Everything You Need to Know About ‘The Odyssey’ Release Date and Runtime

Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s ancient epic has finally hit theaters, and it promises to be one of the most significant cinematic events of the year. Universal has scheduled ‘The Odyssey’ for a global IMAX rollout, continuing Nolan’s preference for large format projection, as seen in films like ‘Dunkirk’ and ‘Tenet’. Before purchasing your ticket, there are several practical details to consider to ensure a smooth viewing experience.

First, let’s discuss the runtime, as this is not a quick movie outing. The film runs for 2 hours and 52 minutes, and unlike some classic Hollywood epics of similar duration, there’s no intermission. Reviewers have noted that ‘The Odyssey’ plays continuously, making bathroom timing a strategic decision for viewers.

This lengthy runtime comes with a rating that might surprise those expecting a family-friendly mythological adventure. ‘The Odyssey’ has received an R rating, marking it as one of the few Nolan films to carry this designation. Given the runtime and rating, it’s advisable to plan accordingly if you’re considering bringing younger viewers or a group with varying preferences for intensity.

Where and how you choose to watch it is particularly important. The film was shot entirely with IMAX film cameras, and the purest version of Nolan’s vision can only be experienced on 70mm IMAX screens, of which only 25 theaters in the United States are equipped to show it. This format presents the movie in a 1.43 to 1 aspect ratio, filling more of the screen vertically than the standard rectangular image most audiences are accustomed to.

If a 70mm IMAX theater is not available, there are still excellent alternatives. Moviegoers can enjoy the film in digital IMAX, premium large formats from chains like Regal RPX and Cinemark XD, or Dolby Cinema, all of which maintain much of the scale even if the purest film grain is absent. Standard digital projection is also widely available and will be the most common way audiences ultimately experience the film, even if it doesn’t capture every detail of what Nolan originally shot.

In terms of storytelling, don’t expect a strict page-for-page adaptation of the poem. Nolan drew particular inspiration from the 2017 translation of ‘The Odyssey’ by classicist Emily Wilson, along with the visual effects work of Ray Harryhausen. The film incorporates characters and moments from beyond Homer’s original text, including figures more closely associated with Virgil’s ‘Aeneid’. Fans hoping for a completely faithful adaptation should be prepared for some creative liberties woven into the mythology.

Considering the length, rating, and format options, ‘The Odyssey’ demands a lot from its audience before the lights dim. However, for those willing to embrace the full theatrical experience, it’s clearly designed to be enjoyed on the largest screen possible.

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