For 'The Odyssey,' Nolan's All-IMAX Shoot Creates a Global Scramble for Rare Screenings

Christopher Nolan has fulfilled a longtime ambition by shooting his upcoming film "The Odyssey" entirely on IMAX film, making it the first feature ever captured in that format from start to finish. Newsday and The Press Democrat both reported this milestone. The result, however, is that only a fraction of moviegoers will be able to see the film in its purest form: IMAX 70mm projection.

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NewsdayWhat to know: 70mm? IMAX? Dolby? Christopher Nolan breaks down his favorite big screen formatsThe Press DemocratWhat to know: 70mm? IMAX? Dolby? Christopher Nolan breaks down his favorite big screen formats

According to IGN, there are just 41 cinemas in the entire world capable of projecting the IMAX 70mm format. Of those, only 25 are in the United States, as the Las Vegas Review-Journal noted, listing Brenden Theatres at the Palms in Las Vegas as one of the select venues. "It is one of only 25 theaters in America capable of showing the movie exactly as writer-director Christopher Nolan intended," the Review-Journal reported.

IGNAs 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'

"Nolan fans have already begun planning trips across countries to watch the film in its intended format, making it one of the rarest theatrical experiences in recent years"

businesstoday.inChristopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' to be released in IMAX 15/70mm format, where can you see it in India?

Comicbasics.com described fans going to "extreme lengths," including traveling across states, buying tickets months early, and making major plans just to secure a seat. The scarcity has frustrated some, but the head of IMAX himself told IGN that building more projectors to meet demand is not "practical." The company has shifted away from film-based projection in most locations, leaving Nolan's preferred format a niche luxury.

comicbasics.comChristopher Nolan Fans are Going to Extreme Lengths to See ‘The Odyssey’ in 70mm IMAX

With "The Odyssey" due for release, the hunt for a 70mm IMAX ticket has become a pilgrimage for cinephiles. For those who cannot find one, Nolan has also discussed other premium formats like standard 70mm and Dolby Cinema, though as the Las Vegas Review-Journal and other outlets noted, none replicate the full IMAX film experience he designed.