Imax 70 mm screenings become the biggest star for Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’
CNBC reports strong demand for IMAX 70 mm screenings of Universal’s “The Odyssey,” with IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond saying an average 70 mm-equipped screen made about $153,000 on opening weekend. EntTelligence cites a $27.77 ticket, 81% above average. IMAX lists 25 US and 16 international 70 mm theaters; LSEG says analysts’ avg price target implies ~12% upside.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
It links management commentary and opening-weekend performance to heightened interest in higher-priced Imax 70 mm tickets, while emphasizing limited theater availability and longer runs.
Market read
Premium-format demand appears to be accelerating for IMAX’s scarce 70 mm footprint, which can influence near-term sentiment around premium monetization.
What to watch
The article does not quantify incremental revenue impact versus costs of 70 mm operations, nor does it provide updated full-year guidance; the $153,000 figure is per screen and may not translate linearly to company earnings.
Background
The piece frames “The Odyssey” as the first feature shot entirely with Imax 70 mm cameras and ties buzz to premium large formats (PLFs).
Ticker impact
IMAX CEO says Imax 70 mm demand for “The Odyssey” is “massive,” with average 70 mm screens taking in about $153,000 opening weekend.
Near-term upside bias for IMAX shares as investors price higher premium-format utilization and sustained 70 mm runs.
The article provides concrete demand metrics (ticket price premium, $153,000 average haul, months-long run) plus management commentary, but it is still largely demand/format commentary rather than a new financial guidance update.
Market effects
Reinforces a read-through that premium large formats (PLFs) can command higher pricing and attract travel-driven audiences, potentially benefiting theater operators with compatible auditoriums.
Highlights geographically concentrated availability (e.g., Colorado, Texas, Indiana), implying localized demand spikes where 70 mm capacity exists.
Management cites international 70 mm locations and cross-border travel, suggesting the premium-format demand is not purely domestic.
Counterpoint
The story may overstate durability because 70 mm capacity is constrained, so incremental revenue upside could be limited by physical rollout speed rather than demand alone.
Key entities
- public_companyIMAX
Imax CEO Richard Gelfond discusses “massive” demand and provides opening-weekend per-screen box-office figures for 70 mm showings.
- personChristopher Nolan
Director whose film is driving demand for the analog Imax 70 mm experience.
- public_companyCinemark
Says demand for its Imax 70 mm showings is “exceptionally strong” in certain states.
- public_companyRegal
Says “The Odyssey” became its top Imax 70 mm-displayed movie.
