Major Cinema Chains Are Upgrading Theaters to Cater To Nolan's 70mm IMAX Blockbuster
Cinemark is the latest major theater chain to announce significant upgrades in preparation for Christopher Nolan's upcoming film, "The Odyssey". The move comes as Regal Cinemas recently announced plans to build or upgrade new IMAX theaters capable of playing the 2026 blockbuster.
According to reports, Cinemark will install three new 70mm film projection systems and four new IMAX with Laser systems in the United States. Additionally, the company will upgrade its remaining 12 IMAX screens to IMAX with Laser, a 4K laser projection system designed to deliver superior images and audio. These upgraded theaters will be located at Cinemark Seven Bridges in Illinois, Cinemark Carefree Circle in Colorado Springs, and Cinemark Tinseltown in New York.
The news comes as only around 30 theaters worldwide currently support 70mm IMAX screenings, a format that Nolan shot his entire film in. However, by the time "The Odyssey" hits theaters in July 2026, this number is expected to increase to approximately 40. While it may not seem like a drastic change, for fans attending these screenings, having access to 70mm IMAX will be a major draw.
Interestingly, this upgrade comes as theater chains typically lag behind when it comes to embracing new technologies and formats. The recent success of IMAX releases with major blockbusters has led theaters to reassess their priorities, recognizing the value of upgrading facilities to cater to premium audiences willing to pay more for an exceptional cinematic experience.
Nolan's ambitious use of 70mm IMAX technology is also noteworthy, as it marks the first time a Hollywood feature film has been shot entirely in this format. This technological push could pave the way for more filmmakers to explore the capabilities of large-scale formats.
IMAX sales have already generated significant buzz around "The Odyssey", with several high-profile screenings selling out in advance. With these upgrades, fans can expect even more opportunities to experience the film on a massive scale.
"The Odyssey" is set to star Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Charlize Theron among others, before opening July 17, 2026.
Cinemark is the latest major theater chain to announce significant upgrades in preparation for Christopher Nolan's upcoming film, "The Odyssey". The move comes as Regal Cinemas recently announced plans to build or upgrade new IMAX theaters capable of playing the 2026 blockbuster.
According to reports, Cinemark will install three new 70mm film projection systems and four new IMAX with Laser systems in the United States. Additionally, the company will upgrade its remaining 12 IMAX screens to IMAX with Laser, a 4K laser projection system designed to deliver superior images and audio. These upgraded theaters will be located at Cinemark Seven Bridges in Illinois, Cinemark Carefree Circle in Colorado Springs, and Cinemark Tinseltown in New York.
The news comes as only around 30 theaters worldwide currently support 70mm IMAX screenings, a format that Nolan shot his entire film in. However, by the time "The Odyssey" hits theaters in July 2026, this number is expected to increase to approximately 40. While it may not seem like a drastic change, for fans attending these screenings, having access to 70mm IMAX will be a major draw.
Interestingly, this upgrade comes as theater chains typically lag behind when it comes to embracing new technologies and formats. The recent success of IMAX releases with major blockbusters has led theaters to reassess their priorities, recognizing the value of upgrading facilities to cater to premium audiences willing to pay more for an exceptional cinematic experience.
Nolan's ambitious use of 70mm IMAX technology is also noteworthy, as it marks the first time a Hollywood feature film has been shot entirely in this format. This technological push could pave the way for more filmmakers to explore the capabilities of large-scale formats.
IMAX sales have already generated significant buzz around "The Odyssey", with several high-profile screenings selling out in advance. With these upgrades, fans can expect even more opportunities to experience the film on a massive scale.
"The Odyssey" is set to star Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Charlize Theron among others, before opening July 17, 2026.