Nolan’s The Odyssey to Feature New IMAX Cameras

Universal Pictures has officially confirmed that Christopher Nolan’s next film will be The Odyssey, a cinematic interpretation of the iconic Greek myth. The film will be shot using groundbreaking new IMAX film technology, although the specifics of this new technology remain largely undisclosed. However, industry insiders speculate that the term “new IMAX film technology” likely refers to the recently developed IMAX cameras that the company has been working on over the last few years. The cameras have been a topic of discussion since March 2024, when they were first introduced during a live panel at the NAB 2024 conference, which is accessible on YouTube.

In this panel, Bruce Markoe, the head of post-production at IMAX, revealed that these new cameras are essentially a modern update to the eight IMAX film cameras that were originally designed over 25 years ago. The new equipment promises to bring substantial improvements to filmmaking, particularly in terms of ergonomics, sound, and image quality. One of the most significant upgrades is the reduction in noise levels. The new cameras will be 30% quieter than their predecessors. This quieter operation is expected to have multiple benefits, particularly for cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, who has worked with Nolan since Interstellar (2014). Hoytema has often been seen struggling to balance the weight of the current IMAX cameras on his shoulder, a challenge that is expected to be alleviated by the new design, which incorporates lightweight carbon fiber construction. This lighter design will make it easier for directors and cinematographers to use the cameras more frequently, allowing for a wider variety of shots.

The quieter function of the cameras may also resolve an ongoing issue that has been a point of contention for many Nolan fans and critics alike: the inaudibility of dialogue in certain scenes. Nolan is known for his preference for using live sound recordings on set, often refusing to employ automatic dialogue replacement (ADR), which can lead to certain portions of his films being hard to hear. The noise reduction in the new IMAX cameras could help mitigate this problem, offering a clearer audio experience without sacrificing the authenticity of live sound. In addition to the quieter operation and lighter weight, the new cameras come with several visual improvements. The cameras will feature a high-resolution five-inch full-color display, providing filmmakers with an improved view of their shots. Along with this, the digital and optical viewfinders will be brighter, ensuring that the cinematographer can get a clearer image even in low-light conditions. For the first time, the cameras will also support Wi-Fi output, allowing on-set footage to be monitored in real-time on external devices like tablets. This feature will likely streamline the filmmaking process, offering directors and crew members the ability to track and review shots on the spot.

Another important update is the inclusion of frame lines for various aspect ratios. The cameras will display frame lines for IMAX’s native 1.43:1 format, used for 15/70 film IMAX presentations, as well as the IMAX 1.90:1 format and the standard 2.40:1 ratio. The flexibility to monitor shots in multiple formats will allow filmmakers to make precise decisions on how to frame each scene. The ability to customize frame lines for different aspect ratios further underscores the versatility of the new IMAX cameras. Despite the numerous updates and changes to the new cameras, IMAX has kept the internal movement of the film camera largely unchanged. Markoe mentioned that the original design from 25 years ago was so reliable and effective that IMAX saw no need to make significant alterations to this core aspect. This decision reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining the tried-and-true aspects of their technology while modernizing other areas.

These innovations will also enhance the stability of film exposure, ensuring that filmmakers can capture consistent and high-quality images, even in the most challenging shooting conditions. The cameras’ reliability and improved performance are expected to be especially valuable for Nolan, who is known for his ambitious filmmaking techniques and technical challenges. The excitement surrounding the new IMAX cameras comes at a time when the demand for IMAX screenings has surged. Markoe shared a fascinating statistic during the panel: although only 1.5% of theaters worldwide showed Interstellar in IMAX, those screenings accounted for 20% of the film’s total revenue. This statistic highlights the strong appetite for high-quality, immersive IMAX experiences. In fact, the recent 10th-anniversary re-release of Interstellar further solidified the enduring popularity of the IMAX format, as fans flocked to theaters to experience the film in its full 1.43:1 aspect ratio.

However, while the demand for IMAX is clear, it remains limited by the number of theaters capable of showing films in this format. There are only 30 theaters globally that can screen IMAX films in the 1.43:1 aspect ratio, which requires specialized IMAX 15/70 film cameras or a dual-laser projection system. Despite the growing demand for IMAX, the number of theaters equipped for this specific format has not expanded significantly, which could limit the accessibility of The Odyssey in its optimal viewing experience. The announcement of the new IMAX cameras has generated a great deal of excitement, but there are hints that the technology could go beyond just the cameras. During the panel, there was speculation that Kodak might introduce a new type of film stock in 2025. If true, this could further push the boundaries of what is possible with large-format filmmaking. In Oppenheimer (2023), Nolan worked with Kodak to create the first-ever black-and-white IMAX film, a groundbreaking achievement in the world of cinema. With The Odyssey, it’s expected that Nolan will continue to push the envelope, possibly introducing even more daring and innovative techniques to revolutionize filmmaking.

As The Odyssey progresses, there is little doubt that the film will showcase the full potential of these new IMAX cameras, combining cutting-edge technology with Nolan’s signature storytelling style. Fans and filmmakers alike will be eagerly awaiting the film’s release, which is set to push the limits of both visual and auditory experiences on the big screen. With new advancements in IMAX technology and the anticipation surrounding the film’s unique approach, The Odyssey promises to be a truly monumental cinematic event.