Christopher Nolan’s L’Odyssée is driving a resurgence in analog cinema, with the Pathé Odysseum in Montpellier serving as the only cinema in France capable of screening the film in Imax 70mm. This specific format, available in only about 40 theaters globally and four in Europe, provides a resolution and image surface three times larger than standard analog film, according to Pathé.
The Technical Divide: Imax 70mm vs. Standard Cinema
Most modern theaters offer either Imax or 70mm, but rarely both. The Imax 70mm format used for L’Odyssée employs 65mm film with 15 perforations, which is then printed to 70mm. This creates a “square” image that fills the viewer’s entire field of vision.
At the Pathé Odysseum, the scale is concrete: the screen measures 22.39 meters wide and 16.76 meters high. According to the official film website, this setup is designed to maximize immersion, a stark contrast to the narrower aspect ratios found in standard digital or analog screenings.
Did you know? Christopher Nolan requested the invention of new, specialized cameras for L’Odyssée because standard Imax equipment is often too heavy, loud, and expensive for certain filming conditions.
Why Nolan Prioritizes Analog Immersion
Christopher Nolan views the Imax format as a way to replicate the “larger than life” feeling of cinema he experienced as a child. In a statement to the New York Times, Nolan explained that he wants to plunge the audience directly into the action, whether that is on the deck of a ship with Ulysses or inside a cave with the Cyclops.
This commitment to the format comes with a high cost for the production. Imax cameras are notoriously cumbersome, yet Nolan used them to make L’Odyssée the first film shot entirely in Imax.
The Geography of Premium Cinema
For viewers seeking the exact visual experience Nolan intended, options are extremely limited. Outside of Montpellier, only a handful of European cities host these projectors. According to Pathé and cinema listings, the only other options in Europe are located in London, Prague, and the recently inaugurated Kinepolis in Brussels.
| Location | Format Availability | Price Point (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Montpellier (Pathé) | Imax 70mm | €29.20 (Full) / €23.90 (Student) |
| Brussels (Kinepolis) | Imax 70mm | Varies |
| London / Prague | Imax 70mm | Varies |
Cast and Critical Reception
The film, which hit theaters on July 15, adapts Homer’s epic poetry with a high-profile ensemble cast. The production features Matt Damon, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, and Lupita Nyong’o. While French audiences are flocking to the few available Imax 70mm screens, early reviews from the American press have been positive.
Pro Tip: If you can’t travel to an Imax 70mm theater, visit the official movie website. They provide a tool to compare different aspect ratios using the trailer, showing exactly how much of the image is lost in standard formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Imax and Imax 70mm?
Imax 70mm uses physical film, which provides a significantly higher resolution and a larger image surface—roughly three times that of standard analog film, according to Pathé.
Where can I watch L’Odyssée in Imax 70mm in Europe?
Currently, this format is available at Pathé Odysseum in Montpellier, Kinepolis in Brussels, and select theaters in London and Prague.
Why is this format so rare?
The cameras are expensive and heavy, and the projectors required to run 70mm Imax film are rare, with only about 40 installations worldwide.
Do you think the premium price for analog film is worth the experience, or is digital the future of cinema? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into cinema technology.
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