Spider-Man 4 Swings into IMAX

In an announcement made today by both Columbia/Sony and IMAX came the news that "Spider-Man 4" will be released simultaneously on IMAX screens and regular theaters on May 5th 2011. In related news, earlier this week it was announced that the fourth film would begin production in January. For all the details on "Spider-Man 4" scroll down...


Sam Raimi will return to direct the 4th installment of Spider-Man. Although no real details have been leaked about the script, Gary Ross (Pleasantville and Seabiscuit) is currently putting the final touches on it. The film will re-unite Sam Raimi with Tobey Maguire as our friendly neighborhood web slinger and Kristen Dunst returning as Mary Jane. One would only assume that a majority of the supporting cast will also return.

One very minor member of the supporting cast from the last 3 films, Bruce Campbell, told Access Hollywood he would have a "major role" this time around. Campbell and Raimi have had a long working relationship and perhaps Raimi is finally giving Campbell a shot at a villain for the fourth installment. Many have longed believed that Campbell's re-occurring characters were in fact tease work for one of Spidey's main villain's yet to be featured in any of the previous films, Mysterio. Campbell himself says he does not even know who he will be playing and has yet to read the anticipated script, but his comments give reason to speculate.

As far as "Spider-Man 4" being released in IMAX theaters, I think it is a good thing. As long as you see it in an actual IMAX theater and not the cheap imitation IMAX D. A true IMAX theater is a sight to behold, especially when the film is rendered for such a release. The press release confirms that "Spider-Man 4" will be shot in regular format and later "digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience." IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond explained IMAX's plan to unveil more theaters so that more fans can experience "Spider-Man 4" in IMAX theaters. He said, "Our network has grown significantly and we continue to roll-out new theatres virtually every week, giving more moviegoers the opportunity to experience the movie in IMAX." My only question with that statement is, do IMAX intend to roll-out true IMAX theaters or more of the cheap knock off's called IMAX D. Here's a visual reminder of the difference between IMAX and IMAX D below.More news on "Spider-Man 4" as it develops...

What say you? Excited to see Spider-Man 4 coming your way May 5th 2011? Will you see it in IMAX? Strikeback...