Nolan's 'Odissea' Becomes First Film Shot Entirely in IMAX 70mm

Christopher Nolan's 'Odissea' is the first feature film shot entirely in IMAX 70mm, a format that combines 70mm film stock with IMAX's square aspect ratio for maximum visual quality. The logistical challenges of using IMAX cameras—bulky, noisy, and requiring horizontal film transport—had prevented previous full-length productions. Nolan, who began collaborating with IMAX on 'Batman Begins' (2005) and used hybrid formats for 'Oppenheimer', worked with IMAX to develop a sound-dampening enclosure for the camera, enabling live audio recording. This enclosure, however, forced actors to look at a mirror system rather than each other during dialogue scenes. Post-production involved scanning the negative for digital editing, then replicating the cut on the original analog negative. Color correction and visual effects were handled analogically or printed onto film. Over 90% of viewers will see the film in conventional digital cinemas, but Nolan prioritizes shooting at maximum quality for future-proof archival. In Italy, no IMAX 70mm theaters exist; the Arcadia in Melzo can project 70mm but not IMAX, while digital IMAX screens are available. Most Italian viewers will see the film in standard DCP digital format, cropped to 16:9.