A dedicated film enthusiast traveled five hours from Newcastle to London's BFI IMAX to watch Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey in the exclusive 70mm IMAX format. After also viewing the film on 35mm at her local Tyneside Cinema, she shared her honest comparison of the two experiences.
Why the Journey Was Worth It
Cerys, a cinema content creator, made the round trip to BFI IMAX because only three UK cinemas screen The Odyssey in 70mm IMAX. The film, believed to be the first shot entirely on IMAX cameras, earned $264 million globally on its opening weekend. Its star-studded cast includes Zendaya, Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Travis Scott, and Anne Hathaway, weaving three interlinked narratives from Homer's epic.
“I have now seen The Odyssey in both IMAX 70mm and the smaller 35mm format,” Cerys explained in a TikTok video. “If you're in a similar position to me and maybe don't have great access to a 70mm IMAX screening, I'm here to explain why there are other benefits to different formats as well.”
70mm vs. 35mm: Different Strengths
Cerys noted that the major difference stemmed from screen size. “The first time I saw it in 70mm, I found myself more focused on the spectacle, which was undoubtedly astonishing. But seeing it in a smaller format allowed me to focus more on the story, which enriched my understanding further. There were a lot of nuances that I definitely missed out on the first time because I was so wrapped up in the scale.”
She also observed aesthetic differences: “Both looked absolutely gorgeous, but the grainier, all-timely look of 35mm really enhanced the timelessness of this story. The 70mm IMAX looked brighter, which added to the spectacle.”
35mm: A Unique Experience in the North East
Tyneside Cinema, where Cerys saw the 35mm version, is one of only a handful of UK cinemas selected to screen The Odyssey on 35mm film. Dan Lauder, Head of Cinema at Tyneside Cinema, said: “We're very lucky to be selected as one of only a handful of cinemas that have been provided the opportunity to play The Odyssey in 35mm, making the viewing experience at the cinema for this film truly unique. Both formats can provide an excellent viewing experience, but a film projected in 35mm can provide an authenticity in its colour tones and textures that digital cinema can't always replicate.”
Final Verdict: See It in Any Format
Despite the five-hour trek, Cerys concluded that both formats delivered deeply fulfilling experiences. “I personally think it's worth seeing in any and all formats. Seeing it in 70mm IMAX was a phenomenal experience that I would definitely recommend. It really is great seeing it how it was meant to be seen, but I know it's quite difficult, and if you can't, I hope this video has highlighted the fact that other options are pretty great too.”
