Don't book The Odyssey tickets before reading this IMAX movie format guide

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey was filmed entirely with IMAX cameras, but audiences can choose from several theatrical formats, including IMAX 70mm, Dolby Cinema and PLF. The film's official website explains the differences between each format to help viewers pick their preferred big-screen experience.

In Short

• The Odyssey was filmed entirely with IMAX cameras
• IMAX 70mm offers the best viewing with 1.43:1 aspect ratio
• IMAX Laser and Dolby Cinema provide premium high-contrast experiences

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey was shot entirely using IMAX cameras, but not every theatre or premium format available on BookMyShow will give you the same IMAX experience. The theatrical experience differs depending on the format you choose.

In simple terms, the screen size, picture quality and even how much of the image you see can change from one format to another. To help the audience decide, the film's official website has released a detailed guide explaining every available format - from IMAX 70mm and IMAX Laser to Dolby Cinema, 70mm film, 35mm and Premium Large Format (PLF) - along with how each presents the film.

IMAX 70mm

The best way to watch The Odyssey is in IMAX 70mm, where the audience gets to see everything that was captured on camera. The format presents the film in IMAX's 1.43:1 Expanded Aspect Ratio, which is Christopher Nolan's preferred way of experiencing the film.

Each film frame features 15 perforations and runs horizontally through the projector, making it the largest and highest-resolution film format available. Think of it as using a much larger photographic negative, allowing every frame to capture significantly more visual detail.

The expansive floor-to-ceiling IMAX screen offers maximum immersion, allowing audiences to see more of every frame than in any other version. However, there are only 41 IMAX 70mm theatres worldwide, and none are located in India. That means Indian audiences will not be able to experience the film in this format.

IMAX with Laser

Most IMAX theatres will screen The Odyssey in the 1.90:1 Expanded Aspect Ratio, which still shows more image than a regular cinema screen, but not the full image which was captured, while select IMAX with Laser venues will present it in the taller 1.43:1 ratio.

The format is designed to fill the viewer's field of vision on IMAX's signature floor-to-ceiling screens, making you feel more surrounded by the image rather than simply watching it from a distance, making it one of the best premium viewing options available in India.

70mm film

Traditional 70mm film offers a bright and detailed visual with up to three times the resolution of standard digital projection.

Unlike IMAX 70mm, the film runs vertically through the projector with five perforations per frame and is shown in a 2.20:1 aspect ratio. You won't see as much picture at the top and bottom as IMAX 70mm, but you'll still get exceptional sharpness and the distinctive look of film. It is known for its rich analogue colours and exceptional image clarity.

35mm film

Described on the official website as "the classic film format," 35mm projects light through the full 35mm frame to produce high-resolution images with rich analogue colour.

The format uses four perforations per frame, runs vertically through the projector and is presented in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. This is the traditional widescreen cinema experience that audiences have watched for decades.

As you move down the list of formats, the image gradually becomes wider but shorter, with less picture visible at the top and bottom. By the time you reach standard cinema formats like 2.39:1, you're essentially watching the familiar widescreen presentation found in most theatres.

Dolby Cinema

Dolby Cinema, one of the newer premium cinema formats, uses Dolby Vision's high dynamic range laser projection system, delivering a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio with enhanced brightness and colour accuracy.

According to the website, the technology allows viewers to experience every detail captured by Nolan's large-format cameras. Its biggest strength is richer colours, brighter highlights and deeper blacks, rather than a taller image. Depending on the auditorium, Dolby Cinema will screen the film in either 2.39:1 CinemaScope or 1.85:1 Flat, ensuring the largest possible image for that screen.

Premium Large Format (PLF)

Premium Large Format (PLF) theatres combine larger wall-to-wall screens with advanced laser projection systems to provide a more immersive cinematic experience.

Depending on the auditorium, audiences will watch the film in either a 2.39:1 or 1.85:1 aspect ratio. While PLF screens are bigger than standard cinemas, they do not offer the exclusive IMAX expanded image.

In India, audiences cannot watch The Odyssey in its purest IMAX 70mm format because the country does not have commercial theatres equipped with 15/70mm IMAX film projectors or the large auditoriums needed for them. While India has over 30 digital IMAX screens, they show films in a 1.90:1 aspect ratio instead of the taller 1.43:1 format that filmmakers like Christopher Nolan prefer.

Interestingly, Gujarat Science City in Ahmedabad does have a 15/70mm IMAX projector, but it is used only for educational and science films, not commercial movie releases.

The Odyssey released in theatres on July 17. Moviegoers who want to compare the various formats before watching the film can visit the official website, where trailers demonstrate how the movie appears across different screen types. Even if you're unfamiliar with terms like IMAX 70mm or aspect ratio, the side-by-side comparisons make it easy to understand what each format offers before choosing your show.

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