When a blockbuster movie comes out, any good film buff wants to see it in the best theater possible.
But when trying to compare SuperScreen DLX to UltraScreen DLX to IMAX to Dolby Cinema to Cinemark XD to RPX to 4DX, it is easy to get bogged down in options!
The terminology is confusing, and consumers never get to “peek behind the curtains” to see the specifications of each of these “premium” theaters. There isn’t much information available besides each theater claiming to have the best screens, most immersive audio, and most comfortable recliners.
Because AMC, Cinemark, and Regal dominate so much of the movie theater market, there is a severe shortage of information about smaller chains like Marcus Theatres. So even the people that know the difference between Regal’s RPX and Cinemark’s XD may not have even heard of Marcus’s SuperScreen DLX or UltraScreen DLX.
Here, we will take a deep dive into Marcus Theatres’ premium offerings — UltraScreen DLX and SuperScreen DLX. We will look at differences and similarities, and compare them to premium offerings from competing chains.
And lastly, we will answer the ever-important question, “Are UltraScreen DLX and SuperScreen DLX worth the money?“
Brief Overview
Marcus Theatres is somewhat of an unknown brand nationally, despite being in the top 5 movie theater chains (by theater count) in the entire United States.
The Milwaukee-based company, which also does business as “Movie Tavern,” is regionally beloved for its premium large format screens, upgraded dining options, reserved seating, and particularly its comfortable DreamLounger reclining seats.
Marcus Theatres has two primary options for a “premium” theater experience — the UltraScreen DLX and the SuperScreen DLX. These options are similar to one another, which we will cover in great detail below.
The bottom line is that these premium options are more likely to have DreamLounger seats (some of which are heated), feature higher-grade audio (usually but not always Dolby Atmos), and have larger screens than a standard Marcus theater.
UltraScreen DLX and SuperScreen DLX are very similar products, with the only difference being that UltraScreen DLX screens tend to be larger than SuperScreen DLX screens.
For the above features, you generally pay $3-4 more than you would for a standard ticket. Pricing at Marcus Theatres is not as well standardized as many other theaters, so this varies from cinema to cinema.
But at the time of publishing, an UltraScreen DLX costs ~$4.00 more than a standard ticket, and a SuperScreen DLX costs ~$3.00 – $3.50 more than a standard ticket. At some locations, this price gap is significantly smaller, even $2.00 or less.
UltraScreen DLX vs. SuperScreen DLX: What’s the Difference?
UltraScreen DLX and SuperScreen DLX are similar experiences that are both offered by Marcus Theatres.
Each theater features premium large format (PLF) screens — meaning they are larger than a standard Marcus screen. However, as is common in “premium” theaters, there are no specified screen sizes.
So, we can’t say that UltraScreen DLX is 50’x30′ and SuperScreen DLX is 40’x25′ (these are just made up numbers…) — because there is too much variability.
The only definitive conclusion is that UltraScreen DLX is larger than SuperScreen DLX. This has been verified directly by Marcus Theatres representatives.
This means that UltraScreen DLX will be the “best screen in the building,” while SuperScreen DLX will just be an “oversized” screen. Both UltraScreen and SuperScreen DLX feature DreamLounger recliners and Dolby Atmos audio — so the comfort and sound quality is going to be excellent no matter which theater you choose.
There is variation between which theaters have heated recliners and which theaters have an upgraded laser projector.
However, Marcus Theatres does a really good job of telling you which features are in which theater. So, when you book a ticket, Marcus clearly displays whether the cinema has heated recliners, an upgraded laser projector, or other premium features.
Theater Availability
One final point needs to be mentioned.
At many Marcus locations, you won’t have a choice between UltraScreen and SuperScreen. The majority of Marcus theaters have either an UltraScreen or a SuperScreen — but not both.
Remember that both the UltraScreen and SuperScreen are larger screens (with better audio) than the standard Marcus theater. So if the upgrade is worth an extra $3-4 to you, choose whichever premium option is available at your local theater.
UltraScreen DLX vs. IMAX
Comparing anything to IMAX is challenging because there are 2 different IMAX theater types — “true” 70 mm projectors (which are rare) and “fake” Digital IMAX theaters (which are everywhere).
If you are within driving distance of a real IMAX theater which uses 70 mm projectors, this is probably the best moviegoing experience available. But if your only local “IMAX” is a digital IMAX (a.k.a. “lie-MAX), then the competition between UltraScreen DLX vs. IMAX is much closer.
Generally speaking, UltraScreen DLX is pretty similar to a digital IMAX. UltraScreen has an oversized screen which is sure to be the biggest screen in the theater. It also has Dolby Atmos, so the sound quality will be high.
IMAX has the signature IMAX aspect ratio, whereas UltraScreen DLX has the same aspect ratio as a standard theater (the same as Cinemark XD, Regal RPX, etc.).
Ultimately, you should choose between UltraScreen DLX and Digital IMAX based on the convenience of the theater location and the comfort of the seats. My personal experience is that the DreamLoungers found at Marcus Theatres tip the scales in favor of UltraScreen DLX.
Because the screen sizes aren’t uniform, there is no way of knowing which screen will be larger. So you will have to watch a movie in both theaters in order to find out.
SuperScreen DLX vs. IMAX
Comparing anything to IMAX is challenging because there are 2 different IMAX theater types — “true” 70 mm projectors (which are rare) and “fake” Digital IMAX theaters (which are everywhere).
If you are within driving distance of a real IMAX theater which uses 70 mm projectors, this is probably the best moviegoing experience available. But if your only local “IMAX” is a digital IMAX (a.k.a. “lie-MAX), then the competition between SuperScreen DLX vs. IMAX is much closer.
Generally speaking, SuperScreen DLX is pretty similar to a digital IMAX. SuperScreen has an oversized screen which is sure to be the biggest screen in the theater. It also has Dolby Atmos, so the sound quality will be high.
IMAX has the signature IMAX aspect ratio, whereas SuperScreen DLX has the same aspect ratio as a standard theater (the same as Cinemark XD, Regal RPX, etc.).
Ultimately, you should choose between SuperScreen DLX and Digital IMAX based on the convenience of the theater location and the comfort of the seats. My personal experience is that the DreamLoungers found at Marcus Theatres tip the scales in favor of SuperScreen DLX.
Because the screen sizes aren’t uniform, there is no way of knowing which screen will be larger. So you will have to watch a movie in both theaters in order to find out.
SuperScreen DLX & UltraScreen DLX vs. Cinemark XD
Cinemark XD sounds more impressive, with its 70 foot screens and 11.1 channel surround system.
However, the 70 foot screen refers to the diagonal measurement of the screen, rather than a screen that is actually 70 feet long. And the 11.1 channel surround system (despite its THX Certification) actually can’t compete with the Dolby Atmos that comes standard in UltraScreen and SuperScreen DLX.
Both Cinemark XD and UltraScreen/SuperScreen DLX have comfortable reclining seats.
But the big advantage with Cinemark XD is that it only costs ~$2.50 more than a standard ticket, whereas UltraScreen/SuperScreen DLX usually cost $3-4 extra.
Ultimately, I would just choose whatever option is cheaper, more convenient, and at the local theater that you prefer. It isn’t possible to definitively say that either Cinemark XD or Marcus UltraScreen or SuperScreen DLX is “better” than the other.
SuperScreen DLX & UltraScreen DLX vs. RPX
Regal RPX generally costs more than a ticket to either SuperScreen DLX or UltraScreen DLX. And the characteristics between each of these premium offerings is pretty similar.
Again, I would choose whichever option is cheaper, more convenient, and at the local theater that you prefer. It isn’t possible to definitively say that either Regal RPX or Marcus UltraScreen or SuperScreen DLX is “better” than the other.
A Note on “Premium” Theaters in General
In a discussion of UltraScreen DLX, SuperScreen DLX, IMAX, RPX, 4DX, D-BOX, or Dolby Cinema, there is one thing you should know — advertising tactics of “premium movie theaters” are essentially the wild west.
Premium movie experiences aren’t like nutrition labels, which have a regulatory body overseeing and fact-checking their claims. Instead, every theater chain can make any claim they wish without any fear of it being debunked or disproven.
Generally, the theaters are factually correct in their claims. For example, when Cinemark XD claims to be 11.1 surround sound compatible, it is true that their sound system has 11 channels.
However, the theaters also tend to be misleading in terms of whether or not their fancy technologies provide any benefit to the viewers.
For example, XD’s 11.1 surround sound compatible speakers aren’t really providing the intended experience of 11 channels unless you are watching one of the very, very few movies that was mixed in the Auro 11.1 format.
So Cinemark won’t tell you that their Auro 11.1 sounds worse than 7.1 Dolby Atmos — they will just market that “11 is more than 7, so it must be better.”
IMAX has taken some heat from purists for their “lie-MAX” theaters, which are basically a lower-quality and/or smaller screen digital version of film rather than the 70mm film on massive screens that made the IMAX theater the gold standard more than a decade ago. Basically, IMAX established itself as the best, and then downgraded quality in most of their theaters without telling anybody.
Beyond all of this, movie theaters are now using 2K projectors, 4K projectors, 70 mm projectors, or dual projectors without explicitly telling viewers which technology they are watching.
All of this is to say that, unless you really take a deep dive into the particulars of your nearby movie theater, you won’t know exactly what you are watching. Some viewers even resort to calling the theater and asking for audio and visual details.
A better choice is to open your eyes and ears and decide whether or not the audio and visual meets your standards. If not, just try another theater next time!
Marcus Theatres Claims vs. Reality
Marcus Theaters claims that the upgrades in UltraScreen and SuperScreen DLX involve “screen, seating, and sound.”
Screen
Evaluating the projectors in Marcus Theatres is challenging because they aren’t perfectly uniform.
Although UltraScreen and SuperScreen DLX are the premium format, not all of these theaters have the upgraded digital laser projectors. So, some UltraScreens will be better than others, and some SuperScreens will be better than others. Thankfully, the Marcus booking website does a good job of noting which theaters have which features.
One common complaint with UltraScreen DLX and SuperScreen DLX is that, even though the screens are oversized, they are not as vivid as some competitors. This is subjective, so many viewers debate whether or not this is accurate. If you choose a theater with the upgraded digital laser projector, this problem should be minimized — but you still won’t get the video quality of a 70 mm IMAX.
Our other complaint with the screens is the lack of uniformity in size. It gets frustrating that an “UltraScreen” at one location may be larger or smaller than an “UltraScreen” at another location. This is a problem that many competitors also struggle with.
Seating
Again, this is a subjective topic.
Most people appreciate the DreamLounger recliners — which are more comfortable than the average theater seat. But again, what some users find comfortable, others will complain about nonstop.
Marcus advertises “7 feet of legroom between the rows of seats.” This is a great perk to have, and honestly is a big differentiator between a budget theater and a premium theater. You can’t have a “premium” theater where the kid behind you is kicking the back of your seat.
Some of the DreamLoungers also include heated seating. This is a cool feature, but very rarely does a leather seat actually need to be heated. So in my opinion this is unnecessary, but it may be useful to others.
We also give Marcus credit for clearly displaying the details of the theater when you purchase a ticket online. So, you will be able to see if you are buying a ticket in a theater that has DreamLoungers with heated seating or without.
Sound
With Dolby Atmos, sound quality is assuredly good in both UltraScreen DLX and SuperScreen DLX theaters. You don’t get the THX Certification that you have with Cinemark XD theaters, but sound quality isn’t going to suffer any.
In terms of sound, we would give high marks to both of Marcus Theatres’ premium offerings.
FAQs
How big is an UltraScreen DLX screen?
Unfortunately, this question cannot be answered. UltraScreen DLX is guaranteed to be the largest screen in a particular Marcus Theatre, but there are no standard or set dimensions.
So, the only thing you know for sure is that an UltraScreen DLX will be the “best theater in the house” and will be larger than a SuperScreen DLX.
How big is a SuperScreen DLX screen?
Unfortunately, this question cannot be answered. SuperScreen DLX will be larger than the other screens in a particular Marcus Theatre, unless the theater also has an UltraScreen DLX. In this case, the UltraScreen will be larger than the SuperScreen.
So, the only thing you know for sure is that a SuperScreen DLX will be a larger screen than the average screen in a particular Marcus Theatre. At a theater without an UltraScreen, the SuperScreen DLX is likely to be the “best theater in the house.”
Which is bigger, SuperScreen or UltraScreen?
UltraScreen DLX has a larger screen than SuperScreen DLX. However, there are no exact dimensions that qualify a screen as “SuperScreen” or “UltraScreen.”
In a theater with both an UltraScreen DLX and a SuperScreen DLX, the UltraScreen will be larger.
What is the best seat in a SuperScreen DLX theater?
The best seat is closest to the center of the theater.
You want to be in the middle of the theater from a right-left perspective (in other words, as far from the aisle as possible). And you also want to be centered from a front-back perspective (in other words, not in the front row nor the back row).
Importantly, you should avoid the first two rows closest to the screen. These are uncomfortable seats in any theater, but especially a theater with an oversized screen.
It is better to sit in the farthest back row rather than the farthest front row, but neither is ideal. If you sit too close to the back of the theater, the screen will appear smaller, the rear speakers will overpower, and you will lose the “immersive” theater experience. It will also be a waste of the extra $3-4 you spent to watch the movie on an oversized screen.
If there aren’t many seats remaining when you book, and you get stuck in a corner, aim for one of the back corners rather than a front corner. A front corner seat is incredibly unpleasant. Before booking a seat in the front corner (or anywhere in the front row), I would just buy a ticket for a different night or a different theater.
What is the best seat in an UltraScreen DLX theater?
The best seat is closest to the center of the theater (see here for our detailed guide to choosing a theater seat).
You want to be in the middle of the theater from a right-left perspective (in other words, as far from the aisle as possible). And you also want to be centered from a front-back perspective (in other words, not in the front row nor the back row).
Importantly, you should avoid the first two rows closest to the screen. These are uncomfortable seats in any theater, but especially a theater with an oversized screen.
It is better to sit in the farthest back row rather than the farthest front row, but neither is ideal. If you sit too close to the back of the theater, the screen will appear smaller, the rear speakers will overpower, and you will lose the “immersive” theater experience. It will also be a waste of the extra $3-4 you spent to watch the movie on an oversized screen.
If there aren’t many seats remaining when you book, and you get stuck in a corner, aim for one of the back corners rather than a front corner. A front corner seat is incredibly unpleasant. Before booking a seat in the front corner (or anywhere in the front row), I would just buy a ticket for a different night or a different theater.
So, Are SuperScreen DLX & UltraScreen DLX worth it?
For action movies and blockbusters (think Tenet, Dark Knight, Dunkirk, etc.), SuperScreen DLX and UltraScreen DLX are absolutely worth the extra $3-4 compared to a standard ticket.
While the entire concept of a “premium movie experience” is largely an upsell hidden by marketing hype, the perks of Dolby Atmos, quality recliners, and especially the larger screen are worth a couple dollars extra.
At some locations, the price difference between the standard and premium formats is only ~$1.50. At these theaters, I would always recommend purchasing the SuperScreen or UltraScreen — simply for the larger screen alone.
For comedies, chick flicks, and run-of-the-mill releases that you are only watching because it’s Friday night and you couldn’t think of anything better to do, I would save the $3-4 and watch in a standard Marcus theater.
