Christopher Nolan’s latest film, "The Odyssey," has emerged as a major cultural phenomenon, drawing audiences to theaters with its grand scale and the performance of Robert Pattinson. As the sword-and-sandals epic continues to dominate, a lively debate has emerged among moviegoers regarding the best format for viewing the film, specifically concerning the merits of film versus digital projection.
Leah Saint Marie, a filmmaker and former projectionist, notes that the focus on projection is a welcome trend. She explains that the work of a projectionist is often invisible, only drawing attention when technical issues arise, but when everything is perfect, it serves as an essential, unseen hand in the entertainment experience. For those looking to see the film in its most ambitious form, IMAX 70mm stands out. "The Odyssey" is the first Hollywood blockbuster to be shot entirely with 65mm IMAX film cameras. This format provides the highest resolution available, displayed on massive, curved screens that envelop the audience.
In contrast, standard digital IMAX presentations, often found in many U.S. theater chains, offer a different experience. While these screens are large, they are wider and more rectangular than "true" IMAX, leading to the cropping of the top and bottom of the original image. This has earned them the nickname "LieMAX" among industry professionals and cinephiles. Other options include Dolby Vision, which utilizes laser projection for high-contrast imagery, and 4DX, which adds physical immersion through moving seats and water effects.
With IMAX 70mm screenings frequently sold out across the country, many viewers are seeking the next best alternative. Dennis, a projectionist, suggests that if one cannot secure a 70mm ticket, waiting for the initial rush to subside is a viable strategy, as the film is likely to remain in theaters for a significant period. He emphasizes that if he had to choose an alternative to IMAX 70mm, he would prioritize any 70mm presentation over other formats. Saint Marie agrees, noting that actual film possesses a "breath of life," providing superior depth and brightness compared to digital.
While digital projection became the industry standard in the early 2000s as a cost-cutting measure, Dennis acknowledges that while it may not provide the same breathtaking visual impact as film, it remains a capable medium for storytelling. Ultimately, both experts agree that the priority is simply to experience the film in a theater. Saint Marie encourages audiences to see the movie in the format intended by the director if possible, but emphasizes that geographic limitations should not prevent moviegoers from enjoying the experience in whatever way they can.
“It makes me so excited, because I care so deeply about film and how it’s projected,” says Leah Saint Marie, a filmmaker and former projectionist. “Nobody notices a projectionist unless something goes wrong and then you have somebody to blame. If everything is perfect, then it’s an invisible hand making your entertainment happen for you."
Countless IMAX 70mm screenings around the country are sold out for the next month, meaning many filmgoers are looking for the next best way to go see “The Odyssey.”
