Historic Glendale Theatre Sets 70mm Box-Office Record with Christopher Nolan’s *The Odyssey*

Glendale’s century-old Alex Theatre, a 900-seat venue noted for its Classical Revival and Moderne architecture, has become the highest-grossing U.S. theater showing Christopher Nolan’s mythological epic *The Odyssey* in 70 mm. The film’s domestic weekend total reached $395.5 million, and its global earnings are approaching the $1 billion milestone, sitting at $911 million after three weekends.

Hollywood Reporter

Six weeks before the scheduled July 17 premiere, the Alex installed a new 70 mm projection system, investing $500,000 in technical upgrades, including a ground-floor projection booth. The installation was overseen by Los Angeles projectionist Taylor Umphenour, an IMAX consultant who has worked with Nolan on daily footage. The theater now programs eight to ten nights of movies each month, mixing live events such as ballet and rock concerts with large-format releases. Future special engagements are planned for Denis Villeneuve’s *Dune: Part Three* (December) and Greta Gerwig’s *Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew* (February 2027).

Hollywood Reporter

*The Odyssey* was the first first-run film at the Alex since 1991’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day, ending a 35-year gap. Audience demand has driven the theater to extend the run through August 20, 2026. The film’s 70 mm presentation aligns with Nolan’s intent to showcase the story on the largest possible screens, prompting moviegoers to seek the Alex’s immersive experience.

Deadline Hollywood

He added that the theater’s role in Hollywood’s cinematic legacy is being recognized by the studio.

Hollywood Reporter

• “We’re incredibly grateful to the people of Los Angeles and to film lovers from across Southern California for making our presentation of The Odyssey in 70mm such an extraordinary success,” — Miles Williams, alex’s artistic director

Deadline Hollywood