Few theaters can show Nolan's "The Odyssey" in full-size IMAX 70mm

Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s epic is being screened in true IMAX 70mm at just 41 theaters globally, including 25 in the United States. The limited number of venues and frequent sell-outs have generated strong demand among moviegoers.

The film is the first feature shot entirely on IMAX film using IMAX cameras, which run a 65-mm negative horizontally to produce a 15-perforation frame. When projected on a giant IMAX screen, the 1.43:1 aspect ratio delivers an image that is markedly larger and sharper than standard cinema formats.

IMAX now offers several digital variants, such as 2K and 4K dual-projector systems, often with a cropped 1.90:1 aspect ratio and smaller screens. James Hyder, former manager of the Smithsonian’s Langley IMAX theater and former editor of LF Examiner, said, "> This all started in 2008 when IMAX introduced its first digital system."

Hyder added that the variety of IMAX formats can confuse consumers, noting, "> It's a disservice to their customers, and it's basically trading on a reputation for real giant screens that used to be what IMAX stood for."

The scarcity of 15/70-mm projectors also limits expansion. IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond told Variety that the company has not built new film projectors in about five decades and must retrofit existing machines, saying, "> So we retrofit them, rebuild them, and part of our strategy is to see how far we can take it."

Industry observers suggest that achieving comparable sharpness with digital technology would require 8K projection, possibly by tiling multiple 4K projectors, a method used in planetariums. Hyder noted that the rarity of the format contributes to its appeal, stating, "> One of the reasons this is so popular is because it's rare."

Despite the challenges, Hyder expressed optimism that well-maintained IMAX film projectors could continue operating for decades, even as financial considerations limit broader adoption.