Until recently, the notion of a right or wrong way to view a movie may not have crossed your mind.
However, the release of Christopher Nolan’s film, The Odyssey, sparked a frenzy online regarding the optimal viewing experience. The movie, based on Homer’s epic tale of a man’s lengthy journey home after the Trojan War, was entirely shot using Imax 70-mm film cameras, the most expansive format available.
As a result, the visual presentation of the film may vary depending on the theater where it is screened.
The endorsement from lead actor Matt Damon, encouraging audiences to watch The Odyssey in Imax 70-mm, has led some to believe that this format is how Nolan intended the film to be experienced. Conversely, there are critics lambasting this approach.
In Canada, only nine theaters offer the opportunity to watch The Odyssey in Imax 70-mm:
- Calgary — Scotiabank Theatre Chinook
- Edmonton — Scotiabank Theatre Edmonton
- Regina — Kramer Imax, Saskatchewan Science Centre
- Toronto — Cineplex Cinemas Mississauga Square One
- Toronto — Cineplex Cinemas Vaughan
- Vancouver — Cineplex Cinemas Langley
- Halifax — Cineplex Theatres Bayer Lake 18
- Richmond, B.C. — SilverCity Riverport Cinemas
- Montreal — Cinéma Banque Scotia Montreal
The decision to limit the film’s “ideal form” to a select number of theaters globally raises questions about Nolan’s filmmaking intentions, according to Leslie-Ann Coles, founder of the Female Eye Film Festival.
Despite inquiries about Nolan’s specific intentions regarding the viewing format, no response was provided by his publicist. Nevertheless, many moviegoers have been flocking to Imax theaters to experience the film firsthand.
The movie will be screened in the 70 mm Imax format in 26 theaters worldwide, including the Kramer Imax theater in Regina’s science center.</