🎥 'The Odyssey' Becomes First Film Shot Entirely on IMAX Film Cameras

Previously, due to the equipment’s bulky dimensions and high acoustic noise level, these cameras were deployed exclusively for select action sequences. Specifically for this project, an upgraded camera iteration and a custom sound-dampening housing were developed, enabling the format to be used for sync-sound dialogue recording live on set alongside cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema for the very first time.

This technological innovation provides the film with a native 1.43:1 aspect ratio in 70mm IMAX venues and select dual-laser auditoriums, offering audiences the full vertical scope of the captured frame. Standard digital IMAX locations display the film in a 1.90:1 aspect ratio, whereas conventional widescreen presentations (2.39:1) crop the top and bottom of the image. Nevertheless, the filmmakers intentionally framed each shot to ensure core narrative elements remain preserved across all distribution formats.

Nolan’s revolutionary approach has already yielded stellar commercial returns: the film’s global IMAX gross hit $140 million in just two weekends, with $16.9 million generated across 41 exclusive 70mm screens worldwide. The Odyssey became the second-fastest release in IMAX history to cross the $100 million threshold, taking just 10 days and trailing only Avengers: Endgame.

According to IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond, Nolan’s project is not merely setting box office records, but is actively drawing an entirely new audience segment to premium large formats.

You can compare how the film appears across various presentation formats via the link below.