In a stunning homage to the epic journey of Odysseus, cinephiles are embarking on their own odysseys to experience Christopher Nolan’s latest cinematic masterpiece, The Odyssey. This film, shot entirely on the rare Imax 1570 format, is drawing audiences from across the globe to just 41 select cinemas equipped to project it as the director intended. With only one of those venues located in the southern hemisphere, Melbourne’s Imax has become a sought-after destination for film lovers eager to witness what many consider a cinematic event of a lifetime.
Nolan’s Vision and the Imax Experience
Christopher Nolan has long been an advocate for the Imax 1570 format, renowned for its unparalleled resolution and immersive qualities. This particular format utilises 70mm film stock, featuring 15 perforations per frame, resulting in an extraordinary viewing experience. The Odyssey marks a milestone as the first feature film ever captured entirely with Imax 1570 cameras, which are notoriously cumbersome and require frequent reloading. During the filming, the crew faced the challenge of changing film stock every three minutes, prompting Nolan to collaborate with Imax to develop a soundproof enclosure for their hefty 180kg camera.
The end result is a film reel that stretches over 17 km and weighs in at an incredible 240 kg, a feat that Imax Melbourne’s technical manager, Dan Drobik, describes as “a precious commodity.”
A Global Journey to Melbourne
As The Odyssey prepares to hit the big screen, fans are making international journeys to Melbourne, the only location in the southern hemisphere capable of screening this film in its original format. Travellers from as far away as Turkey, Singapore, and Los Angeles are flocking to the city, which boasts the largest Imax screen in the world, measuring an impressive 32 meters wide and 23 meters tall—roughly the height of a seven-storey building.
Jeremy Fee, the general manager of Imax Melbourne, notes the extraordinary enthusiasm surrounding the film: “We are only one of 41 cinemas across the globe where you can see it in the way that Nolan created the film. There are only seven outside of North America, so people are seeking out that really special experience.”
When tickets for The Odyssey went on sale a year prior to its release, they sold out rapidly—over 17,000 tickets within 24 hours. To date, ticket sales have surpassed 30,000, positioning The Odyssey as one of the most anticipated films in the cinema’s history, even before its official debut.
Passionate Audiences and the Vinyl Analogy
For those who understand the allure of Imax 1570, the experience is akin to audiophiles who favour vinyl records over digital music. Drobik, who operates the 1570 projector, explains, “They are both playing you the same song, but one is a much earthier, richer, sort of natural feeling.” Although the technique is labor-intensive—Drobik remains on-site throughout each screening to monitor the projector—audiences are increasingly keen to embrace the unique experience it offers.
Christian Wächter and his wife, Romy Demeter, have travelled from Germany to Melbourne specifically to see The Odyssey on the monumental Imax screen. Wächter draws a parallel between their pilgrimage and the commitment sports fans make to attend major events: “They spend thousands, and we’re just paying a small amount for a cultural experience. It makes sense.”
The Resurgence of Film Formats
The increasing number of cinemas capable of projecting Imax 1570 films reflects a broader resurgence in interest for traditional film formats, spurred in part by Nolan’s cinematic achievements. Since the release of his previous film, Oppenheimer, the count of 1570-equipped cinemas has grown from 30 to 41 globally. Fee notes, “A lot of other filmmakers are now shooting in 35mm, in 70mm, VistaVision—it is something people can’t experience on their TV or on smaller screens.”
The Odyssey’s release has ignited a newfound awareness among younger audiences regarding the nuances of film formats. “What I’ve seen, particularly with this film, is a huge groundswell of people understanding the difference between film formats and filming methodologies,” Fee adds. “This is really new.”
Even older films, such as Nolan’s acclaimed Interstellar, are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, as audiences recognise the significance of these rare viewing opportunities. “Interstellar sells out now more than it did then because people know how precious it is,” Drobik shares.
Why it Matters
The global enthusiasm for The Odyssey exemplifies a cultural shift where audiences are willing to traverse continents for the authentic cinematic experience that filmmakers like Nolan envision. It highlights a renewed appreciation for traditional film formats in an increasingly digital world, showcasing the lengths to which devoted fans will go to connect with the art of cinema. This phenomenon not only elevates the status of film as a cultural experience but also reinforces the notion that the medium is not merely entertainment but an art form deserving of reverence and celebration.
