Limited 70mm IMAX Screenings of Christopher Nolan’s *The Odyssey* Spark Public Outcry

*The Odyssey* opened in cinemas on July 17. Director Christopher Nolan filmed the entire adaptation on 1570 IMAX cameras, making it the first full-length feature shot exclusively with that format. The decision means the film can be presented in its intended 70 mm IMAX aspect only in venues equipped for the specific screen and projector ratios.

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Because most theaters use different ratios, only 41 cinemas worldwide can display the original 70 mm version. In the United States, 26 theaters are offering the format, while the United Kingdom has three locations—one of which, BFI IMAX in London, is sold out through September. All other venues will show a cropped version that omits portions of the original framing.

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Commentators and social-media users have argued that the limited rollout undermines accessibility and fairness. Critics contend that the scarcity forces most moviegoers to see a compromised version, effectively privileging a small, affluent audience. Some remarks link the issue to broader concerns about disability access, suggesting that the format choice neglects viewers who rely on full-frame presentations.

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• “the difference is CRAZY.” — TikToker Ed (@etchaskej)

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• “How it is on a local cinema. We need more IMAX 70MM Screens,” — Unnamed social-media user

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• “The Odyssey is a movie where poor people literally see less.” — Unnamed social-media user

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• “F*** it, filming in a format that only ~40 cinemas across the world can fully display is anti-art,” — Unnamed social-media user

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• “This isn’t fair ... Only a few people will get to experience Nolan’s true vision,” — Unnamed social-media user

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The controversy highlights tension between artistic ambition and equitable audience access, prompting ongoing debate about the responsibilities of filmmakers when employing highly specialized exhibition formats.

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