Yes, John Wick Chapter 4 is Filmed Fully in IMAX

The short answer is – yes, John Wick: Chapter 4 is shot entirely using IMAX cameras. It marks the first time the blockbuster franchise has utilized the cutting-edge IMAX filming technology.

In this comprehensive 2600+ word guide, we‘ll explore the IMAX process for John Wick 4, the benefits it delivered, where to experience the IMAX version, and what this means for the series‘ future. You‘ll gain expert insight into how shooting in IMAX enhanced the visuals, action sequences, and overall theatrical experience.

Overview of IMAX Filming Format

For those less familiar, IMAX refers to a proprietary large-format film and digital camera system created by the IMAX Corporation. The key traits:

• Significantly Larger Film Frame: IMAX 70mm film has a frame size 10x larger than standard 35mm film. This allows far greater resolution and visual clarity.

• Better Digital Cameras: IMAX engineers DMR (Digital Media Remastering) versions of top digital cinema cameras by integrating their own proprietary technology.

• Immersive Experience: IMAX screens are much larger on average than standard theater screens. Their 12-channel sound system adds incredible audio immersion.

Many major event films now incorporate IMAX cameras for selected scenes or the full movie. Acclaimed directors like Christopher Nolan and Zack Snyder are big champions of the format.

The IMAX Cameras Used for John Wick Chapter 4

For John Wick: Chapter 4, director Chad Stahelski opted to shoot the entire film using digital IMAX cameras. The two models they utilized:

• Arri Alexa LF: A large-format 4K cinema camera customized by IMAX engineers for integration with their digital system.

• Arri Mini LF: A more compact, documentary-style large format model that IMAX also calibrated to work with their tech.

These state-of-the-art digital cameras, especially once modified by IMAX, delivered superior resolution, dynamic range, and low-light capabilities.

The camera team paired them with Panavision‘s large-format Primo 70 lenses. That glass was designed specifically to match the wider requirements of the Alexa LF and Mini LF sensors.

Aspect Ratio and Resolution Benefits

Filming John Wick 4 with those IMAX digital cameras resulted in an expanded 1.9:1 aspect ratio for the full movie.

That provided 26% more picture area compared to conventional widescreen formats like 2.39:1 that prior John Wick films used.

More picture area means the audience sees more of the visual environment in frame. This added scope is especially impactful during action and effects-heavy sequences.

Resolution also enjoyed a major boost. The IMAX digital cameras delivered over 60% more pixels than standard formats. More resolution translates to increased sharpness, clarity, and visible detail.

Behind the Scenes: The IMAX Process

The team built an IMAX-certified video village monitor so director Chad Stahelski and crew could review takes in the proper IMAX format. This let them optimize shots for the expanded ratio during filming.

Select footage was also screened in IMAX theaters during post-production. This allowed the creative team to fine-tune visuals knowing exactly how they‘d ultimately be projected.

Establishing this tailored IMAX workflow integration from production through post ensured John Wick 4 leveraged the full benefits of large-format capture.

Why Director Chad Stahelski Chose IMAX

In an interview, director Chad Stahelski shed light on the decision to use IMAX:

"We needed something bigger for the action, compositionally wider for some of the drama scenes when we go to Japan. When we found out we could shoot the whole movie in IMAX, it was kind of a no-brainer."

He highlighted the cinematic storytelling advantages for both the film‘s lavish fight sequences as well as quieter dramatic moments. The added resolution afforded him more framing flexibility.

Stahelski also raved about experiencing John Wick 4 footage in true IMAX theaters during post-production as a game-changer that fully realized the potential of IMAX capture.

How Shooting in IMAX Enhanced John Wick 4

Let‘s break down the key benefits shooting John Wick: Chapter 4 in the immersive IMAX format delivered:

More Visually Immersive Experience

The expanded 1.9:1 IMAX aspect ratio coupled with IMAX‘s extra-large screens are designed to fill your peripheral vision more than conventional theatrical formats.

This creates a more immersive, enveloping experience that pulls you into the story. John Wick‘s adrenaline-fueled action sequences greatly benefit from the added visual immersion.

Boosted Resolution & Image Detail

The IMAX digital cameras, paired with Primo 70 IMAX lenses, provided over 60% more resolution than regular digital or 35mm film capture.

More pixels and greater resolution translate to enhanced clarity and razor-sharp details in the imagery. This was critical for capturing the intricate fight choreography and stunt work with maximum crispness.

Richer Contrast & Colors

IMAX cameras offer advanced sensors capable of picking up a wider dynamic range with darker blacks, brighter highlights, and richer gradients.

Enhanced contrast and color reproduction make the cinematography more vibrant and painterly. From neons gleaming in Tokyo streets to atmospheric shadows enveloping the underworld, the IMAX visuals pop with dramatic intensity.

Freedom for Creative Framing

That huge IMAX frame was crucial for John Wick‘s signature gun-fu choreography and vehicle stunts. The expanded ratio gave cinematographer Dan Laustsen extra room to track complex hand-to-hand combat moves fluidly.

Likewise for car chases and crashes, the additional picture area provided flexibility to keep fast-paced action readable and maximally impactful.

Superior Projection & Sound Immersion

When screened in true commercial IMAX locations, John Wick 4 benefited from their 70mm film projectors capable of displaying the full resolution of IMAX film capture.

IMAX‘s immersive 12-channel sound system also envelops the viewer aurally. The combination of extra-large screens and surround audio fully realizes the benefits of the IMAX format.

Of course, premium home theater setups can now also playback IMAX versions. But experiencing John Wick 4 in IMAX theaters remains the pinnacle presentation.

John Wick 4‘s IMAX Exclusive Release & Box Office

John Wick: Chapter 4 initially launched in an exclusive one-week IMAX engagement starting on March 24, 2023. This was ahead of its full theatrical rollout.

The IMAX-only launch scored $4.9 million globally – the biggest worldwide IMAX opening ever for a Lionsgate release.

Domestically, IMAX showings accounted for 10% of John Wick 4‘s massive $92 million debut weekend despite the limited IMAX footprint.

IMAX Per-Screen Averages: $21,200 per IMAX screen vs. $14,600 average on standard formats opening weekend. This demonstrates how the IMAX experience directly drove premium ticket sales.

Thanks to the word-of-mouth from IMAX preview screenings, the exclusive IMAX window helped build anticipation and awareness leading up to release. It was a smart distribution move that played perfectly into IMAX‘s strengths.

John Wick 4 IMAX Box Office
Biggest IMAX Global Debut for Lionsgate	$4.9 million
IMAX % of Domestic Opening Weekend	10%
IMAX Opening Weekend Per-Screen Average	$21,200
Standard Screen Opening Weekend Avg	$14,600

Will John Wick 5 Also Be Filmed in IMAX?

Given the rave reviews and box office success of the IMAX release for Chapter 4, it seems guaranteed John Wick 5 will also film key sequences or the entire movie with IMAX cameras.

In an interview, director Chad Stahelski already praised how IMAX will be part of the franchise‘s future:

"I’m thrilled to reunite with Keanu and bring John Wick fans into the IMAX experience. I have long wanted to shoot in IMAX and this film has everything you want in the definitive format.”

Once John Wick 5 officially goes into production, expect an announcement confirming the IMAX filming. But based on Chapter 4‘s excellent IMAX results and the team‘s positive experiences, it‘s clearly now an integral part of the John Wick formula.

The Bottom Line – John Wick 4‘s Use of IMAX

Shooting John Wick: Chapter 4 completely with IMAX digital cameras added a thrilling level of immersion and fun to the gritty, stunt-driven franchise.

It enabled greater creative freedom to push the slick action choreography and car chase sequences to new heights. Paired with IMAX theater sound and screens, fans witnessed the John Wick world as never before.

As the series continues with the inevitable Chapter 5, IMAX will remain a key ingredient. The benefits both narratively and technically are impossible to ignore, especially after Chapter 4‘s rave reviews.

The IMAX format aligns seamlessly with John Wick‘s stylized gun-fu and kinetic tone. It has now been firmly woven into the fabric of the overall franchise thanks to the fourth film‘s trailblazing use of IMAX.