Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' Drives Historic Demand for IMAX 70mm Screenings
Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' has sparked extraordinary demand for IMAX 70mm screenings, with only 25 U.S. and 41 global theaters offering the rare format. Fans travel hundreds of miles and pay 81% more for tickets, driving average opening-weekend revenue of $153,000 per screen. Universal extended screenings through mid-September due to sold-out shows, including 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. slots. The film, the first shot entirely with IMAX 70mm cameras, grossed $700 million globally in 12 days, with IMAX contributing over 20% of total box office.
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IMAX Stock Hits All-Time High as 'The Odyssey' Demand Surges
IMAX shares reached an all-time high of $50.72 on Monday after the company announced that Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' drove its highest-grossing month ever in July, with $257 million in global box office revenue. The film alone generated $221 million, becoming the fastest to cross $200 million in IMAX receipts. CEO Rich Gelfond praised the film's 'defy gravity' trajectory. The stock surged over 30% since the film's July 17 U.S. debut. Upcoming releases in China, Japan, and South Korea are expected to further boost sales. The article also notes that only 25 U.S. theaters can show the film in IMAX 70mm, with showtimes selling out weeks in advance.
'The Odyssey' extends stay in 70mm IMAX theaters as shows sell out weeks in advance
Universal and IMAX have extended 70mm screenings of Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' into mid-September due to overwhelming demand. Only 25 U.S. screens and 41 globally can project the physical film reels, leading to sold-out shows and the introduction of late-night and early-morning screenings. As of the weekend, IMAX ticket sales have reached $140 million worldwide, representing over 20% of the film's $652 million global total, despite IMAX locations being less than 1% of total screens. The film has shown strong word-of-mouth with only a 27% drop in its second week, far better than typical blockbuster declines. However, upcoming releases like 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' and 'The End of Oak Street' may reduce its screen share. The next major 70mm IMAX release is 'Dune: Part Three' on December 18.
The Odyssey IMAX 70mm Screenings Extended One Month Amid Historic Demand
Universal Pictures has extended IMAX 70mm screenings of Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' by one month, through September 16, after weeks of sold-out showings in New York and Los Angeles. The film, released on July 17, is the first movie ever entirely shot in IMAX, maintaining a large aspect ratio throughout its runtime. Only 25 theaters in the U.S. can project the format, leading to extraordinary demand including 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. screenings. Tickets initially went on sale a year in advance. As of Wednesday, the epic adventure had grossed $700 million globally in just 12 days. The extension may impact IMAX screenings of the upcoming release 'The End of Oak Street' starring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor.
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Imax 70 mm Screenings Drive Premium Demand for Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey'
Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' has sparked extraordinary demand for Imax 70 mm screenings, with fans traveling long distances and paying premium prices to experience the format. Only 25 U.S. theaters and 41 worldwide offer the scarce format, which costs 81% more than standard tickets. Imax CEO Rich Gelfond reported that average 70 mm screens earned $153,000 during opening weekend, and screenings will continue for months. The film is the first feature shot entirely with Imax 70 mm cameras. One Indiana theater added an extra week due to 'historic' demand, with over half of opening-weekend attendees traveling at least 50 miles. The phenomenon highlights the enduring appeal of analog large-format cinema despite limited availability.
Imax 70 mm Screenings Drive Premium Demand for Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey'
Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' has sparked extraordinary demand for Imax 70 mm screenings, with fans traveling long distances and paying premium prices. Only 25 U.S. theaters and 41 worldwide offer the format, which costs 81% more than average tickets. Imax CEO Rich Gelfond reported that 70 mm screens averaged $153,000 in box office during opening weekend, and screenings will run for months. The film is the first feature shot entirely with Imax 70 mm cameras. Examples include a family driving 900 miles from Missouri to Michigan, and an Indiana theater adding extra weeks due to 'historic' demand, with visitors from over 20 states and Switzerland.
Imax 70 mm screenings become the biggest star for Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’
Moviegoers are traveling hundreds of miles and paying premium prices to see Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' in the rare Imax 70 mm format. Only 25 theaters in the U.S. and 41 worldwide offer the format, driving extraordinary demand. Imax CEO Rich Gelfond reported that opening weekend Imax 70 mm screens averaged $153,000 in box office revenue, with tickets costing $27.77—81% more than average. The film is the first feature shot entirely with Imax 70 mm cameras. One theater in Indiana added extra screenings due to 'historic' demand, with over half of opening weekend attendees traveling at least 50 miles. Fans have flown across countries to experience the format, which Nolan considers the definitive way to view his epic adaptation.