Cinemark Plans US IMAX 70mm Expansion For Nolan's The Odyssey

IMAX and Cinemark have partnered to significantly upgrade and expand IMAX 70mm and laser projection capabilities at multiple U.S. locations, including the addition of three new IMAX 70mm theaters in Woodridge (Chicago suburb), Colorado Springs, and Rochester, ahead of Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film The Odyssey. This expansion enables audiences to experience Nolan's film in his preferred 70mm format, which is currently supported by only about 30 theaters worldwide, emphasizing the director's commitment to premium cinematic experiences. The upgrades also include twelve existing Cinemark IMAX locations being enhanced to IMAX with Laser technology, improving image quality with brighter, more vibrant visuals. This move reflects a broader industry trend toward investing in high-quality, immersive theater experiences to compete with streaming services, with premium large-format screenings continuing to gain momentum. Cinemark and IMAX executives highlight the strategic value and growing market demand for such enhancements, underscoring the importance of offering differentiated, event-style cinema. Nolan’s efforts parallel the influence of filmmakers like James Cameron, as he seeks to redefine what premium cinema looks and feels like in the modern era.