Acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan has once again raised the bar for theatrical filmmaking with The Odyssey, a grand adaptation of Homer‘s legendary Greek epic. As the film opens in cinemas on July 17, Nolan is encouraging audiences to watch it in IMAX 70mm, the premium format he believes delivers the most immersive movie experience possible.

However, there’s a catch. Only 25 IMAX theatres across the United States are equipped to project the film in its intended 15-perf/70mm format, making it one of the rarest theatrical releases in recent years.

A Legendary Story Reimagined

Based on the ancient Greek epic poem, The Odyssey follows Odysseus, portrayed by Matt Damon, as he embarks on a perilous ten-year journey home after the Trojan War.

His quest to reunite with his wife Penelope, played by Anne Hathaway, and son Telemachus, portrayed by Tom Holland, is filled with mythical creatures, dangerous seas, powerful gods and unforgettable battles.

The nearly three-hour film is expected to combine Nolan’s signature visual storytelling with one of history’s greatest adventure tales.

Why IMAX 70mm Matters

Unlike conventional digital projection, 70mm film uses a much larger film frame, delivering significantly higher image resolution, richer detail and a greater sense of depth.

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What makes The Odyssey even more remarkable is that it is believed to be the first major studio feature filmed entirely using IMAX cameras. While the cameras offer extraordinary visual quality, they are also expensive, bulky and technically demanding to operate.

Nolan has long championed large-format filmmaking, previously using IMAX technology in critically acclaimed films including Dunkirk, Tenet, Interstellar, and Oppenheimer.

According to the Oscar-winning director, IMAX 70mm allows audiences to experience cinema with exceptional clarity and scale, creating an almost three-dimensional effect without requiring special glasses.

Indiana Among the Exclusive Locations

For moviegoers in Indiana, the IMAX Theatre at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis is the state’s only venue screening The Odyssey in authentic 15-perf/70mm IMAX.

Demand has already proven exceptionally strong, with several opening weekend screenings reportedly selling out days before release.

Only 25 US Theatres Offer the Full Experience

The exclusive IMAX 70mm presentation will be available in selected cities, including:

• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• New York City
• Dallas
• Denver
• Nashville
• Indianapolis
• Las Vegas
• Chicago area
• Grand Rapids
• Providence
• Chattanooga
• San Antonio
• Colorado Springs
• Fort Lauderdale
• Several other major US locations

Because of the limited number of compatible projectors, many film enthusiasts are expected to travel significant distances to experience the movie exactly as Nolan intended.

A Celebration of the Big-Screen Experience

In an era increasingly dominated by streaming platforms, Christopher Nolan continues to advocate for the traditional cinema experience.

His latest production is not simply another blockbuster release—it is also a celebration of film projection itself. By shooting entirely with IMAX cameras and releasing the movie in one of cinema’s rarest formats, Nolan hopes audiences will enjoy an experience that simply cannot be replicated at home.

For movie lovers, The Odyssey represents more than a retelling of a timeless myth—it is also a showcase of the very best that modern theatrical technology has to offer.