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Alex Theatre Crushes ‘The Odyssey’ 70MM Box Office Record
Glendale’s Historic Alex Theatre Makes a Spectacular Comeback with 70mm Film
The Big News: A 100-Year-Old Theater Becomes #1 in America
Imagine your favorite grandma’s attic — full of history, charm, and stories. Now imagine that attic suddenly becoming the most popular movie theater in the entire country for a brand-new blockbuster. That’s exactly what happened at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, California!
This beautiful, century-old venue just pulled off something amazing:
- Installed a brand-new 70mm film projection system (we’ll explain what that means below)
- Became the highest-grossing theater in America for Christopher Nolan’s new mythological epic The Odyssey
- Beat out all the fancy modern multiplexes — even IMAX screens!
IMPORTANT POINT
The Alex Theatre hadn’t shown a first-run movie (a brand-new film on opening weekend) in 35 years — not since Terminator 2: Judgment Day in 1991!
What Is 70mm Film? (And Why Should You Care?)
Think of movie formats like video quality on your phone:
- Regular digital = Standard HD (good)
- IMAX digital = 4K (really good)
- 70mm film = The "vinyl record" of movies — the absolute best picture quality possible
Why 70mm Is Special:
- Bigger film strip = More detail, richer colors, deeper blacks
- No pixels — it’s actual photographs projected with light
- Wider picture — fills your peripheral vision like real life
- The way directors like Christopher Nolan want you to see their movies
FUN FACT
Christopher Nolan (director of The Dark Knight, Inception, Oppenheimer) is famous for shooting on film and wanting audiences to see his movies in 70mm. He even worked with the Alex’s projectionist, Taylor Umphenour!
The Theater’s Glow-Up: From Sleeping Beauty to Superstar
A Quick History Lesson
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1925 | Alex Theatre opens (almost 100 years ago!) |
| 1991 | Last first-run movie: Terminator 2: Judgment Day |
| 2024 | $500,000 renovation — new projection booth, 70mm system installed |
| July 2024 | The Odyssey premieres — theater goes from zero to hero! |
What the $500,000 Bought:
- Brand-new ground-floor projection booth (like a control center for the movie)
- State-of-the-art 70mm projector (the size of a refrigerator!)
- Expert installation by Taylor Umphenour — an IMAX consultant who works directly with Nolan
- Sound system upgrades to match the incredible picture
The Experience: Why People Are "Losing Their Minds"
The Alex isn’t just a screen — it’s a time machine with comfy seats. Here’s what makes it magical:
- 900 seats in a gorgeous Classical Revival + Moderne palace
- Three showings per day of The Odyssey (sold out constantly!)
- Extended run by 2+ weeks due to overwhelming demand
- Open-air forecourt for pre-movie excitement
- Shared experience — laughing, gasping, crying together with 899 strangers
WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY
"What you have at a cinema like the Alex is a true understanding of the in-person experience of shared narrative. That’s why people are coming — and losing their minds."
— Taylor Umphenour, Projectionist & IMAX Consultant
What’s Next: A New Chapter for a Historic Venue
The Alex isn’t stopping at one hit. They’re planning 8–10 movie nights per month alongside their usual ballet, concerts, and live events.
Upcoming 70mm Special Engagements:
- December 2024 — Dune: Part Three (Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic)
- February 2027 — Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew (Greta Gerwig’s fantasy adaptation)
- More to be announced!
Summary: Why This Matters
The Alex Theatre’s story reminds us that old things can become new again when people care enough to invest in them. A 100-year-old building, a "dead" film format, and a theater that hadn’t shown a new movie since the ’90s — combined, they created the hottest ticket in America.
It proves that people still crave the magic of watching a great story together in a beautiful room — maybe now more than ever.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What does "first-run movie" mean?
A first-run movie is a brand-new film showing in theaters for the very first time — like opening weekend. The Alex hadn’t done this since 1991!
Is 70mm better than IMAX?
They’re different! IMAX is a specific system (often digital now). 70mm refers to the physical film width. Many directors prefer 70mm for its organic, rich look. The Alex has a true 70mm film projector — not digital.
Can I still see The Odyssey at the Alex?
Yes! The run has been extended by at least two weeks, with three showings daily. Check their website for tickets — they sell fast!
Why did they spend $500,000 on a film projector in 2024?
Because filmmakers like Nolan and Villeneuve still shoot on film, and there are very few theaters left that can show it properly. The Alex filled a huge gap — and audiences responded.
What other movies might play there in 70mm?
The theater plans to host "periodic special engagements" of large-format releases. Dune: Part Three (Dec 2024) and Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew (Feb 2027) are already booked!
