience even more.
What do you think? Have aspect ratio changes ever pulled you out of a film? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
