As "The Odyssey" prepares for its cinema release on July 17, a significant discussion has emerged online regarding its exhibition formats, particularly the implications of watching the film outside of its intended IMAX presentation. The movie is notable for being the first film ever shot entirely with IMAX cameras, leading to anxieties that audiences might only experience a portion of the intended image if they view it in standard theaters.
Social media platforms and forums like Reddit have become hubs for this debate. Users express frustration over the perceived "gatekeeping" of the full visual experience. One widely shared sentiment from Reddit user "CP_Chronicler" questions the necessity of multiple formats, stating, "So audiences will have six different choices of how to see this film, with only one of them being the full image?" Another user, "MooseBoys," voiced annoyance, suggesting that filmmakers should avoid cropping images for standard screens if the film was shot for a different aspect ratio.
This situation echoes past cinematic events, such as the release of director Nolan's "Oppenheimer" and other films like "Sinners" and "One Battle After Another." While "The Odyssey" is being compared to "Sinners," which utilized IMAX for select scenes, director Nolan collaborated with IMAX to develop a quieter camera system, enabling the entire film to be shot on over two million feet of film. This dedicated approach has fueled the desire among cinephiles to experience the film in its optimal format.
The "truest" way to see "The Odyssey" is in its 70mm IMAX format, boasting an aspect ratio of 1:43:1. This results in a taller, more "square" image that fills a screen from top to bottom, a stark contrast to the wider aspect ratios of conventional cinema screens. However, with only around 30 theaters globally equipped for this specific projection, it represents a limited viewing option.
For those unable to access a 70mm IMAX screening, standard IMAX theaters will present the film at a 1:90:1 aspect ratio. This means approximately 40% of the original frame will be cropped from the top and bottom to fit the screen's dimensions. Screenings in 70mm or 35mm formats will further narrow the visible portion of the frame, with aspect ratios of 2:20:1 and 2:39:1, respectively. Digital Dolby Vision and Premium Large Format screenings can also vary, typically between 1:85:1 and 2:39:1.
Despite these format variations, the filmmakers, director Christopher Nolan and cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, are credited with skillfully composing shots for different aspect ratios. The central portion of the frame is designed to contain the core narrative and action. Therefore, while the sweeping vistas may not be fully captured in every format, the story itself should remain intact and compelling for audiences viewing "The Odyssey" on standard cinema screens. A standard IMAX presentation is considered a strong alternative for those without access to the premium 70mm IMAX experience.