Sci-fi epic "Dune: Part Two" hit Chinese theaters last weekend, wowing local audiences. With its presentation in premium large formats like IMAX, the film showcases the true power of cinema and the unique ability of the large screen to deliver an immersive and stunning experience.

A still image from "Dune: Part Two." [Photo courtesy of Legendary East]

The film, directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, brings to life the classic sci-fi novel "Dune" by Frank Herbert. The second installment, which can be viewed as an integral part rather than a simple sequel, combines with the first film to form a complete cinematic adventure, fully conveying the story of the first book in the "Dune" series. In the latest movie, audiences will witness Paul Atreides' quest for revenge against the clan that destroyed his family, his love for Chani, and his partnership with the Fremen to reclaim their land.

During its opening weekend in China, the film took 141 million yuan (around $19.6 million) at the box office, marking the biggest Hollywood debut so far in 2024 and Villeneuve's most successful opening weekend. This achievement propelled the film's global total takings to $368 million. Notably, as a film shot entirely using IMAX digital cameras, its gross in China on the IMAX format for the first weekend amounted to 46 million yuan, a huge 33% of its total gross in China, earned on only 1% of all screens across the country. 

A similar phenomenon occurred worldwide, as this event film demonstrated the attraction of premium large formats. One week before its China release, the film had already opened in various markets worldwide, generating significant IMAX earnings. "We ran out of seats pretty much globally," IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond told an investors conference on March 5. By that time, "Dune: Part Two" had debuted on 809 IMAX screens and raked in $32.2 million in global box office revenue for its first week, accounting for a notable 18% share.

For Villeneuve, watching the film in IMAX is the only way to achieve the full immersive experience. "I think that there's no better way to watch 'Dune: Part Two' than absolutely in the IMAX," he said. "You have that sensation when you watch a movie at an IMAX theater that you are losing sight of reality and you're suddenly absolutely immersed in that world. I think that IMAX is the ultimate way of watching movies because it's an experience and you cannot reproduce at all."

A Chinese IMAX poster for "Dune: Part Two." [Image courtesy of IMAX China]

The film's leading actor Timothée Chalamet added: "I think when you see this movie on a big screen or on an IMAX screen in those moments where Paul declares himself, the theater shakes, the music's loud. It's really meant to be seen on the big screen."

On March 6, a marathon viewing event spanning nearly six hours took place in Beijing featuring both "Dune" films, with the first movie receiving a limited re-release in China. After the movie concluded, the credits rolled, Hans Zimmer's music continued to resonate, and the theater erupted in applause.

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