A Polygon writer describes choosing to watch Christopher Nolan's new film The Odyssey at a standard local digital screening rather than waiting for an IMAX 70mm showing, despite acknowledging that format is Nolan's intended way to view the film. Living in London, the writer found the city's two 70mm IMAX cinemas completely sold out through September, prompting a decision to prioritise convenience and comfort over the "purest" viewing experience. The piece speaks to the broader hype and demand surrounding Nolan's latest release, as well as the confusing array of premium formats now offered to audiences.

The article notes that The Odyssey is showing in numerous formats, including IMAX 70mm, digital IMAX, Dolby Vision, 70mm film, 35mm film and various "Premium Large Format" variants, with Letterboxd even offering a digital punch card to track which versions viewers have seen. The writer opted instead for a nearby regular theatre offering a free companion ticket, comfortable seating and solid projection quality, and reports that the standard 2.39:1 digital presentation still captures much of the film's visual impact, crediting cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema's compositions for working well across aspect ratios.