These days showing a potential blockbuster in premium format is a no-brainer. That being said, when I first learned that The Who’s Tommy was coming to IMAX, I was initially surprised. It’s a good thing I clicked onto the trailer promoting this event, as what could arguably be one of the best movie musicals of all time looks primed and ready to blow minds all over again. 

Set to run only on March 17 and 18th, Sony’s upcoming IMAX reissue (which you can currently buy tickets for) could be the ultimate experience “for a new generation.” For the uninitiated, here’s that new trailer for director Ken Russell’s 1975 cult classic: 

Now if there was any singular reason to go see The Who’s Tommy in IMAX, it’s not Ann-Margaret writhing around in beans. (Yes, that’s something that actually happens in this film. It was the ‘70s.) Rather, it’s the film’s ahead of its time “Quintaphonic Sound” mix – which helped pave the way to 5.1 surround sound becoming a past standard of sonic excellence. 

A Proper IMAX Experience For The Who’s Tommy Would Be A Mindblower

I don’t mean to oversell this point, but I think that The Who’s Tommy could be an IMAX experience on the level of Speed Racer. A cocktail of maximalist filmmaking and a booming rock soundtrack, this movie could blow the minds like it did on opening weekend in 1975. Don’t believe me? Imagine something like the musical number “Acid Queen” (shown below) in this format’s full glory: 

That’s not the only number The Who’s Tommy has at its disposal to literally rock you. “Pinball Wizard,” “Amazing Journey,” and the mammoth closing number – with IMAX level sound and picture – would be the right kind of sensory overload. Which, fittingly, is what this story is about. And if you question that point, watch the clip above again.

Otherwise, you should get ready to see The Who’s Tommy to light up IMAX screens on March 17th and 18th! As always, for the latest developments on the silver screen, keep a browser tab tuned to THS’ Movie News archives.