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Skip the IMAX 70mm Upcharge for ‘The Odyssey’ — Here’s Why
You Don’t Need to See "The Odyssey" in IMAX 70mm: Why Movie Formats Are Mostly Marketing
The Big Idea: Don’t Let FOMO Ruin Your Movie Night
Key Takeaway: You do not need to hunt down a rare IMAX 70mm screening of "The Odyssey" (or any movie) to have a great experience. The "director’s intended format" is often a marketing tactic—not a requirement for enjoyment.
Why This Matters Right Now
Christopher Nolan’s new film The Odyssey is being marketed heavily as a "must-see in IMAX 70mm." Tickets for those special screenings are sold out for weeks. A moviegoer recently told the author he was upset because he couldn’t get into the "premium" format—even though the movie was playing in "7 gazillion theaters" in regular formats.
Sound familiar? This happens with almost every big release nowadays.
The "Director’s Intent" Trap
What They Tell You
- "See it as the director intended!"
- "Filmed for IMAX!"
- "The only true way to experience this movie!"
What’s Actually Happening
| Claim | Reality |
|---|---|
| "Director’s vision" | Often a studio marketing strategy to charge premium prices |
| "Filmed for IMAX" | Many movies just have some scenes shot with IMAX cameras, not the whole thing |
| "Rare format = better movie" | A bad movie in 70mm is still a bad movie |
Important: The author (a professional film critic!) saw Oppenheimer in IMAX 70mm at a press screening—but The Odyssey at the same theater wasn’t even offered in that format to critics. Even the "director’s intent" changes depending on who’s watching.
A Quick History: Hollywood Has Always Sold "Bigger = Better"
This isn’t new. Studios have been inventing "must-see" formats for decades:
- 1950s: CinemaScope (wide screen) — to compete with TV
- 1950s: VistaVision (high-res 35mm) — Paramount’s answer to CinemaScope
- 1950s–80s: 70mm prints — almost every big movie had a 70mm version for a few extra bucks
- 2010s–Present: IMAX 70mm, IMAX Laser, Dolby Cinema, ScreenX, 4DX…
None of these cost extra in the golden age. You just picked the theater with the format you liked. Today? Premium formats = premium prices.
The "Roadshow" Gimmick: Then and Now
| Old-School Roadshow (1960s) | Modern "Event" Screening |
|---|---|
| Reserved seats | Reserved seats (now standard everywhere) |
| Souvenir program | Overpriced merchandise |
| Intermission | No intermission (usually) |
| Longer cut of the film | Sometimes a "director’s cut" later on streaming |
| Higher ticket price | Much higher ticket price |
Quentin Tarantino did a 70mm roadshow for The Hateful Eight in 2015. It was cool—but not necessary to understand or love the movie.
When Format Actually Matters (Rare Cases)
There are very few movies where the format genuinely changes the experience:
- Lawrence of Arabia (1962) — Epic desert vistas need a giant screen
- Playtime (1967) — Jacques Tati’s comedy has "Where’s Waldo?" levels of background detail
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) — Kubrick designed it for 70mm Cinerama
Pro Tip: If a movie is a visual masterpiece first (like the above), a premium format enhances it. If it’s a story-driven film (The Odyssey, Oppenheimer, Mean Streets), the format is a bonus—not a requirement.
The Critic’s Confession: Even Pros Pick Comfort Over "Purity"
The author had a choice for The Odyssey press screening:
- Option A: IMAX 70mm (smaller theater, less comfy)
- Option B: Regular IMAX (bigger theater, comfy seats)
He picked Option B. Because a comfortable seat matters more than a film strip that’s 15mm taller.
How to Decide What’s Worth Your Time & Money
Ask Yourself These 3 Questions
-
Is the movie actually good?
→ Check reviews from critics you trust. A great story beats a great format every time. -
Is this a visual spectacle by design?
→ Dune, Avatar, Lawrence of Arabia = yes. The Odyssey (a dialogue-heavy adaptation) = probably not. - Will I regret not seeing it this way in 6 months?
→ Be honest. Most people won’t remember the format—they’ll remember the story.
The Bottom Line: You’re Off the Hook
Permission Slip: You are officially not required to:
- Drive 3 hours to the only IMAX 70mm theater in your state
- Pay $35 for a ticket + $18 for popcorn
- Feel guilty watching on a "regular" screen (or even at home later)
As the author says: "You won’t be violating Zeus’s Law."
Summary
- "Filmed for IMAX" is mostly marketing — studios want your extra $10–$20 per ticket.
- "Director’s intent" is inconsistently applied — even critics don’t always get the "premium" format.
- Great movies are great in any format — Mean Streets, Singin’ in the Rain, and It Happened One Night are masterpieces on a phone screen.
- Premium formats are a treat, not a requirement — go if it’s easy and affordable. Skip if it’s a hassle.
- Your enjoyment > marketing pressure — always.
FAQ
But Christopher Nolan says you have to see it in IMAX 70mm!
He’s a filmmaker, not your boss. He prefers that format—but he also knows 99% of viewers will watch on streaming, airplanes, or regular theaters. He makes movies to be seen, not just seen perfectly.
What’s the actual difference between 35mm, 70mm, and IMAX 70mm?
Think of it like photo prints:
- 35mm = Standard 4×6 photo (what most movies used for 100 years)
- 70mm = 8×10 glossy — sharper, more detail
- IMAX 70mm = Massive poster size — fills your peripheral vision
But: Digital projection (what 95% of theaters use now) looks cleaner than a scratched 35mm print.
Are there any movies worth seeking out in a special format?
Yes! If you live near a repertory theater showing:
- Lawrence of Arabia (70mm)
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (70mm or IMAX)
- Playtime (70mm)
- The Master (70mm)
- Dunkirk / Oppenheimer / Tenet (IMAX 70mm if available)
Go for the experience—not because you "have to."
What about 3D, 4DX, ScreenX, Dolby Cinema, etc.?
Same rule applies. Some people love motion seats and wind effects (4DX). Others find it distracting. Try once. Decide for yourself. Don’t let marketing decide.
I feel like I’m "missing out" if I don’t see it the "best" way.
That’s FOMO—engineered by marketing teams. The movie is the story, the acting, the editing, the music. The format is just the container. A great meal tastes great on a paper plate or fine china.
Enjoy the show—whatever screen you’re watching it on.
