The Odyssey's IMAX release sparks concerns over image cropping in standard formats

Christopher Nolan’s film *The Odyssey* is the first feature shot entirely with IMAX cameras and is slated for worldwide theatrical release on July 17. Only around 30 cinemas globally are equipped to project the 70 mm IMAX version, which preserves the film’s native 1.43:1 aspect ratio and delivers a taller, more detailed image.

Other venues will show the movie in standard IMAX (1.90:1) or various 35 mm, Dolby Vision and Premium Large Format presentations. In standard IMAX the frame is about 40 % narrower, and the 70 mm and 35 mm formats use even wider ratios (2.20:1 and 2.39:1), meaning the top and bottom of the original image are cropped. Online discussions, notably on Reddit, have highlighted viewer worries that they may miss parts of the composition if they cannot attend a 70 mm IMAP screening. Nolan collaborated with IMAX to develop a quieter camera for the production, but the limited availability of the optimal format remains a source of debate.