Large-format picture + tuned sound
Cineworld describes IMAX as specially treated large screens with remastered presentation and an integrated sound system. Exact auditorium technology varies by location.
Cineworld formats →UK CINEMA FORMATS · UPDATED 31 AUGUST 2026
IMAX, 4DX, ScreenX, Dolby and more — what is the difference?
Premium cinema labels are not interchangeable. Some change the screen and sound, some add motion and physical effects, and some are chain-specific brands.
Find cinemas near youFormat filters ready for live timesNo ranking pretending one format is always best
Moving seats + physical effects
4DX adds motion-programmed seats and effects such as wind, water and scent. Cineworld describes it as exclusive to Cineworld in the UK.
4DX details →270° projection
ScreenX extends selected scenes onto side walls to create a 270-degree presentation. Cineworld describes the format as exclusive to its UK cinemas.
ScreenX details →Dolby picture + sound presentation
ODEON describes Dolby Cinema as combining Dolby image and sound technologies with auditorium design. Availability is venue-specific.
ODEON Dolby Cinema →Large screen + Dolby Atmos
Cineworld describes Superscreen as a larger-format presentation using state-of-the-art projection and Dolby Atmos sound.
Superscreen details →Do not infer equivalence from the name
ODEON explicitly says its XL screens are not IMAX, Dolby or iSense. Treat the label shown on the actual performance as the source of truth.
ODEON XL guidance →NEXT
WHEN LIVE TIMES ARRIVE
This becomes a decision filter, not just a glossary.
The showtime engine is already designed to filter real screenings by formats and accessibility. We will only expose those live format pages to search when enough actual inventory exists.