Technicians at a Los Angeles film lab assembled 70mm IMAX prints of Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" before shipping them to theaters worldwide [1, 2].
The effort represents a rare revival of analog cinema in an era of digital projection. Because Nolan required true 70mm prints, the industry had to reactivate specialized assembly lines that had been dormant for years [1, 3].
The assembly process took place in Los Angeles, often identified as Technicolor’s local facility [1, 2]. This complex workflow was necessary to preserve the specific visual quality Nolan demanded for the production [3].
"We had to bring back the old 70mm assembly line, something that hasn't been done in years," projectionist Mark Stevens said [1].
Demand for the format has been significant. Only 12 theaters worldwide are capable of projecting true 70mm IMAX prints [4]. Due to weeks of sold-out showings, IMAX 70mm screenings have been extended to Sept. 16, 2026 [5]. Previously, the film was scheduled to run in this format through Aug. 19, 2026 [5].
Local venues have played a role in the distribution and exhibition of these massive reels. Sarah Lee, a theater manager, said the Alex Theatre is proud to be part of the journey that brings these prints from Los Angeles to audiences worldwide [2].
Emily Smith, a reporter for Variety, said Nolan insisted on true 70mm prints, which meant a complex assembly process in Los Angeles [3]. The logistics involved coordinating the physical movement of heavy film reels to a very small number of compatible global screens [1, 4].
“We had to bring back the old 70mm assembly line, something that hasn't been done in years.”
The revival of 70mm IMAX assembly highlights a growing tension between digital efficiency and the artistic demand for analog preservation. By forcing the industry to reactivate dormant infrastructure, the release of 'The Odyssey' maintains the viability of a specialized craft that would otherwise vanish, ensuring that a handful of global theaters remain equipped for high-fidelity celluloid projection.
