‘The Odyssey’ Extends Run At Alex Theatre After Becoming Highest-Grossing 70MM Exhibitor Who Had Not Screened A New Movie In 35 Years
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- Alex Theatre extends its screening of The Odyssey through August 20, 2026, following overwhelming audience demand for the 70mm presentation.
- Alex Theatre had not screened a new film since 1991, when Terminator 2: Judgment Day premiered there, ending a 35-year gap in first-run exhibitions.
- Alex Theatre recently installed 70mm film projectors as part of system upgrades, enabling it to host Nolan’s Imax-shot film in its intended format.
- Miles Williams, Artistic Director of the Alex Theatre, credited audience enthusiasm and Universal Pictures for the successful 70mm engagement.
- Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has grossed $911 million globally after three weekends and is projected to near $1 billion, driven by large-format screenings.
- The Odyssey was shot entirely in Imax 70mm, prompting moviegoers to seek out specialty theaters like the Alex for the director’s intended viewing experience.
Why it matters: The Alex Theatre’s 35-year drought without a new release ends with a cultural moment that proves historic venues can thrive when paired with format-specific blockbusters, giving legacy cinemas a blueprint to attract audiences by aligning with filmmakers like Nolan who champion analog exhibition.
