Christopher Nolan’s “La Odisea” marks a technical milestone as the first fiction feature filmed entirely with IMAX cameras, utilizing over 609,600 meters of celluloid to achieve a 1.43:1 aspect ratio. According to production details, the film employs a newly developed, quieter IMAX camera platform to capture direct dialogue, moving away from the mixed-format approach used in previous works like “Oppenheimer” and “Interstellar.”
The Shift to Full-Scale IMAX Production
Nolan has spent years integrating IMAX into his workflow, but “La Odisea” represents a total commitment to the format. In previous films such as “The Dark Knight” and “Dunkerque,” he alternated between the square IMAX frame and traditional panoramic scope to create narrative contrast. Now, he has abandoned that alternation.
The production required a massive amount of physical film. The team used more than 609,600 meters of celluloid. To make this possible during dialogue scenes, the crew redesigned the acoustic housing and the film transport system. This technical pivot allowed the cameras to be quiet enough to record live sound on set without compromising the massive scale of the image.
Did you know? The 1.43:1 aspect ratio is the widest available in commercial cinema, providing a nearly square image that fills the viewer’s entire field of vision.
Celluloid vs. Digital: The Mexican Exhibition Gap
The distribution of “La Odisea” highlights a stark divide in cinema technology. According to exhibition data, Mexico currently lacks theaters capable of projecting 70mm IMAX film. Consequently, most audiences will see the movie via digital IMAX screens.
Major chains like Cinépolis and Cinemex provide digital IMAX experiences in Mexico City at locations including Antara Platino, Santa Fe, Parque Delta, Encuentro Oceanía, and Parque Tezontle. While these screens offer the IMAX scale, they do not replicate the organic texture of physical film.
The 35mm Alternative in Monterrey and Guadalajara
A small number of venues are bypassing digital projectors entirely. The Cineteca Nuevo León in Monterrey and the Cineforo of the University of Guadalajara have confirmed screenings using 35mm physical copies.
While 35mm does not offer the expanded vertical image of 70mm IMAX, it preserves the grain, color reproduction, and “shake” that Nolan advocates for. According to the Cineforo de la Universidad de Guadalajara, these functions are scheduled for July 16 through July 22 in their Sala Cineforo.
Pro Tip: If you are choosing between a digital IMAX screen and a 35mm print, prioritize IMAX for the sheer size of the image, but choose 35mm if you prefer the authentic color and texture of analog celluloid.
The Logistical Cost of Analog Cinema
Projecting a physical copy in the current era is a labor-intensive process. Each reel must be imported, transported, and manually assembled. In other global markets, similar analog screenings have required transporting reels weighing over 30 kilograms.
The scarcity of this experience is driven by a lack of hardware and personnel. Very few theaters globally still maintain the projectors or the trained staff necessary to operate them. This makes the decision by institutions like the University of Guadalajara a rare preservation of the cinematic language Nolan seeks to protect.
Comparison: IMAX 70mm vs. 35mm vs. Digital IMAX
| Format | Visual Scale | Medium | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMAX 70mm | Maximum (1.43:1) | Celluloid | Highest resolution/immersion |
| Digital IMAX | High | Digital File | Widespread accessibility |
| 35mm | Standard | Celluloid | Analog grain and color |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Digital IMAX and 70mm IMAX?
70mm IMAX uses physical film strips and a specialized projector to create a massive, high-resolution image. Digital IMAX uses a digital projector to simulate the experience on a large screen.
Why did Christopher Nolan use 35mm for some screenings?
While not the primary IMAX format, 35mm is a physical celluloid medium. It preserves the texture and color range of film, which Nolan considers essential to the cinematic experience.
Where can I see “La Odisea” in Mexico?
Digital IMAX is available at select Cinemex and Cinépolis locations in Mexico City. 35mm screenings are available at Cineteca Nuevo León and the Cineforo de la Universidad de Guadalajara.
Do you prefer the perfection of digital or the grain of analog film?
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