Christopher Nolan’s latest film, "The Odyssey," has rapidly emerged as a cultural phenomenon, drawing audiences to theaters with its take on Greek mythology and a standout performance by Robert Pattinson. As the film continues to dominate the box office, a broader conversation has developed among moviegoers regarding the merits of film versus digital projection, leading many to search for the definitive way to experience the epic.
Leah Saint Marie, a filmmaker and former projectionist, notes that the focus on projection is a positive development. She explains that while projectionists often go unnoticed when things are running smoothly, they are vital to the cinematic experience. According to Saint Marie, "If everything is perfect, then it’s an invisible hand making your entertainment happen for you."
For those seeking the highest quality presentation, IMAX 70mm remains the top choice. "The Odyssey" holds the distinction of being the first Hollywood blockbuster shot entirely with 65mm IMAX film cameras. These presentations offer maximum resolution on massive, curved screens that provide an immersive experience. However, with many IMAX 70mm screenings sold out for the coming month, audiences are exploring alternative formats.
Standard digital IMAX, often colloquially referred to as "LieMAX" by cinephiles, is widely available in U.S. theater chains. While these screens are large, they are typically more rectangular than "true" IMAX formats, resulting in the cropping of the top and bottom of the original image. Other premium options include Dolby Vision, which utilizes laser projection for vivid, high-contrast visuals, and 4DX, which incorporates sensory elements like rumbling seats and water effects to simulate the film's high-seas action.
Projectionist Dennis suggests that if a viewer cannot secure a seat for an IMAX 70mm screening, they should prioritize a standard 70mm presentation over digital alternatives. He emphasizes that as long as the film remains in high demand, studios will keep it on screens, giving audiences time to wait for their preferred format. Saint Marie agrees, noting that actual film provides a "breath of life" that digital formats struggle to replicate. She highlights that film offers superior depth and brightness, arguing that if a viewer is investing time and money into a theatrical outing, they should seek out the format intended by the director.
While acknowledging that the industry largely transitioned to digital projection in the early 2000s for cost-efficiency, Dennis notes that digital cinema is still capable of telling a story effectively, even if it lacks the visual impact of film. Ultimately, Saint Marie encourages fans to prioritize the act of seeing the movie in a theater, regardless of the specific format, provided that geographic limitations do not prevent them from enjoying the experience.
“It makes me so excited, because I care so deeply about film and how it’s projected,” says Leah Saint Marie, a filmmaker and former projectionist. “Nobody notices a projectionist unless something goes wrong and then you have somebody to blame. If everything is perfect, then it’s an invisible hand making your entertainment happen for you."
Countless IMAX 70mm screenings around the country are sold out for the next month, meaning many filmgoers are looking for the next best way to go see “The Odyssey.”
