(NewsNation) — Popular movie theater chain Cinemark will add or enhance IMAX screens in several locations in the U.S. ahead of the highly anticipated release of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” the first theatrical release shot entirely in IMAX film and set to hit theaters July 17, 2026.
IMAX announced the agreement with Cinemark in a press release Monday, stating that the companies will expand their partnership and build three new 70mm film projection systems, add four new IMAX with Laser systems and upgrade its remaining 12 IMAX theaters to IMAX with Laser.
Cinemark will also “actively explore one additional location in South America” to implement IMAX with Laser systems, according to the release.
IMAX with Laser systems sets itself apart by “delivering brighter images with increased resolution, deeper contrast, and the widest range of colors exclusively to IMAX screens,” according to the release.
Where will the three new 70mm film projection systems be built?
The 70mm film projection systems will be installed in three existing Cinemark locations:
- Cinemark Seven Bridges in the Woodridge suburb of Chicago
- Cinemark Carefree Circle in Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Cinemark Tinseltown in Rochester, New York
70mm IMAX projection systems are rare, with only a few dozen theaters worldwide offering the format. It is also the preferred format of renowned director Christopher Nolan.
“Cinemark expanding its commitment to the very best of what IMAX has to offer — both IMAX with Laser and IMAX 70mm film — underscores the value we’re delivering for our exhibition partners in today’s marketplace,” said Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX.