How To Train Your Dragon (2025) Was “Filmed for IMAX.” What Does That Mean?
lensheadmedia
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June 18, 2025
With the new live action How to Train Your Dragon movie being promoted as “filmed for IMAX,” you might be wondering if that means the production used IMAX’s giant cameras. The short answer is no. This phrase does not mean the filmmakers used IMAX-branded equipment, but rather that the film was created with IMAX’s unique standards and expanded screen formats in mind. It was more than likely shot on a top-tier camera like the ARRI Alexa 35.
Understanding the Language: Filmed for IMAX vs Shot with IMAX
IMAX uses two distinct phrases to describe how a movie was made. “Shot with IMAX” refers to productions that were recorded using IMAX’s actual cameras, which use large format film or high-resolution digital sensors. These cameras offer an unmatched level of image detail but are heavy, expensive, and technically demanding. As a result, they are usually reserved for high-profile directors like Christopher Nolan.
“Filmed for IMAX,” on the other hand, refers to productions that use IMAX-certified digital cameras and follow specific guidelines to ensure the movie looks its best on IMAX screens. This includes attention to resolution, image depth, color, and especially the framing within IMAX’s taller aspect ratios. The phrase is part of a program launched by IMAX to bring more flexibility to filmmakers while still enhancing the visual quality for IMAX theaters.
Why This Matters for How to Train Your Dragon
The phrase “filmed for IMAX” means that the filmmakers made conscious choices to frame and finish the movie in a way that takes advantage of IMAX theaters’ unique size and scope. This does not mean there will be drastic screen expansions like you would see with traditional IMAX cameras, but it does mean you will get a more immersive image when viewed in an IMAX auditorium.
It is very likely that this film was shot using the ARRI Alexa 35 as cinematographer Bill Pope has filmed his last few projects on the camera. These systems are renowned for their rich color reproduction, sharp image capture, and dynamic range. They are also approved by IMAX for use in the “filmed for IMAX” category. While they do not carry the same cachet as IMAX’s native film cameras, they can produce an image that is more than capable of filling large premium screens with clarity and depth.
Technical Details That Make a Difference
There are a few key elements that separate “filmed for IMAX” productions from standard digital releases:
IMAX-certified cameras – These are digital cameras that have been tested by IMAX and approved for their image quality, resolution, and stability.
Aspect ratio optimization – Most traditional movies are framed at 2.39 to 1. IMAX films often take advantage of a taller 1.90 to 1 aspect ratio. When directors shoot with that in mind, audiences can enjoy more vertical image real estate, which adds to the feeling of immersion.
Post production process – After the footage is captured, it goes through an IMAX-specific workflow to ensure it meets their high standards for sharpness, color accuracy, and sound mixing.
What This Means for the Viewer
When you watch How to Train Your Dragon in an IMAX theater, you will not see the sudden changes in screen size that happen when films are shot with true IMAX cameras. However, you will get an image that is framed and finished for the larger screen format, giving you more visual detail and a better sense of scale. The colors will be richer, the audio will be more dynamic, and the compositions will be adjusted to make the most of the vertical space.
Final Thoughts
It is easy to assume that anything “filmed for IMAX” means high-end equipment and elaborate production setups. While that is not always the case, it does mean that the filmmakers made thoughtful decisions during production and post-production to give audiences a better theatrical experience. Whether or not IMAX cameras were involved, the movie was built to shine on a premium screen.
When you see the phrase “filmed for IMAX,” you are getting a glimpse into the creative intent behind the film not just its technical specs. With How to Train Your Dragon, that intent was to provide viewers with a bigger, brighter, and more immersive world to enjoy.