As The Odyssey Fans Seek Out One of the 41 Cinemas in the Whole World Capable of Imax 70mm, the Boss of Imax Itself Says Building New Projectors to Meet Demand Isn’t ‘Practical’
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has become a pilgrimage destination for cinema enthusiasts, as the film holds the distinction of being the first feature shot entirely on IMAX 1570 cameras. However, only 41 theaters worldwide possess the specialized projection equipment needed to display IMAX 70mm format, creating significant barriers for audiences seeking the optimal viewing experience.
The scarcity has driven fans to remarkable lengths, with audiences embarking on international journeys to access the limited qualifying cinemas. This underscores both demand for premium cinema experiences and the practical limitations of the technology’s distribution.
Nolan, a longtime advocate for IMAX 1570 film, personally contributed to the format’s development, including innovations to reduce operational camera noise. Despite this enthusiasm, expansion appears unlikely. IMAX’s leadership stated that manufacturing additional projectors to meet demand is not considered a viable business strategy, suggesting infrastructure constraints will persist and the theatrical presentation divide will remain significant.