Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is hitting theaters, but only 41 locations globally can show it the way Nolan intended — in IMAX 70mm. This is the top-tier film format that transforms blockbusters into experiences that feel like looking through a window. For most moviegoers, this means either settling for a lesser version or making a long trip to find one of those rare theaters.
What Is IMAX 70mm, Exactly?
Standard movies get projected digitally, which means they play back a high-resolution video file. But IMAX 70mm is different. It uses actual physical film that measures 70 millimeters wide, which is about ten times the size of a regular 35mm film frame. Imagine the difference between viewing a photo on your phone and standing in front of a giant billboard-sized print of that same image. The result is a sharper, brighter image that fills your entire field of vision, especially in theaters built for this format.
Nolan has long advocated for shooting on film instead of digital, and The Odyssey continues that tradition. According to Mashable, just 41 theaters worldwide can project the film in this format, making it one of the most exclusive releases in recent history.
Why Are There Only 41 Theaters?
IMAX 70mm projection equipment is costly, bulky, and needs specialized maintenance. Most multiplexes switched to digital projection years ago because it’s cheaper and easier to handle. The few theaters still using 70mm projectors are mainly legacy venues in major cities or select locations that have invested significantly in preserving the format.
This leads to a split release: audiences near one of those 41 theaters get to enjoy the full experience Nolan envisioned. Everyone else ends up with a digital version, which is still a solid viewing option, but it’s not the same.
Engadget’s review suggests that the IMAX 70mm experience is worth the trip. They describe it as the kind of theatrical event that reminds you why movies should be seen on a massive screen.
| By The Numbers: The Odyssey IMAX 70mm | |
|---|---|
| IMAX 70mm theaters worldwide | 41 |
| Film width | 70mm (vs. standard 35mm) |
| Frame size compared to standard film | ~10x larger |
| Director | Christopher Nolan |
| Nolan’s previous IMAX 70mm films | Dunkirk, Tenet, Oppenheimer, Interstellar |
Has Nolan Done This Before?
What This Means
For many people, the real question is: should you go out of your way to find an IMAX 70mm screening, or is a regular showing just fine?
If you’re close to one of those 41 theaters, reviewers suggest it’s worth the effort. The difference between IMAX 70mm and a standard digital screening is obvious. If you’d drive an hour for a great concert, the same logic applies for a two-hour Nolan film.
If the nearest IMAX 70mm theater is far away, a standard IMAX digital screening (available in many more places) still offers a great big-screen experience. The full 70mm version is the peak, but it’s not the only good choice.
The bigger issue Mashable raises is whether 41 theaters is simply too few for a wide release from one of Hollywood’s biggest directors. If the format is valuable, more people should be able to enjoy it without needing a travel itinerary for a movie ticket.
What People Are Saying
“Drove 90 minutes to the nearest IMAX 70mm for Oppenheimer and I’d do it again for this. The format isn’t hype; it genuinely changes the experience.”
“Calling it a status symbol is spot on. It’s turning a movie release into a two-class system. Not everyone lives near a major city.”
What To Watch
- Theatrical release date: The Odyssey is set for theaters in summer 2026. Specific IMAX 70mm showtimes will appear on the IMAX website closer to the release date.
- Theater list: IMAX is expected to publish the full list of 70mm locations before ticket sales start. Demand for those seats is likely to be high, given how quickly Oppenheimer screenings sold out.
- Format debate: Whether studios and IMAX will increase the number of 70mm-capable theaters is a longer-term question. The commercial success of Nolan’s recent films has made a strong financial case, but infrastructure investments mean changes won’t happen overnight.
Sources: Mashable: The Odyssey has made IMAX 70mm a status symbol | Engadget: The Odyssey in IMAX is worth a long journey of your own
Ava Mitchell
Ava Mitchell is a digital culture journalist at Explosion.com covering social media platforms, streaming services, and the creator economy. With 4 years reporting on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and the apps that shape daily life, Ava specializes in explaining platform policy changes and their impact on everyday users. She previously managed social media strategy for a tech startup, giving her firsthand experience with the platforms she now covers.
