In an era of streaming dominance, the theatrical release of Antoine Fuqua’s Michael (2024) is being positioned as more than a biopic—it is a $150 million technical “correction.” For decades, we have viewed Michael Jackson’s most iconic moments through the compressed lens of 1980s tape and grainy 35mm broadcast signals. But for the 2026 release, Lionsgate has partnered with Skywalker Sound and IMAX Corporation to strip back the digital noise and present the King of Pop in a resolution that exceeds human ocular limits.

Shot with a combination of high-speed digital sensors and select IMAX 65mm film cameras, the production was designed from the ground up to be a sensory assault. Whether it’s the visceral, haptic “thwack” of a loafer hitting a stage in a Dolby Atmos-mixed stadium or the 18K-equivalent clarity of the Victory Tour recreations on a 70mm film print, the “how” you watch this film is arguably as important as the performance itself.

RELATED: The Moment That Changed Music: An Oral History Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk at Motown 25

1. IMAX 70mm (The ‘Holy Grail’ Format)

Photo: Lionsgate

While much of the film was shot digitally for flexibility during the high-octane dance numbers, select sequences (including the Victory Tour) have been optimized for the massive IMAX 1.90:1 expanded aspect ratio.

• The Draw: On an IMAX screen, you are getting up to 26% more picture than a standard screen. For the dance sequences, this means seeing Michael’s footwork and the stadium’s scale simultaneously without the “letterbox” bars.
• The Tech: Select heritage theaters (like the AMC Lincoln Square in NYC and the TCL Chinese Theatre in LA) are rumored to be running a limited 70mm 5-perf projection for that “analog” warmth that mimics the original 35mm music video era of the 80s.

2. Dolby Cinema (The Audiophile’s Choice)

Photo: Lionsgate

If you are here for the music, this is your winner.

• The Sound: Using Dolby Atmos, the sound engineers at Skywalker Sound have created a 360-degree spatial audio mix. In the Motown 25 sequence, you’ll hear the crowd behind you and the specific “thwack” of Michael’s loafers on the stage floor in front of you.
• The Visuals: Dolby Vision dual-laser projection offers the deepest blacks in the industry. For the “Thriller” recreations, the contrast between the shadows and the spotlight is vital.

3. 4DX (The ‘Sensory’ Experience)

Photo: Lionsgate

For the fans who want to step into the “Thriller” music video.

• 4DX: This format uses haptic seating and environmental effects. Expect your seat to vibrate in sync with the bass line of “Billie Jean.”

4. D-BOX (The Haptic Rhythm Experience)

Photo: Lionsgate

While 4DX is about the environment, D-BOX is about the vibration.

• The Tech: D-BOX seats use specialized motion actuators that are “hand-coded” by haptic designers to match the movie’s frequency. Instead of the seat just moving around, it vibrates and tilts in perfect sync with the bass lines and percussion.
• The Draw: For Michael, the D-BOX experience is being marketed as a “Physical Soundtrack.”
• Customization: Unlike 4DX, which is one-speed-fits-all, D-BOX seats have a control panel on the armrest. You can dial the intensity up to “Stage Front” or down to a “Gentle Groove,” making it the only premium format that is fully customizable to your comfort level.

Let’s end this with a theater list roundup.

The ‘Michael’ (2026) 70mm IMAX Global Shortlist

United States (The Power Hubs)

• New York, NY: AMC Lincoln Square 13 (The largest screen in the U.S.)
• Los Angeles, CA: Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk
• Los Angeles, CA: TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX (The historic heart of Hollywood)
• San Francisco, CA: AMC Metreon 16
• Dallas, TX: AMC Village on the Parkway 9
• San Antonio, TX: AMC Rivercenter 11
• Nashville, TN: Regal Opry Mills & IMAX
• Indianapolis, IN: Indiana State Museum (IMAX Theatre)
• Irvine, CA: Regal Edwards Irvine Spectrum & IMAX
• King of Prussia, PA: Regal UA King of Prussia & IMAX

Canada

• Toronto, ON: Scotiabank Theatre Toronto & IMAX
• Vaughan, ON: Cineplex Cinemas Vaughan & IMAX
• Langley, BC: Cineplex Cinemas Abbotsford & IMAX

International (The Global Icons)

• London, UK: BFI IMAX (The UK’s flagship 70mm house)
• Manchester, UK: Vue Manchester Printworks & IMAX
• Melbourne, Australia: IMAX Melbourne (World’s largest 70mm screen)

Let the games begin.

RELATED: Gary Reclaims Its History: Community Events Announced Ahead of “Michael” Biopic Premiere

Author Bio

Jael Rucker is the founder of Decked Out Magazine. She has previously worked as the Associate Commerce Editor at PureWow, focusing on analytics and trends to pitch stories and optimize articles that build and engage their audience. Her work has also been seen in Footwear News and WWD. Prior to 2024, she was the style and pop culture editor at ONE37pm for over three years, contributing numerous product reviews, brand profiles and fashion trend reports, which included interviewing Steph Curry, Snoop Dogg and more.