IMAX Confirmed for Disclosure Day
Universal Pictures has confirmed that Disclosure Day will be released in IMAX alongside its standard theatrical run on June 12, 2026. For a film built around the sheer scale of alien contact — massive warships over cities, vast interstellar vistas, and the most talked-about John Williams score in decades — the IMAX format is the way Spielberg intends audiences to experience it.
But is the premium worth it? How does IMAX compare to Dolby Cinema, 4DX, or a standard digital screening? This guide breaks down every option so you can make the right call for your wallet and your viewing experience.
Visual Comparison: IMAX vs Standard vs Dolby Cinema vs 4DX
IMAX
- Expanded 1.90:1 aspect ratio
- Laser projection (select locations)
- 12-channel immersive sound
- Screens up to 100 ft wide
Dolby Cinema
- Dolby Vision HDR (brighter, deeper blacks)
- Dolby Atmos object-based audio
- Dual laser projection
- Luxury recliners standard
Standard Digital
- Standard 2.39:1 widescreen
- 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound
- Digital projection
- Most widely available
4DX
- Motion seats, wind, water, scents
- Standard 2.39:1 ratio
- Fun for action sequences
- Can distract from quieter scenes
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | IMAX | Dolby Cinema | Standard | 4DX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded Aspect Ratio | Yes (1.90:1) | No (2.39:1) | No | No |
| Screen Size | Largest (up to 100 ft) | Large | Standard | Standard |
| Audio Channels | 12-channel immersive | Dolby Atmos (128 tracks) | 5.1 / 7.1 | 5.1 / 7.1 |
| Laser Projection | Select locations | All locations | Rare | No |
| HDR | IMAX DMR | Dolby Vision | No | No |
| Motion Effects | No | No | No | Yes |
| Best For | Scale & immersion | Color & audio precision | Budget-friendly | Theme park feel |
What IMAX Adds to Disclosure Day
IMAX is not just a bigger screen. For a film like Disclosure Day, three specific advantages make it the definitive format:
Expanded Aspect Ratio
In IMAX, key sequences open up from 2.39:1 to 1.90:1 — giving you up to 26% more image on screen. For scenes featuring alien warships hovering over cities or vast aerial shots, that extra vertical real estate is not a gimmick. You literally see more of the frame than standard audiences.
12-Channel Immersive Sound
IMAX's proprietary audio system delivers sound from 12 discrete channels, including overhead speakers. When a warship passes overhead or John Williams' score swells during a first contact moment, the sound moves around you with precision that standard 5.1 cannot match.
Laser Projection
IMAX with Laser delivers brighter images, deeper blacks, and sharper resolution than standard digital projection. Night scenes — crucial for a film about alien contact — maintain detail in the shadows instead of washing out into murky grey.
Spielberg's History with Large Formats
Steven Spielberg has consistently embraced large-format presentation for his biggest spectacles. His track record shows a filmmaker who understands that certain stories demand the largest canvas possible:
War of the Worlds is the closest comparison. That film's alien tripod sequences — enormous machines emerging from underground and towering over fleeing crowds — were viscerally enhanced by the IMAX format. Disclosure Day promises similar scale with its alien warship shots, and Spielberg has had two decades of technological advancement since then.
Why Alien Movies Benefit from IMAX
Science fiction films about alien contact are uniquely suited to the IMAX format. The genre's visual language relies on two things IMAX does better than any other format: scale and vastness.
- The scale of alien ships — The emotional impact of a warship hovering over a city depends on the audience feeling small. IMAX screens that stretch beyond your peripheral vision create that sensation naturally.
- The vastness of space — Wide shots of interstellar space, atmospheric entry, or alien landscapes need room to breathe. The expanded IMAX ratio lets these compositions fill your entire field of view.
- Sound design — Alien contact films rely on unfamiliar sounds: ship engines, communication signals, atmospheric disturbances. IMAX's 12-channel system can place these sounds precisely in the room, creating an unsettling sense of presence.
- The awe factor — Spielberg's work thrives on wonder. The "look up" moment in Close Encounters, the brachiosaurus reveal in Jurassic Park — these are IMAX moments. Disclosure Day will almost certainly have its own.
John Williams' Score: IMAX vs Standard Audio
This may be John Williams' final film score — his 30th collaboration with Spielberg at age 93. The audio format you choose will directly shape how you experience it.
IMAX Sound
12-channel immersive audio with tuned speaker placement. Williams' orchestrations will have full dynamic range — from the quietest string passage to the loudest brass crescendo. Bass response is calibrated to the room.
Dolby Atmos
Object-based audio with up to 128 simultaneous tracks. Arguably the most precise positional audio. Williams' score will sound pristine and spatially detailed, though without the sheer physical impact of IMAX bass.
Standard 5.1 / 7.1
Perfectly fine for most viewers, but the score will lack the overhead channels and spatial precision that IMAX and Dolby Atmos provide. The dynamic range may also be compressed in some theaters.
— Attributed to John Williams
If hearing Williams' potentially final composition in the best possible audio environment matters to you — and it should — IMAX or Dolby Cinema are your only real options.
The Alien Warship Shots in IMAX
The Super Bowl trailer revealed massive alien warships hovering over cities in shots that immediately drew comparisons to Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Independence Day. In IMAX, these sequences will be transformative.
Consider the math: a standard theater screen might be 40–50 feet wide. A true IMAX screen is up to 100 feet wide and 75 feet tall. When an alien warship fills that frame with the expanded 1.90:1 ratio, the sense of scale is not comparable to any other format. You are not watching the warship — you are under it.
The trailer also revealed crop circle sequences shot from aerial perspectives and a high-speed car chase alongside a speeding train. Both of these would benefit enormously from the increased screen real estate and sharper projection of IMAX with Laser.
Price Comparison by Format
Prices vary by market, time of day, and specific theater chain, but here are typical ranges for major US markets:
| Format | Avg. Ticket Price | Premium Over Standard | Value Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Digital | $13 – $20 | — | Baseline |
| IMAX | $23 – $33 | +$5 to $8 | Best value premium |
| IMAX with Laser | $25 – $35 | +$7 to $10 | Best overall |
| Dolby Cinema | $22 – $30 | +$5 to $8 | Great alternative |
| 4DX | $25 – $35 | +$8 to $12 | Novelty experience |
Pro tip: Many chains offer discounted IMAX pricing on Tuesdays or through subscription plans like AMC A-List, Regal Unlimited, or Cinemark Movie Club. If you are already a member, the IMAX upgrade may cost little to nothing extra.
Our Recommendation
Yes, See It in IMAX If You Can
For a film built around the spectacle of alien contact, directed by the master of visual wonder, with what may be John Williams' final score — IMAX is the definitive format. The expanded ratio, the 12-channel sound, the sheer screen size: everything about Disclosure Day is engineered for the biggest, loudest presentation possible.
First choice: IMAX with Laser. The laser projection adds sharper detail and richer contrast on top of all the IMAX advantages.
Second choice: Dolby Cinema. If your nearest IMAX is a "LieMAX" (a retrofitted smaller screen), Dolby Cinema with its guaranteed laser projection and Atmos audio may actually deliver a better experience.
Standard is fine, but: You will enjoy Disclosure Day in any format. Spielberg makes films for audiences, not for tech demos. But if you have the option and the extra $5–8 is not a hardship, IMAX is worth it for this one.
How to Find IMAX Theaters Showing Disclosure Day
IMAX showings for Disclosure Day will be available to book as the June 12, 2026 release date approaches. Here is how to secure your seats:
- IMAX.com — The official IMAX website and app have a theater finder that shows all IMAX locations near you, including whether they have laser projection.
- Fandango / Atom Tickets — Filter by "IMAX" when searching for Disclosure Day showtimes. You can also set alerts to be notified when tickets go on sale.
- AMC, Regal, Cinemark apps — Major chains list their IMAX showtimes directly. AMC operates the most IMAX screens in the US.
- Book early — Opening weekend IMAX screenings for major Spielberg releases sell out fast. Set a reminder for when tickets go live, likely 2–3 weeks before June 12.
- Look for "IMAX with Laser" — Not all IMAX screens are created equal. True IMAX with Laser screens offer the best image quality. Check your local theater's specs before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Disclosure Day in IMAX?
Yes. Universal Pictures has confirmed an IMAX release for Disclosure Day alongside the standard theatrical run on June 12, 2026. The film is expected to feature expanded aspect ratio sequences and 12-channel IMAX sound.
What is the best way to watch Disclosure Day?
IMAX is the recommended format. The expanded aspect ratio reveals more of the alien warship shots and vast space sequences, and the 12-channel IMAX sound system delivers John Williams' score with unmatched clarity and power. If IMAX is unavailable, Dolby Cinema is an excellent alternative.
Does Disclosure Day have an expanded IMAX ratio?
IMAX releases of major Spielberg-produced films typically feature expanded aspect ratio footage. Disclosure Day is expected to open up to 1.90:1 in IMAX for key sequences, compared to the standard 2.39:1, giving audiences up to 26% more image on screen.
Is Dolby Cinema better than IMAX for Disclosure Day?
It depends on your local theaters. A true IMAX with Laser screen beats Dolby Cinema on screen size and expanded ratio. But if your local IMAX is a smaller retrofitted screen, Dolby Cinema's guaranteed laser projection and Dolby Atmos audio could be a better experience. Both are vastly superior to standard.
Is 4DX worth it for Disclosure Day?
4DX adds motion seats, wind, and environmental effects that could enhance the alien warship and car chase sequences. However, the motion effects can distract from quieter, emotional scenes — and a film by Spielberg with a Williams score will have many of those. We recommend IMAX for a first viewing, with 4DX as a fun rewatch option.
How much more do IMAX tickets cost?
Typically $5–8 more than standard tickets. For a major event film like Disclosure Day, expect around $23–33 for IMAX depending on your market and showtime. Subscription plans like AMC A-List include IMAX at no extra cost.