Explained Christopher Nolan IMAX The Odyssey

IMAX 70mm might be totally sold out, but these are the next best ways to watch The Odyssey

There's SO many options

Hebe Hancock
27th July 2026, 15:58
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Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has turned half the internet into projection experts. Even people who’d never uttered the words “film print” a month ago are suddenly debating whether IMAX 70mm is really worth the hype.

Via Universal

The short answer? Yes. The Odyssey is the first Hollywood blockbuster shot entirely on 65mm IMAX film cameras, meaning IMAX 70mm is the closest you’ll get to seeing the movie exactly as Nolan intended. The giant, slightly curved screens display the tallest image with incredible detail, making the whole thing feel completely immersive.

There’s just one problem: If you’re in the UK, you’ve probably already realised good luck getting a ticket. IMAX 70mm screenings have been almost completely booked out until September thanks to the tiny number of cinemas capable of projecting the format.

If you’re not willing to wait that long, don’t panic. There are still plenty of great ways to see The Odyssey.

Standard IMAX is probably your best alternative

If your local cinema has digital IMAX, this is generally the strongest backup option. While it doesn’t show the full IMAX 70mm image, you’ll still get a much bigger screen, booming sound and an experience that’s much closer to Nolan’s vision than a standard multiplex screen.

70mm film comes next

If you’re lucky enough to have a cinema showing standard 70mm film, it’s another fantastic choice. You won’t see the expanded IMAX aspect ratio, but you’ll still get a beautifully sharp, bright image with all the richness that comes from projecting actual film.

35mm offers a classic cinema feel

Some screenings are also available in 35mm, which gives the film a noticeably different look. It’s grainier, softer and more textured than digital projection, making it feel like the traditional movie-going experience many people grew up with. If you’re into analogue film, it’s well worth trying.

Dolby Cinema is the best digital option

If image quality is your priority, Dolby Cinema is arguably the best premium digital format. Dolby Vision laser projection delivers incredibly bright colours, deep blacks and impressive contrast, while Dolby Atmos provides some of the best cinema sound available.

4DX is the wild card

Then there’s 4DX, which is definitely the most divisive option. Alongside the film itself, you’ll get moving seats, water sprays, wind effects and other physical effects designed to make you feel like you’re on Odysseus’ journey yourself. For a film packed with storms and sea battles, it could be a lot of fun, although not everyone wants to be sprayed in the face halfway through a Christopher Nolan movie.

So what’s actually the best?

If you can’t get IMAX 70mm, the general consensus is:

  1. Standard IMAX
  2. 70mm film
  3. Dolby Cinema (Dolby Vision)
  4. 35mm film
  5. Standard cinema
  6. 4DX (only if you’re after the novelty rather than Nolan’s intended presentation)

Ultimately, any big cinema screen is going to beat waiting months for streaming. As long as cinemas keep selling out screenings, there’s a good chance The Odyssey will stick around long enough for you to catch it in the best format possible.

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Featured image credit: Universal