Where to see The Odyssey in IMAX 70mm in California

Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" is the most technically ambitious film he's ever made and the screen you see it on will matter more than usual. The Odyssey is the first feature film shot entirely with IMAX film cameras, which means seeing it in true IMAX 70mm isn't just a premium upgrade. It's the format the movie was designed for.  

California is one of the best places on Earth to experience it. The state is home to one of the largest concentrations of IMAX 70mm theaters in the world. With tickets already selling out, knowing where to go and booking early is essential. 

Where to See The Odyssey in IMAX 70mm: Confirmed Locations 

California has eight confirmed IMAX 70mm venues for The Odyssey, more than any other state.  

LA and SoCal 

• Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood and IMAX, Universal City, is one of the flagship 70mm venues in the country. Book through AMC.  
• TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX, Hollywood, is one of the most iconic movie palaces in the world. Tickets through Fandango or the theater.  
• Regal LA Live and IMAX, downtown Los Angeles, is a newer IMAX 70mm installation confirmed for the release. Tickets through Regal. 
• Regal Edwards Ontario Palace Stadium and IMAX, Ontario, is a strong option for the Inland Empire. Tickets through Regal.  
• Regal Irvine Spectrum and IMAX, Irvine, is the top pick for Orange County moviegoers. Tickets through Regal.  

Bay Area and Sacramento 

AMC Metreon 16 and IMAX in San Francisco and Regal Hacienda Crossings in Dublin are the Bay Area's two confirmed venues. Only the front two rows remained at the Metreon for opening night within hours of advance tickets going on sale. More showtimes have since been added, but don't wait.  

Esquire IMAX Theatre, Sacramento, is the only true IMAX 70mm screen in Northern California outside the Bay Area. 

A Bonus Stop: Westwood 

The Odyssey will also screen in 70mm at Westwood's Village Theatre for a special three week run starting July 17 in partnership with the American Cinematheque. Note this is standard 70mm, not IMAX 70mm, a different though still striking format. 

Why IMAX 70mm Is Different 

Most multiplexes showing "IMAX" use digital projection, a solid experience but not the real thing. True IMAX 70mm screens are roughly 59 by 79 feet and nearly square in shape, at a 1.43 to 1 ratio, designed to fill your field of vision. The 15 perf 70mm film runs horizontally through the projector, producing a frame size almost nine times the area of regular 35mm film.  

Some dual-laser IMAX theaters can present the full 1.43:1 image, while many laser IMAX locations are limited to 1.90:1. Even so, IMAX with Laser generally offers a significantly better presentation than standard digital projection. 

Practical Tips for IMAX 70mm Tickets 

• Buy now. Regal's 70mm IMAX showtimes sold out in under 12 hours when advance tickets first went on sale. Prime slots at top venues are still moving fast.  
• Arrive early. Some IMAX 70mm screenings skip trailers and start promptly. Check your venue's policy. 
• Expect a price bump. Some premium IMAX 70mm tickets are priced at more than $30, so budget accordingly.  
• Know the runtime. The Odyssey runs 2 hours and 52 minutes, so plan your evening.  

Where to Buy Tickets for The Odyssey 

The best starting point for The Odyssey 70mm showtimes is imax.com, which lists confirmed venues with live booking links. AMC, Regal and Fandango also list showtimes directly. Search for "IMAX 70mm" rather than just "IMAX" to make sure you're getting the real format. 

The Odyssey IMAX 70mm California screenings are a rare chance to see one of the most technically extraordinary films of the decade the way it was made to be seen Don't settle for less screen than it deserves.