Story perspectives

The Odyssey launches as first all-IMAX 70mm, prices soar

7/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Odyssey opened on July 17, 2026 as the first feature shot entirely with IMAX 70 mm cameras, using 11 miles of film, in 25 IMAX 70 mm theaters.
Opening-weekend adult tickets cost $27.77, about 81 % above average, while an average 70 mm screen earned $153,000.
Projector failures at Cineplex Vaughan (Canada) and Regal King of Prussia (Pennsylvania) left only digital showings.
Resale prices neared $1,000 as social-media mentions of the format doubled after July 17.

History

Historical Context

In 2008 Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight inserted roughly 15–20% IMAX 70 mm footage, the first major use of the format beyond documentaries. The success spurred theaters to adopt 70 mm projection, a trend echoed by epics such as Ben-Hur (1959). Building on that legacy, the 2026 film The Odyssey is the first feature shot entirely with IMAX cameras, heralding a new premium-format wave.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Odyssey opened on July 17, 2026 as the first feature shot entirely with IMAX 70 mm cameras, using 11 miles of film, in 25 IMAX 70 mm theaters.
Opening-weekend adult tickets cost $27.77, about 81 % above average, while an average 70 mm screen earned $153,000.
Projector failures at Cineplex Vaughan (Canada) and Regal King of Prussia (Pennsylvania) left only digital showings.
Resale prices neared $1,000 as social-media mentions of the format doubled after July 17.

1 / 2