Summary (tl;dr)

Interest in IMAX 70mm film screenings is surging worldwide due to the highly anticipated release of Christopher Nolan's new film, "The Odyssey," which opens on July 17, 2026, and was shot entirely using this premium format. Film enthusiasts are actively searching for the limited number of theaters capable of projecting the film in its intended, high-resolution glory.

Essential Background

Christopher Nolan has long been a vocal proponent of traditional film, especially the IMAX 70mm format, for its unparalleled visual clarity and immersive experience. His previous films, like "Oppenheimer," utilized IMAX 70mm for key sequences, leading to a significant increase in public awareness and demand for this specific projection method. This created a dedicated fanbase that seeks out the rare theaters equipped to show films in this format.

The Full Story

Google Trends keywords like "imax 70mm locations" and "how long is the odyssey movie" are currently trending as moviegoers prepare for the global release of Christopher Nolan's latest epic, "The Odyssey." The film, a mythic action epic adapting Homer's saga and starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Zendaya, is uniquely the first feature film to be shot entirely with IMAX film cameras. "The Odyssey" has a runtime of 2 hours and 52 minutes. The excitement is amplified by the scarcity of IMAX 70mm projectors, with only around 41 such cinemas existing globally. Many shows are already sold out, and fans are undertaking extensive travels, including international trips, to experience the film in Nolan's preferred format, which offers an 18K resolution and a unique 1.43:1 aspect ratio.

Why It Matters

The trend highlights a significant cultural phenomenon where cinematic authenticity and immersive viewing experiences are highly valued, driving unprecedented demand for a niche, analog film format in a predominantly digital age. The enthusiasm for "The Odyssey" in IMAX 70mm demonstrates a willingness among audiences to seek out premium viewing conditions, often traveling considerable distances and paying higher ticket prices. This demand also brings attention to the challenges faced by IMAX in expanding its 70mm film infrastructure, as new projectors haven't been manufactured in decades, requiring extensive retrofitting of existing equipment. The success of this release could further influence filmmakers and studios to consider high-quality, large-format film production.

Geographic Location

• AMC Lincoln Square 13 & IMAX, New York, New York, United States (screening of "The Odyssey" and a global destination for IMAX 70mm enthusiasts)
• Esquire IMAX Theatre, Sacramento, Sacramento County, California, United States (screening of "The Odyssey" as one of only eight 70mm IMAX capable theaters in California)
• IMAX Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (screening of "The Odyssey" as the only 1570 cinema in the Southern Hemisphere)
• Scotiabank Chinook & IMAX, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (screening of "The Odyssey" in IMAX 70mm)