The Rarity of IMAX 70mm Screenings Highlighted by 'The Odyssey'

Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ is garnering attention as the first full-length film shot entirely on IMAX film cameras. According to reporting by Wired’s Corey Atad, although the film is being screened on thousands of screens worldwide, only 41 theaters—25 of which are in the United States—are equipped to screen it in its intended IMAX 70mm film format. Many of these screenings are sold out weeks in advance.

IMAX 70mm film uses a 65mm film negative that is fed horizontally, recording images with a width of 15 perforations, compared to the standard 5 perforations. Projected onto massive IMAX screens with an almost square 1.43:1 aspect ratio, this format offers an immersive experience far exceeding that of standard movie screenings. However, opportunities to enjoy this “true IMAX” experience remain extremely limited.

The Diversification of IMAX Formats

IMAX Corporation introduced its first digital system in 2008. James Hyder, who managed the IMAX theater at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in the 1980s and ran the large-screen industry magazine LF Examiner from 2008 to 2021, noted, “This started in 2008 when IMAX introduced its first digital system.” The company executed a long-planned pivot, expanding its business from museums and science centers to major cinema chains.

As a result, the experience offered at venues labeled as IMAX theaters varies significantly. Formats range from 2K digital systems to 4K laser systems and the traditional 15/70mm film format. Most digital IMAX theaters crop the image to a wide 1.90:1 aspect ratio and project it onto screens that are considerably smaller than traditional large-format IMAX screens.

Consumer Confusion

As major cinema chains invest in premium large-format (PLF) screens like Dolby Vision, the differences between IMAX and other premium formats have become harder for consumers to discern. ‘The Odyssey’ is being offered in six premium formats, including IMAX 70mm, with the official website listing the characteristics and aspect ratios of each format. However, while distinctions are made between “70mm IMAX” and “standard IMAX,” the wide range of quality within “standard IMAX” is not adequately explained.

Hyder pointed out, “This is a betrayal of customers, exploiting the reputation of true large-screen IMAX that IMAX originally stood for.” IMAX Corporation has not responded to requests for comment.

Reassessing Film Screenings

Recently, there has been a resurgence in interest in film shooting and screenings. IMAX 70mm is positioned as the pinnacle of this movement, with Nolan’s works regularly released in this premium format. However, the limited number of theaters capable of screening IMAX 70mm not only heightens the format’s value but also creates barriers to accessibility.

Editorial Opinion

In the short term, the scramble for IMAX 70mm screening tickets for ‘The Odyssey’ may temporarily boost consumer interest in formats. However, unless concrete measures are taken to address the disparities in viewing experiences, trust in the IMAX brand may erode over the long term. As IMAX Corporation continues its expansion through digitalization, the number of physical theaters capable of offering a pure film experience is unlikely to increase.

From a long-term perspective, there is a risk that the IMAX brand name may become a generic term for “immersive large-screen experiences.” Originally a trademark tied to specific technical specifications, it could be diluted into a marketing term, leaving consumers unable to guarantee the quality filmmakers intended. Industry-wide discussions on format standardization will become necessary.

The editorial team believes that transparent information that allows consumers to easily distinguish between “true IMAX” and “digital IMAX” is urgently needed. Why does IMAX Corporation avoid clearly explaining the differences between its formats? Without answers to this question, trust gaps between formats will only continue to widen.

References

• “‘The Odyssey’ Was Made for Imax 70mm. Good Luck Watching It That Way”, by Corey Atad — Wired, 2026-07-25T10:00:00.000Z (ARR)
• Source URL: https://www.wired.com/story/the-odyssey-was-made-for-imax-70mm-good-luck-watching-it-that-way/