Major Cinema Chains Are Upgrading Theaters to Cater To Nolan's 70mm IMAX Blockbuster
Cinemark is the latest major theater chain to announce significant upgrades in preparation for Christopher Nolan's upcoming film, "The Odyssey". The move comes as Regal Cinemas recently announced plans to build or upgrade new IMAX theaters capable of playing the 2026 blockbuster.
According to reports, Cinemark will install three new 70mm film projection systems and four new IMAX with Laser systems in the United States. Additionally, the company will upgrade its remaining 12 IMAX screens to IMAX with Laser, a 4K laser projection system designed to deliver superior images and audio. These upgraded theaters will be located at Cinemark Seven Bridges in Illinois, Cinemark Carefree Circle in Colorado Springs, and Cinemark Tinseltown in New York.
The news comes as only around 30 theaters worldwide currently support 70mm IMAX screenings, a format that Nolan shot his entire film in. However, by the time "The Odyssey" hits theaters in July 2026, this number is expected to increase to approximately 40. While it may not seem like a drastic change, for fans attending these screenings, having access to 70mm IMAX will be a major draw.
Interestingly, this upgrade comes as theater chains typically lag behind when it comes to embracing new technologies and formats. The recent success of IMAX releases with major blockbusters has led theaters to reassess their priorities, recognizing the value of upgrading facilities to cater to premium audiences willing to pay more for an exceptional cinematic experience.
Nolan's ambitious use of 70mm IMAX technology is also noteworthy, as it marks the first time a Hollywood feature film has been shot entirely in this format. This technological push could pave the way for more filmmakers to explore the capabilities of large-scale formats.
IMAX sales have already generated significant buzz around "The Odyssey", with several high-profile screenings selling out in advance. With these upgrades, fans can expect even more opportunities to experience the film on a massive scale.
"The Odyssey" is set to star Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Charlize Theron among others, before opening July 17, 2026.
				
			Cinemark is the latest major theater chain to announce significant upgrades in preparation for Christopher Nolan's upcoming film, "The Odyssey". The move comes as Regal Cinemas recently announced plans to build or upgrade new IMAX theaters capable of playing the 2026 blockbuster.
According to reports, Cinemark will install three new 70mm film projection systems and four new IMAX with Laser systems in the United States. Additionally, the company will upgrade its remaining 12 IMAX screens to IMAX with Laser, a 4K laser projection system designed to deliver superior images and audio. These upgraded theaters will be located at Cinemark Seven Bridges in Illinois, Cinemark Carefree Circle in Colorado Springs, and Cinemark Tinseltown in New York.
The news comes as only around 30 theaters worldwide currently support 70mm IMAX screenings, a format that Nolan shot his entire film in. However, by the time "The Odyssey" hits theaters in July 2026, this number is expected to increase to approximately 40. While it may not seem like a drastic change, for fans attending these screenings, having access to 70mm IMAX will be a major draw.
Interestingly, this upgrade comes as theater chains typically lag behind when it comes to embracing new technologies and formats. The recent success of IMAX releases with major blockbusters has led theaters to reassess their priorities, recognizing the value of upgrading facilities to cater to premium audiences willing to pay more for an exceptional cinematic experience.
Nolan's ambitious use of 70mm IMAX technology is also noteworthy, as it marks the first time a Hollywood feature film has been shot entirely in this format. This technological push could pave the way for more filmmakers to explore the capabilities of large-scale formats.
IMAX sales have already generated significant buzz around "The Odyssey", with several high-profile screenings selling out in advance. With these upgrades, fans can expect even more opportunities to experience the film on a massive scale.
"The Odyssey" is set to star Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Charlize Theron among others, before opening July 17, 2026.
 i heard it's gonna be soooo good! but like, why do theaters need to upgrade to play in 70mm IMAX? dont get me wrong im a big fan of movies and all but idk about paying more just to see the bigger screen lol... and btw has anyone seen those new marvel movies on IMAX yet? that's my fave format
 i heard it's gonna be soooo good! but like, why do theaters need to upgrade to play in 70mm IMAX? dont get me wrong im a big fan of movies and all but idk about paying more just to see the bigger screen lol... and btw has anyone seen those new marvel movies on IMAX yet? that's my fave format 

 . I mean, what's wrong with good ol' regular IMAX screens? And 70mm film is just a bunch of old-school nonsense. Who needs to feel like they're in a different century when watching a movie?
. I mean, what's wrong with good ol' regular IMAX screens? And 70mm film is just a bunch of old-school nonsense. Who needs to feel like they're in a different century when watching a movie?  Plus, it's not like Nolan's film is going to be some sci-fi epic that requires this kind of tech to understand
 Plus, it's not like Nolan's film is going to be some sci-fi epic that requires this kind of tech to understand  . Just give me a comfy seat and a decent sound system, I'm good
. Just give me a comfy seat and a decent sound system, I'm good 

 It's about time the major chains catch up with the tech-savvy crowd
 It's about time the major chains catch up with the tech-savvy crowd  . The fact that only 30 theaters worldwide support this format now is crazy, and I'm hyped that it'll increase to 40 by next year
. The fact that only 30 theaters worldwide support this format now is crazy, and I'm hyped that it'll increase to 40 by next year  . Can you even imagine watching a film in 70mm IMAX? Mind. Blown
. Can you even imagine watching a film in 70mm IMAX? Mind. Blown  . And kudos to Nolan for pushing the boundaries of filmmaking with this tech
. And kudos to Nolan for pushing the boundaries of filmmaking with this tech  . The upgrades are super exciting, especially with IMAX with Laser being added
. The upgrades are super exciting, especially with IMAX with Laser being added  . Fingers crossed these new theaters will be selling out ASAP
. Fingers crossed these new theaters will be selling out ASAP  !
! . And have you seen the prices of tickets at these upgraded theaters? Forget about it! I'm good with my regular ol' 2D showings, thank you very much
. And have you seen the prices of tickets at these upgraded theaters? Forget about it! I'm good with my regular ol' 2D showings, thank you very much 
 ! Can't believe Cinemark is investing so big in the 70mm IMAX format for Nolan's next epic film. I mean, who doesn't want to see a movie on massive screens with insane sound?!
! Can't believe Cinemark is investing so big in the 70mm IMAX format for Nolan's next epic film. I mean, who doesn't want to see a movie on massive screens with insane sound?!  The fact that Regal's already getting in on it too makes me think this might be the start of something bigger... more theaters getting 70mm IMAX capable? That'd be so lit
 The fact that Regal's already getting in on it too makes me think this might be the start of something bigger... more theaters getting 70mm IMAX capable? That'd be so lit  I'm not even mad that cinemark is spending millions on these upgrades lol those theaters are gonna be the ultimate fan experience
 I'm not even mad that cinemark is spending millions on these upgrades lol those theaters are gonna be the ultimate fan experience  IMAX sales have been selling out fast, i guess people just can't get enough of this cinematic magic
 IMAX sales have been selling out fast, i guess people just can't get enough of this cinematic magic 

 The fact that only 30 theaters worldwide support this format is crazy, so it's awesome that Cinemark is stepping up their game. And let's be real, if "The Odyssey" sells out all those IMAX screenings, it's gonna be a huge deal for the film
 The fact that only 30 theaters worldwide support this format is crazy, so it's awesome that Cinemark is stepping up their game. And let's be real, if "The Odyssey" sells out all those IMAX screenings, it's gonna be a huge deal for the film