The 65mm Show to Watch Is ‘Beef’ Season 2

Why It Matters

The adoption of a cinema‑grade 65 mm sensor in a streaming series raises the production bar for TV, influencing how future shows balance cinematic quality with schedule efficiency. It also demonstrates Netflix’s willingness to invest in cutting‑edge technology to differentiate its original content.

Key Takeaways

• ARRI 265 65mm sensor used; first long‑form series to adopt it
• Large‑format camera enables seamless switch between steadicam, handheld, studio setups
• Visual style blends modern glass aesthetic with vintage character across generations
• Intimate framing highlights power dynamics among multiple couples in the series

Pulse Analysis

The decision to shoot “Beef” Season 2 on the ARRI 265 reflects a broader industry shift toward large‑format cameras for serialized storytelling. While 65 mm sensors have long been the domain of feature films, streaming platforms are now leveraging their superior resolution and shallow depth of field to create a more immersive, cinema‑like experience. This move signals that high‑budget visual standards are becoming a competitive differentiator in the crowded OTT market, where audience expectations for image quality continue to rise.

Beyond the hardware, Laxton’s approach illustrates how format choice can serve narrative goals. By using a sensor size comparable to that of classic movies like *Beale Street*, the crew achieved a distinctive look that balances modern glassy surfaces with a nostalgic texture, mirroring the series’ exploration of generational conflict. The flexibility of the ARRI 265 allowed rapid transitions between handheld intimacy and controlled studio lighting, enabling the director of photography to capture nuanced power dynamics across four couples without sacrificing production speed.

For content creators, the success of “Beef” Season 2 offers a template for integrating cinematic technology into television workflows. The series demonstrates that large‑format cameras can be both artistically expressive and operationally efficient, provided the production team invests in adaptable lighting rigs and skilled camera operators. As streaming services vie for subscriber loyalty, adopting such advanced cinematography may become a standard practice, elevating the visual storytelling bar across the industry.