Colorado's 70mm IMAX "The Odyssey" screenings hit snags

The big picture: Instead, opening weekend brought projector failures, refunds and a wave of frustrated moviegoers.

Zoom in: At Denver's Regal UA Colorado Center, a projector malfunction forced the theater to switch to a digital screening. But that projector failed, too, about 10 minutes into the nearly three-hour film, the Denver Post reports.

• A Cinemark spokesperson told Axios the projector at Colorado Springs' Carefree Circle XD failed during one weekend screening, prompting refunds. It's since been repaired.

What they're saying: The snafus have spurred angry online reviews.

• "Went for the 70mm showing ... Upon getting there learned that the projector was broke ... Complete rug pull after driving 2 hours for this experience," one Regal customer wrote.

Between the lines: Showing a 70mm IMAX print is notoriously difficult. Prints can weigh about 600 pounds and stretch 11 miles long, requiring specialized projection equipment and careful handling.

The latest: Cinemark says its 70mm screenings are back on track in Colorado Springs.

• Regal's status is less clear.
• Its website now lists upcoming showings simply as "IMAX" — a label that covers several formats, not just 70mm. The company didn't respond to Axios' requests for comment.

Zoom out: Colorado isn't alone. At least one other theater — in San Antonio — also experienced projector problems over opening weekend.

• Only 25 theaters in the U.S. can screen movies in 70mm IMAX.