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It’s an epic story of an epic journey told ideally in epically rare IMAX 70mm theaters — making it, well, kind of epic for fans to view it the way the filmmaker intended.
But for those in the Modesto region, the journey to see one of the summer movie season’s most anticipated films isn’t so epic after all.
There only are 40 screens worldwide, with just 25 in the United States, capable of showing Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” in its original film format.
But there are three — three! — IMAX 70mm theaters within close driving distance from Modesto, where you can see the nearly three-hour retelling of Homer’s ancient Greek poem.
It’s now playing at the Regal Hacienda Crossings & IMAX in Dublin, Esquire IMAX Theater in downtown Sacramento and AMC Metreon 16 & IMAX in San Francisco.
Not only do viewers get the chance to watch the first full feature-length movie entirely filmed in IMAX’s large 70mm format, but also the unique IMAX 70mm film has a nearly square aspect ratio, at 1.23:1, offering a more vertical viewing experience than most modern movies.
You also can watch the film in IMAX digital form — on a larger screen, though not as expansive as the 70mm format — right here at home, at Galaxy Theatres in Riverbank. It’s playing on traditional screens in the Modesto area, as well.
“The Odyssey” features a star-studded cast that includes Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway and John Leguizamo.
A Tribune News Service review of the film gave it a four-out-of-four star rating.
“What makes Nolan’s vision of ‘The Odyssey’ so entrancing is the sheer scope, scale and beauty of it. Like a general, he marshals his tremendous resources, talent and an army of artists in service of conveying his message to a rapt audience,” the review says.
The Sacramento Bee contributed to this report.
