How are you planning to watch Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey? There is a big difference between IMAX 70mm, IMAX digital, 35mm and digital formats. The new trailer demonstrates it clearly.The Odyssey is the first feature film to be shot 100% on IMAX film.
This means it was not filmed with digital IMAX cameras ('Filmed for IMAX'), but instead with analog 65mm IMAX film cameras ('Filmed in IMAX'), resulting in a much taller picture format and very higher resolution.
See the difference for yourself
With the trailer for The Odyssey, Nolan and his production team showcase the differences between aspect ratios. You need to visit the official The Odyssey website rather than watching the trailer on YouTube or elsewhere.
As shown in the example below, the difference in framing is significant. In its widescreen presentation (2.39:1), a large portion of the picture is cropped compared to IMAX 70mm (1.43:1).
Left: IMAX 70mm (original aspect ratio). Right: Standard 35mm aspect ratio
Where to watch The Odyssey
There are only a handful of cinemas around the world that can present the move in IMAX 70mm film or via laser projection. Instead, many IMAX cinemas present films in 1.90:1, which is the second-largest format.
The third largest is standard 70mm (2.20:1) but it is not much taller than standard 35mm widescreen (2.39:1). The resolution should still be great, though.
Dolby Cinema cinemas are available in select countries with a watered-down version of Dolby Vision – it is not HDR – and full Dolby Atmos audio. Only cinemas equipped with modular LED screens, rather than projectors, can screen movies in HDR quality. Otherwise you need to wait for the home release.
The Odyssey premieres on July 17, 2026. How are you planning to watch it?
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