The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan’s latest blockbuster, is conquering movie theater screens. The film is a star-studded retelling of Homer’s epic poem, featuring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, and more A-list actors.
It’s also the first movie filmed entirely on an IMAX camera. The feature was shot on 70mm film, which is larger than the average film stock and offers a sharper image. For some, these details don’t matter. But others are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to watch the clearest, biggest, and loudest version of the movie, as the director intended. If you’re a cinephile that falls into the latter category, here’s a guide to viewing options.
IMAX 70mm
IMAX offers the largest image size of any screen or camera since standard film screens cut off the top of the frame. The IMAX camera also captures a more vivid picture and range of sound, particularly when shown in 70mm film, where the larger stock captures more detail. Unfortunately, there are only 25 theaters in the US that can show an IMAX movie on 70mm, and you’ll have to drive nearly three hours to the Regal King of Prussia (300 Goddard Blvd., King of Prussia) in Pennsylvania for a day trip.
IMAX Lazer
An IMAX 70mm screening is hard to come by, but there are a few options to see The Odyssey in all its IMAX glory. The Smithsonian has two IMAX theaters: the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater at the Air and Space Museum (650 Jefferson Dr., SW) and the Airbus IMAX Theater at the Udvar-Hazy Center (14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly). Both are playing the film for a cheaper price than other IMAX screenings through August. Jackie Mollet, the Smithsonian’s Director of Theaters, says demand has been high so prospective watchers should book ahead.
“We sold maybe 200 tickets in the first 30 minutes, which was kind of unheard of in recent years for movie sales” Mollet says.
Beyond the Smithsonian screens, AMC theaters in Georgetown (3111 K St., NW) and Tysons Corner (1961 Chain Bridge Road Mall, McLean) offer additional IMAX options.
Standard 70mm
If the image quality matters more to you than aspect ratio, you can watch the 70mm film on a standard screen. (The image will be vertically cropped, and you can preview the difference on the film’s website.) Catch a 70mm screening at AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center (8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring). Regal Gallery Place (701 7th St., NW) screens in both 70mm and 4DX, which includes motion-controlled seats and tactical effects.
Premium Large Format (PLF)
Premium Large Format means larger wall-to-wall screens and higher resolution projections. It does not guarantee the taller aspect ratio that allows you to see the full IMAX image. Most theaters will have their own branded PLF theater. Destinations include the Regal Majestic in Silver Spring (900 Ellsworth Dr., Silver Spring), the AMC at Hoffman Center(206 Hoffman St., Alexandria), and Paragon Theaters in Falls Church (21 Fenton Main St., Falls Church).
