‘The Odyssey’ Adds ScreenX Format for an Immersive Experience

Christopher Nolan has transformed the theatrical release of ‘The Odyssey’ into more of an event tour than a standard movie premiere, with fans engaging in discussions for months about which format best captures his intended experience. With options like IMAX 70mm, Dolby Cinema, and various other premium screens, the choices have become a significant part of the film’s narrative.

This dialogue exists primarily because Nolan filmed ‘The Odyssey’ entirely using IMAX cameras, making it the first narrative feature to do so. However, only a limited number of theaters worldwide—approximately 25 to 41—are equipped with the specialized 70mm IMAX technology necessary to project the film as Nolan envisioned, leaving many moviegoers to explore an expanding list of alternatives.

Now, ‘The Odyssey’ is also available in ScreenX, adding yet another premium viewing option to the already extensive lineup. ScreenX is a 270-degree panoramic format developed by CJ 4DPlex that extends the visuals from the main screen onto the side walls of the auditorium, enveloping the audience in the cinematic experience rather than restricting it to a single frame.

For fans unable to access one of the rare IMAX 70mm screens, ScreenX provides a unique immersive alternative, expanding select scenes across the theater’s sides to create a wraparound sense of scale. Given the vastness of Odysseus’s journey across mythical seas and treacherous coastlines, this panoramic presentation seems perfectly suited for a story centered around expansive, perilous landscapes.

ScreenX joins a lineup that already features IMAX Digital, Dolby Cinema, HDR by Barco, and 4DX, the latter of which incorporates moving seats and environmental effects like wind and water spray synchronized with on-screen action. Universal Pictures has capitalized on this variety in its marketing, releasing cast videos that explain what each format offers to moviegoers, helping them decide where to invest their ticket money.

The rollout of expanded formats comes as ‘The Odyssey’ continues its impressive box office performance. The film debuted with over 120 million dollars domestically and more than 250 million dollars globally, marking the largest global launch of Nolan’s career and significantly exceeding initial tracking predictions.

Reportedly, more than half of those ticket sales came from IMAX, other premium large format screens, and 70mm prints combined, highlighting the strong demand for experiencing the film on the biggest screen possible. This demand has made premium formats like ScreenX increasingly important for theaters aiming to attract audiences who missed out on the limited IMAX 70mm screenings.

With ‘The Odyssey’ continuing to expand across formats even after its opening weekend, the film’s theatrical rollout shows no signs of slowing down. For fans still considering how to experience Odysseus’s journey home, ScreenX now presents yet another option to get as close to Nolan’s vision as their local theater allows.

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