“The Odyssey” director Christopher Nolan has long been an advocate for IMAX 70mm film, advising movie buffs to get the best viewing experience possible in special IMAX theaters.
Very few locations around the world are capable of projecting the film, however, with just 25 U.S. theaters airing Nolan’s newest movie in the special format.
Luckily for local megafans, one theater in the Chicago metro area is airing “The Odyssey” in 70mm.
What is ‘The Odyssey’ about?
Based on Homer’s epic poem, the three-hour saga (in theaters July 17) follows Greek king Odysseus (Matt Damon) on his 10-year journey back to Ithaca to reunite with his wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway), and son, Telemachus (Tom Holland). Throughout his journey Odysseus faces off against sirens, giants and sea gods.
What is a 70mm film projection?
70mm film projection is a wide high-resolution film gauge for motion picture photography, according to Indiewire. It is a process of projecting movies onto a big screen using a film print that is 70mm wide, which is about twice the size of regular 35mm film.
Nolan’s “The Odyssey” is the first major studio movie to ever be filmed completely with IMAX cameras, as they are notoriously costly, loud and bulky to operate, according to USA TODAY.
Why does Christopher Nolan prefer 70 mm film projection?
Nolan previously told the Associated Press he is a longtime fan of the filming method, creating other films like “Dunkirk” and “Tenet” with the large format film stock as well.
He explained that viewers are getting the feeling of 3D without the glasses, adding that the sharpness and clarity of the cameras immerse them in the world of the film.
“You rarely get the chance to really talk to moviegoers directly about why you love a particular format and why if they can find an IMAX screen to see the film on that’s great,” Nolan said. “We put a lot of effort into shooting the film in a way that we can get it out on these large format screens. It really is just a great way of giving people an experience that they can’t possibly get in the home.”
Where can you see ‘The Odyssey’ on 70mm film in Illinois?
Moviegoers can see “The Odyssey” in 15 perf/70mm film in Woodridge at the Cinemark Seven Bridges & IMAX.
Where are all 25 IMAX 70mm theaters showing ‘The Odyssey?’
Here’s where to see it in IMAX:
CONTRIBUTING: Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: See ‘The Odyssey’ the way Nolan intended at this Illinois theater
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall and Samantha Neely, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Hannah Hudnall and Samantha Neely, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
