Nolan's The Odyssey Extends 70mm Run Amid Ticket Scarcity

Moviegoers are scrambling for seats as tickets vanish almost instantly upon release. The frenzy centers on the specific 70mm aspect ratio, which provides a visual experience distinct from the cropped digital versions found in most multiplexes. Currently, only 25 screens in the United States and 41 globally possess the hardware to run the physical reels, forcing IMAX to schedule late-night and early-morning slots to manage the overflow.

While the IMAX footprint accounts for less than 1% of total screens, it has generated over 20% of the film’s $652 million global box office haul. The movie has defied standard industry trends, posting a modest 27% drop in second-week ticket sales—a sharp contrast to the typical 50% to 70% decline for major blockbusters. This performance reflects a robust appetite for premium large-format experiences, mirroring the success of Nolan’s 2023 biopic, Oppenheimer.

Competition for screen space intensifies this week with the arrival of Sony and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day, alongside upcoming IMAX-friendly features like The End of Oak Street and Resident Evil. The Odyssey will soon yield some of its premium real estate, as IMAX prepares for its next major 70mm engagement: Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Three, scheduled for December 18.