Cinemark to Add 70mm Imax Screens Ahead of Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’
- - Cinemark to Add 70mm Imax Screens Ahead of Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’
Rebecca RubinOctober 27, 2025 at 8:30 PM
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Universal Pictures
Cinemark will add several Imax screens, including the increasingly popular (and still pretty rare) 70-millimeter film format, to its locations in the United States and South America ahead of the release of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey.”
Under a new agreement that expands the partnership between the theater chain and the technology company, Cinemark will build three new 70mm film projection systems and four new Imax with Laser systems in the United States. Cinemark will also upgrade its remaining 12 Imax screens to Imax with Laser, a 4K laser projection system developed to deliver the clearest images and best audio through proprietary technology.
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Imax 70mm film projection, the preferred cinematic format of auteur directors including Nolan, will be located in Cinemark Seven Bridges in the Woodridge suburb of Chicago; Cinemark Carefree Circle in Colorado Springs; and Cinemark Tinseltown in Rochester. Cinemark already has one Imax 70mm film location at Cinemark Webb Chapel in Dallas. The circuit made a point to note that the three new locations are set to be operational before Nolan’s “The Odyssey” — the first theatrical release shot entirely in Imax film — arrives in theaters on July 17, 2026. That’s notable because currently only 30 movie theaters worldwide are equipped to offer the Imax 70mm film format.
“Cinemark expanding its commitment to the very best of what Imax has to offer — both Imax with Laser and Imax 70mm film — underscores the value we’re delivering for our exhibition partners in today’s marketplace,” said Rich Gelfond, CEO of Imax. “With a tremendous slate ahead in 2026 highlighted by a number of Filmed for Imax and Imax 70mm film releases, we look forward to working with Cinemark to deliver the most immersive cinematic experiences to its customers and growing the value of our longstanding partnership.”
Imax has benefited in recent years as audiences opt for premium large formats to distinguish the out-of-the-home moviegoing experience. Demand has been further fueled by directors like Nolan and Denis Villeneuve, who often rhapsodize on press tours about the power of watching their films on the biggest and brightest screens.
Cinemark’s president and CEO Sean Gamble noted that the circuit’s upgrades “reflect our commitment to delivering high-quality, differentiated experiences that drive greater value perception, loyalty, and frequency across all types of films.”
“We’re pleased to expand our partnership with Imax as part of our broader strategy to offer a range of elevated cinematic experiences across our circuit,” Gamble said in a statement. “Upgrading our Imax locations to Imax with Laser and activating additional 70mm film systems further expands and enhances the immersive options we off our guests.”
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