Why most fans won't see "The Odyssey" as Nolan intended
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The premiere of "The Odyssey." Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Universal Pictures.
The purest form of Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" can only be seen in 25 U.S. theaters — all equipped with 70mm IMAX screens.
The big picture: Movie theaters are enjoying their strongest run since COVID — driven in party by major film studios turning major releases into can't-miss events like Nolan's latest.
Context: Nolan's preferred presentation format can only be shown on 70mm IMAX screens, which offer the highest-quality image and sound from the original film.
- Nolan previously showed some of his films in 70mm — like "Oppenheimer" — but "Odyssey" was the first narrative film to be shot entirely using IMAX cameras, according to IMAX.
- "IMAX is the best film format that was ever invented. It's the gold standard and what any other technology has to match up to, but none have," Nolan said in a press release.
Nolan fans are going bonkers over it. Some fans bought tickets a year ago, others delayed their pregnancies or went on cross-country road trips to see the film in its proper format, Variety reports.
How it works: A standard film strips is 35mm. A 70mm print is physically larger, allowing for higher image resolution.
- IMAX screens also display a taller image, letting audiences see more of the frame.
- Normally, filmmakers will only film parts of their movie on IMAX since the cameras for it are bulky and expensive.
Fun fact: Movies shown in 70mm are typically shot on 65mm film, leaving room on the print for the soundtrack, per AP.
Reality check: Very few theaters worldwide can project 70mm IMAX film.
- There are 25 operating movie theaters equipped with IMAX 70mm screens in the U.S., including eight in California alone.
- View the full list on the IMAX website.
The other side: Don't worry — you can still check out "The Odyssey" at movie theaters. You just won't see the film as Nolan intended.
- Moviegoers can see the film in IMAX digital and "exhibitor PLFs" — large screen formats developed by theater chains, like Regal RPX and Cinemark XD.
- It'll also be available in Dolby Cinema, a high-quality film experience that generated millions in 2025 because of fan demand.
The bottom line: Seeing Nolan's preferred version of "The Odyssey" could require a trip of its own.
