The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan's epic adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek poem, is the first feature film ever shot entirely on IMAX 1570 cameras. However, only 41 cinemas across the globe can project the film in its original format, and just two of those are in London.
Global scarcity of 1570 projection
The 1570 format, which uses 70mm film stock with 15 perforations per frame, offers the highest resolution available in cinema. Yet it is outdated technology; most theatres switched to digital projection around a decade ago. As a result, only 41 venues worldwide remain equipped to show the film as Nolan intended. According to the Express, film enthusiasts are travelling considerable distances to experience The Odyssey in its full resolution.
London's two 1570 venues
The two London cinemas capable of projecting the 1570 version are the BFI IMAX near Waterloo Station and the Science Museum IMAX in South Kensington. The BFI IMAX boasts Britain's largest screen at 20m high and 26m wide, with 500 seats and a 14,000W digital surround sound system. The Science Museum's Ronson Theatre seats 400 and features a 24.3m by 16.8m screen displaying the immersive 1.43:1 aspect ratio, offering up to 40% more image than standard cinemas.
Technical challenges of 1570 filming
Shooting on 1570 cameras posed significant challenges. The cameras are exceptionally heavy, noisy, and require constant reloading; the film stock needed changing every three minutes throughout production. Nolan collaborated with IMAX to engineer a soundproofing 'blimp' to encase the 180kg camera, making it quiet enough for dialogue recording—a first for the format. The production spanned locations including Morocco, Greece, Italy, Scotland, Iceland, Western Sahara, Malta, and the Universal Studios Lot in Los Angeles.
Cast and critical reception
The Odyssey stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, and a supporting cast including Tom Holland, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, and Lupita Nyong'o. The film has garnered predominantly favourable critical reception. It arrives in UK cinemas on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Plot summary
The film follows Odysseus, the legendary king of Ithaca, on his arduous 10-year journey home after the Trojan War. He confronts mythological creatures such as the Cyclops Polyphemus, Sirens, and the nymph Calypso, while his wife Penelope and son Telemachus fend off suitors vying for her hand.
Nolan's legacy
Christopher Nolan, one of the 21st century's most distinguished filmmakers, has directed Inception, Oppenheimer, Dunkirk, the Dark Knight trilogy, and Memento. He has received eight Oscar nominations, winning Best Picture and Best Director for Oppenheimer.
