Christopher Nolan's Next Epic Is Changing Theaters In An Exciting Way

"What made these tickets so desirable? The answer is complicated, but a new change means you won't miss out if you're not planning your life a year ahead of time. The tickets sold in July were for 70mm IMAX showings, an ultra-large format used for blockbusters like Oppenheimer and Sinners. It's the largest screen you can possibly see the movie on, and it shows the most of the original image possible while still feeling like real film."

"The downside is that there are only about 30 theaters worldwide capable of showing that format, 19 of which are in the United States. But that could change soon. According to , Cinemark has announced it will construct three new IMAX 70mm theaters and upgrade four other theaters with the more modern IMAX with Laser projection technology. Adding three screens may not seem like a big change, but it suddenly opens 70mm screenings to new parts of the country: the Chicago suburb of Woodbridge, Illinois; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Rochester, New York."

"Cinemark said these theaters will be operational by the time The Odyssey premieres in July 2026, as the early ticket sales have shown there's a demand for these screenings. Given such demand, it's possible non-Cinemark brands will also add new screens. The Odyssey is Nolan's first movie filmed entirely in 70mm, so hardcore fans will want to seek out the right screen wherever they can. As another movie taught us, if you build it, they will come."

Universal released tickets for Christopher Nolan's film a year before release and 70mm IMAX showings sold out quickly, boosting box office while filming continued. The July tickets were for 70mm IMAX, an ultra-large format that preserves much of the original image and retains a film-like feel. Only about 30 theaters worldwide can project true 70mm IMAX, 19 in the United States, creating scarcity. Cinemark plans three new IMAX 70mm theaters and upgrades to four locations with IMAX with Laser. The new venues will open by The Odyssey's July 17, 2026 premiere, and demand may prompt other chains to add screens.

Read at Inverse