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The ALEX Theatre Returns to Film with 'The Odyssey'

cultural-heritage · 2026-08-06

The historic ALEX Theatre in Glendale, California, has returned to showing first-run films after 35 years, premiering Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' on 70mm. The theater, built in 1925, last showed a first-run feature in 1991 with 'Terminator 2'. Artistic Director Miles Williams, who has restored four historic LA theaters, led the revival. With a $900 million worldwide gross, 'The Odyssey' has drawn audiences back to cinemas. Williams, initially hesitant, negotiated with the city for upgrades. The theater now features a unique projection booth with picture windows, losing 27 seats. Williams aims to show all films on film, including 35mm, and sees this as a reclamation of the theater's identity.

Key facts

  • The ALEX Theatre in Glendale, CA, showed its first first-run film in 35 years with 'The Odyssey'.
  • The theater last showed a first-run feature in 1991: 'Terminator 2'.
  • The ALEX was built in 1925.
  • Artistic Director Miles Williams has restored four historic LA theaters.
  • The Odyssey has grossed over $900 million worldwide and nearly $400 million domestically.
  • The projection booth includes picture windows, a unique feature.
  • The theater lost 27 seats to install the booth.
  • Williams plans to show all films on film, including 35mm.

Entities

Artists

  • Christopher Nolan
  • Miles Williams
  • Taylor Umphenour
  • Denis Villeneuve
  • Greta Gerwig

Institutions

  • The ALEX Theatre
  • Universal
  • IMAX
  • PRINT Magazine
  • Alex Theatre
  • Universal Pictures
  • Sony
  • Imax
  • The Hollywood Reporter

Locations

  • Glendale
  • California
  • Los Angeles
  • Silver Lake
  • Beverly Hills
  • Downtown
  • United States

Sources