This article has been updated to clarify the Mortal Kombat movie's aspect ratio.
Mortal Kombat movie producer confirms the upcoming film's aspect ratio. Releasing on April 16, the long-awaited R-rated video game adaptation is part of Warner Bros.' 2021 release strategy and will debut simultaneously on HBO Max and in theaters. This new release model has been praised and damned in equal measures by filmmakers, with Mortal Kombat director Simon McQuoid admitting he doesn't know how WB will measure the movie's success.
Still, for some filmmakers HBO Max has been a massive success, none more so than Zack Snyder, who was allowed to complete his director's cut of Justice League with a $70 million budget for release on the streaming service. HBO Max also allowed him to release Justice League in the somewhat unusual aspect ratio of 4:3 he shot it in, meaning he didn't have to trim the top and bottom off of the original footage he shot. The ratio is strange for modern TVs as most movies and shows are presented in a widescreen format closer to 16:9. But it seems the decision wasn't just limited to Zack Snyder's Justice League.
Garner, the producer behind Mortal Kombat responded to a question about whether the movie would also be available in 4:3 on HBO Max, similar to Zack Snyder's Justice League. Though the producer initially tweeted "Yes" in answer, he's since clarified he was confirming Mortal Kombat will be in IMAX when it's release in theaters. You can see the fan question, and Garner's responses, below:
Given the clarification, it shouldn't be expected that Mortal Kombat will release in the 4:3 aspect ratio used by Snyder in his cut of Justice League. This makes sense considering movies very rarely release in the 4:3 aspect ratio anymore due to the scope of theatrical screens and the prevalence of widescreen TVs at home. While some folks may be interested in seeing more movies release in the 4:3 aspect ratio after watching Zack Snyder's Justice League, it's likely the HBO Max film will be a unique case for Hollywood projects.
As to Warner Bros. releasing Mortal Kombat in IMAX theaters, that certainly makes sense. Garner and McQuoid have both said Mortal Kombat's goal is to be the best fight movie ever made, and having it shown in IMAX theaters ensures moviegoers get to see it on some of the biggest and best screens out there. While it still remains to be seen how audiences will react to Mortal Kombat once it's released, Warner Bros. has ensured there are plenty of ways to watch it, whether at home on HBO Max or on the big screen in theaters and IMAX.
Source: Todd Garner/Twitter
