Christopher Nolan's latest film, The Odyssey, has inspired a wave of extreme dedication from fans eager to experience it in its exclusive IMAX 70mm format. This format, available in only 41 theaters globally, projects at a taller 1.43:1 aspect ratio, revealing more of the film's frame. The Odyssey is notably the first feature-length film ever shot entirely in IMAX, made possible by the newly designed Keighley camera.
This push for the premium viewing experience has led some audience members to undertake considerable journeys. Reports detail one viewer traveling nearly 300 miles from Ocala, Florida, to Fort Lauderdale via car, bus, and train. Others have made international trips, including one fan who flew from Italy to London's British Film Institute IMAX theater. Another fan described a 12-hour road trip from South Dakota to Saskatchewan, Canada.
The devotion extends to personal life decisions, with one individual reportedly delaying a pregnancy to avoid scheduling conflicts with viewing the film. In New York City, an attorney purchased 18 tickets for multiple screenings at the AMC Lincoln Square over three weeks to ensure repeated viewings in IMAX 70mm.
While these dedicated fans have prioritized seeing the film in its intended format, many others are facing the reality that experiencing The Odyssey in IMAX 70mm may require substantial travel. IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond has acknowledged that expanding the number of theaters capable of projecting in this format is not currently considered practical.
Beyond the pursuit of the IMAX 70mm experience, The Odyssey has achieved significant box office success. In its opening weekend, the film grossed $124.5 million domestically and $139.6 million internationally, totaling $264.1 million worldwide. This marks the biggest worldwide opening of Nolan's career and positions it as the third-highest opening of the year. The film has garnered widespread critical and audience acclaim, with praise directed at its epic scale, its engagement with the Greek concept of xenia, and its impactful third act.