F1 The Movie is shaping up to be the blockbuster that Apple anticipated. Initial box office figures indicate it is the company’s most successful theatrical release by a significant margin. However, while many may be eager for it to arrive on Apple TV+, here’s why F1 The Movie is distinctly worth experiencing in cinemas.
## F1 provides a singular cinematic experience that Apple TV+ cannot replicate
Apple is known for the iPhone, a device that—whether positively or negatively—has become a common way to watch movies and TV shows today. Yet, of all the films you might view on an iPhone, F1 should not be one of them.
Numerous individuals familiar with the F1 marketing campaign might think: “It’s an Apple film; it will eventually premiere on Apple TV+. I’ll hold off until then.” Indeed, F1 will make its way to Apple TV+ in due time. As my colleague Ben indicates, a mid-fall arrival is anticipated.
If you possess a large living room television and an excellent surround sound system, F1 will likely provide a superb at-home experience. However, one recurring theme in early reviews is that F1 truly warrants a theatrical screening.
Why? Because the film’s aim of capturing ultra-authentic racing scenes is best accomplished on the largest screen available—ideally IMAX. David Chen shares in his newsletter Decoding Everything:
> “The movie truly showcases its brilliance in the racing scenes. Pitt and Idris mastered driving actual F2 cars, and Kosinski and his team engineered new camera systems to incorporate high-quality sensors into the cockpits of those vehicles. The outcome is an immersion level seldom felt in theaters. It’s easy to believe these characters are genuinely in danger, racing at incredible speeds while attempting to navigate other vehicles and obstacles on the track… I can only describe it as one of the most remarkable IMAX experiences I’ve ever had.”
“It’s one of the most remarkable IMAX experiences I’ve ever had.”
Exploring the specifics of F1’s filming reveals further clarity.
## F1’s director discusses the movie’s racing sequences
In a discussion about the depth of immersion F1 achieves, director Joseph Kosinski shared with Collider:
> “Apple ended up being the perfect collaborator for us. I think Formula One aligns exceptionally well with their identity as a company—innovative and design-oriented. Thus, we were fortunate to utilize some of their technology, as Formula One cars are equipped with a small broadcast camera positioned right behind the driver’s head, transmitting 720p video for live broadcasts. They permitted us to swap that camera with an Apple camera that recorded 4K raw video at 24p, and they allowed us to install that camera on two or three cars in every race. While they weren’t receiving a live feed from that car, we captured high-quality footage that genuinely represented the experience of being in that race. This footage is incorporated throughout our film to provide the audience with an authentic perspective of what it’s like to be part of a real F1 race.”
In essence, F1 is the kind of film that delivers a unique viewing experience when enjoyed in IMAX or another large format. Your home TV setup, or your iPhone or iPad, simply cannot emulate the intended impact. Will F1 still be enjoyable on Apple TV+? Yes, the film has received very favorable reviews. However, for this specific film, the theatrical experience appears to be particularly vital.
Did you catch F1 The Movie in theaters, or are you planning to wait for Apple TV+? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Apple TV+ is accessible for $9.99 per month and includes popular TV shows and films such as Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Silo, and Shrinking.
