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Only three UK cinemas can screen The Odyssey as intended

Published 12:53 18 Jul 2026 BST

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Just these three theatres can meet the director's viewing intentions.

Only these three UK cinemas can deliver The Odyssey viewing experience Christopher Nolan intended.

Why, you ask? Well, because there are only three IMAX 70mm cinemas in the country.

The difference between IMAX 70mm and a standard cinema presentation is dramatic. Side-by-side comparisons shared online highlight how the larger format captures significantly more of each frame, revealing extra detail and image area that isn't visible on a conventional cinema screen.

Viewers of The Odyssey also pointed out how on regular cinema screens, Benny Safdie's character, Agamemnon, has the top of his helmet cut off, while in 70mm it can be seen in full.

One cinema-goer said seeing the film in the 70mm IMAX format is a 'must'.

Another X user pointed out that only 41 theatres in the world can show the film in its true format.

In the UK, you can catch the film in two London cinemas, the BFI IMAX in Waterloo and the IMAX: The Ronson Theatre, in the Science Museum. You can also see it in Manchester at the Vue IMAX Printworks. Only these three cinemas have the equipment necessary to show the film as it was made to be seen.

However, even if one of these cinemas are in your area, you still might find it a challenge to see the new release as many showings have already sold out.

While Christopher Nolan has used IMAX before (Interstellar, Dunkirk, Oppenheimer), this is the first time one of his films was shot entirely on IMAX.

Ahead of Oppenheimer's release in 2023, Nolan boasted the IMAX 70mm, saying its sharpness, clarity and image depth were 'unparalleled'.

Speaking to AP, he added: "The headline, for me, is: By shooting on IMAX 70mm film, you're really letting the screen disappear.

"You're getting a feeling of 3D without the glasses. You've got a huge screen, and you're filling the peripheral vision of the audience."

He concluded: "You're immersing them in the world of the film."

You can also read JOE's The Odyssey review for our verdict on Christopher Nolan's ambitious new film.

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