August 18, 2026
By Janis Cole

This is not a critique of the film, it’s a technical post about the intended IMAX 70mm aspect ratio and other screening options. I looked into IMAX 70mm projection, the format of choice Christopher Nolan prefers his film The Odyssey to be shown. Why? Because it fills your eyeline with what’s on screen, making the experience spectacular. It’s an epic three hour movie and only two theatres near Toronto show IMAX 70mm; one in Mississauga and the other in Vaughan. Finding six hours to take in the movie hasn’t happened yet, so this post is about projection formats for The Odyssey instead of the film itself. I list Cinema information at the end but first some insights on different aspect ratios.

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is the first film to be entirely shot using 70mm IMAX film. Only 41 theatres worldwide can show IMAX 70mm, with just 9 in Canada, and only 2 in the Toronto area. Nolan posted this aspect ratio comparison of projection formats. Standard IMAX, with more theatre choices, has a (1.90:1) aspect ratio. The limited IMAX 70mm theatres show a full 100% (1.43:1) aspect ratio, giving the most immersive feeling, which the director wants:

Ryan Coogler, director of last year’s Oscar nominated Sinners shot parts of his film in 70mm IMAX and gives a quick master class on aspect ratio.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of standard theatre projection (2.39:1) vs. IMAX 70mm (1.43:1).

A cinephile watched The Odyssey four times, in four formats and describes each.

A film writer watched the movie six times, in six formats and writes his results in indiwire.

Once you know how you want to see the film here are Toronto area theatres showing it:
Only two GTA theatres show the film in IMAX 70mm; Cineplex Cinemas Vaughan (formerly Colossus Vaughan) and Cineplex Cinemas Mississauga Square One. Scotiabank Cinema Toronto shows the film in 1.43:1 via a two laser projection method, for a digital projection rather than a film projection.

Several Toronto Cineplex Cinemas show the film in IMAX or 70mm (not to be confused with IMAX 70mm) check each cinema individually. TIP – Watching IMAX improves the experience if sitting closer to the front rather than too far back, to immerse yourself in the screen. TIP – Even with a reserved ticket for the two Cineplex Cinemas showing IMAX 70mm call ahead to check that the projection equipment is working, there have been some problems. 

2026, 2 hours and 52 minutes. Theatrical release has been extended to mid September 2026. Theatrical screenings also offer a more intense sound experience.  A date for VOD release such as Apple TV isn’t available yet but is estimated for November 2026. 

The Odyssey official trailer with exploration of formats.