Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey”, the first film shot entirely on Imax cameras, has been released with strong demand for true Imax 70mm screenings. However, only 25 US cinemas can show the film in that format, limiting access despite audiences travelling long distances to see it as intended.

Imax chief executive Richard Gelfond said expanding the number of 70mm venues is difficult because new Imax film projectors have not been made for about 50 years. The company refurbishes existing machines, but many components, design records and specialist skills were lost as cinemas shifted to cheaper, simpler digital projection; renewed interest from filmmakers such as Nolan and Denis Villeneuve has not yet made film projection practical at scale.