Mercedes Adds IMAX Movies to In-Car Entertainment Options List

Mercedes-Benz has announced a partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, IMAX Corporation, ad DTS, Inc. to offer IMAX Enhanced movies from Sony Pictures in its vehicles later this year. The in-car entertainment experience will enable owners to enjoy movies like “Venom: The Last Dance”, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Uncharted” in their vehicle.

“We are bringing our most immersive sound experience directly to the vehicle in a way that hasn’t happened before. With this collaboration, we’re not just providing a quality audio experience, we’re helping bridge the gap between home and vehicle, delivering personalized entertainment where consumers want it,” Bill Neighbors, Chief Content Officer for Xperi said in a press release.

IMAX Enhanced adds to the experience, pairing the picture with the company’s signature sound experience via the car’s audio system, when viewing select films. The films are dubbed in multiple languages.

The video entertainment service, RIDEVU, is only available in the U.S., Japan, United Kingdom, Ireland and Germany. Mercedes is the first global automaker to offer the service.

RIDEVU allows users to access thousands of movies to buy, rent or stream. It is designed for in-car use, but can also be used on iOS and Android devices.
A film can be played on up to six screens in a vehicle, and accessed by front and rear seat passengers, as well as the driver via the centrally located infotainment touchscreen when the car is parked.

Why It Matters

Automakers are working to enhance their models as a third space for owners. Battery-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles charge by plugging in and the time it takes to charge allows customers to enjoy entertainment offerings. Mercedes-Benz is offering their customers a solution that involves the in-car screens rather than having customers rely on watching shows on the phones or tablets, freeing up those devices and allowing for continued connectivity and entertainment on them while enjoying a movie.