Spider-Man: Brand New Day Is Shot For ScreenX, But Is That The Best Version Available? [THS Premium Fit Check]

Peter Parker is back, folks! Though in the wake of his previous adventure, not everyone knows how big of a deal that is. As you’ll see in our Spider-Man: Brand New Day review, director Destin Daniel Cretton’s latest Marvel Cinematic Universe outing brings our webcrawler back to basics. And as you can tell, we’re all the better for it!

At the same time, Tom Holland’s fourth solo Spidey film is doing something no picture has ever done before – even outside of the MCU. For you see Brand New Day is the first movie “shot for ScreenX,” so a lot is riding on the line – especially with The Odyssey still owning all the IMAX real estate.

But is the intended format really the best way to see to return to Spider-Man’s New York? That’s what we’re about to discuss, as the THS Premium Fit Check is here to compare these emerging premium formats – and name a true winner. Let’s start by running through your options at the multiplex for seeing Spider-Man: Brand New Day. 

Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s Format Checklist

Naturally, you can see Marvel and Sony’s latest romp with Peter Parker on standard movie screens – both in 2D and 3D. That variable is also present for the three major premium format options audience members will be able to enjoy Spider-Man: Brand New Day through; as seen in the list below:  

• Standard 2D/3D
• 4DX 2D/3D
• ScreenX 2D/3D
• Premium Large Format ( Dolby at AMC, Regal RPX, Cinemark XD, etc.)

Now seeing as the marketing for Spider-Man 4 has hyped up the wizards of ScreenX shooting footage for the format’s expanded ratio, one would think this is a natural fit. Much as Christopher Nolan’s use of IMAX 70mm for The Odyssey make those limited engagements the hottest ticket, Brand New Day seems like a slam dunk for CJ4DPLEX’s other major cinematic brand. I wish I could say that’s the case, but unfortunately – it’s not. 

Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s ScreenX Evaluation: 3/10 – A Problematic First

I will caveat my Spider-Man: Brand New Day ScreenX evaluation with the fact that this was my first time experiencing the format in question. For years a personal friend has been telling me that he thinks the sides of the screen were merely occupied with static animations meant to create the illusion of expansion.

Spider-Man’s cinematic homecoming supposedly benefits from the extra footage planned and shot on set with the ScreenX team. In light of that marketing, and from the results I I don’t see much use for the ScreenX format; and for numerous reasons. 

First off, certain scenes see those side screens go dark; which makes for slightly awkward transitions. In the space of the first 30 minutes or so, we see Peter Parker’s crimefighting antics in expanded ratio give way to darkness while he takes an important phone call; only to go back to expanding the picture during that huge tank-centric set piece. 

Second, and most awkwardly, the ScreenX expansion stretches to the back of the auditorium – while narrowing into a thin strip at the top of the theater. So if you thought you struggled with getting “the good seats” in IMAX, ScreenX is going to set you off even more. I’m kind of glad I didn’t use this format to see Spider-Man: Brand New Day in 3D – because even contemplating which screen to look at is a headache. There’s promise in this format, and admittedly someone had to go first; so thanks for your sacrifice, Maynard! I mean, Peter! 

Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s 4DX Is The Superior Premium Format

I don’t have a total bias to the 4DX format, as I know when it does and doesn’t fit a movie’s purposes. Case in point: I wasn’t too big of a fan with how The Odyssey felt through those specific bells and whistles. However, Spider-Man: Brand New Day doesn’t have that problem; which is good, because Destin Daniel Cretton’s grounded, but action friendly spectacular lends itself quite well to 4DX’s sensory enhancements.

Swinging with Spidey feels just as fun and thrilling as you’d expect, even when he’s awkwardly trying to get the feel of his stronger spider powers. The seat vibration feature also shines brightly, especially if you’re curious about what it feels like to be The Punisher (Jon Bernthal) firing a machine gun – or poor Spider-Man facing off against the strength of The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo). 

There are some minor drawbacks, particularly when it comes to seemingly dialed down water effects, and the lack of strobe lighting. On the whole though, 4DX pairs well with the 3D presentation. 

Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s 3D Is A Visual Treat

I know not everyone wants the premium screen or 4DX-perience in their moviegoing experience. Sometimes the most a person will venture forward for is plain old 3D; and that’s ok. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is still quite stunning in its 3D presentation, courtesy of a post-conversion effort from SDFX Studios. 

Looking into the backgrounds of any particular shot shows a beautiful level of depth and texture, especially in crowd sequences. Guns pointed at the screen pop with great detail, as do webs – and any other element projected outward. The only real drawback to Brand New Day’s 3D is a traditional foe: the brightness of the picture. 

Your mileage will vary, depending on how well your venue of choice calibrates its projectors between 2D and 3D showings. In my showing, the brightness did dim things down a bit – but considering the relatively darker color palette of the film, it wasn’t a deal breaker. Night scenes aren’t spoiled under the dimming the 3D glasses provide – so eye strain isn’t that big of a concern. 

THS’ Premium Fit Check Final Verdict

The Marvel Cinematic Universe can be a mixed back, both in its storytelling and its premium format presentations. With Disney’s InfinityVision gambit beginning with Avengers: Endgame Encore, this battleground is going to be important to any effort to return the MCU to its former glory. 

As it stands, Spider-Man: Brand New Day proves that even if that emerging format stumbles upon its entry, 3D and 4DX are still viable options. Unfortunately, ScreenX is going to need some work; but I haven’t come to bury that emerging format. Rather, I’ll say that I believe that this is a good test case for future improvements. Having a healthy premium format competition is never a bad thing. 

Speaking of the future of the MCU, my 4DX showing included a format enhanced trailer for Avengers: Doomsday. It may be a small glimpse, but I’m glad I have my tickets for that very variant’s opening weekend. 

Moving to the more pressing near future, a 4DX trailer for The End of Oak Street has me excited for that dino-adventure’s big screen debut. Plus Terminator 2: Judgment Day’s 35th Anniversary screenings are now going to have that format’s magic in its arsenal. So you may want to head out and see Spider-Man: Brand New Day while you can.

In the meantime, don’t forget to check back with THS Premium Fit Check, to see which sort of spectacle is the best way to fly. And as always, keep a browser tab tuned to THS Movie News, for all of the latest and greatest in pop culture news!