IMAX Bets Big on India as Nolan’s Odyssey Solves Camera Noise
Matt Damon, starring in Christopher Nolan's adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey, likened the sound of IMAX cameras to 'a sewing machine in a fight with a stapler.' The loud noise from the film mechanism had prevented sync sound capture, and the cameras needed reloading every two and a half minutes.
For The Odyssey, Nolan pushed IMAX to develop a soundproof enclosure for the camera, reducing noise by a third. Preetham Daniel, VP of Theatre Development at IMAX for India, Southeast Asia, and Australasia, told The Indian Express this 'blimp' technology will help future filmmakers capture sync sound for the first time with IMAX film cameras.
The Odyssey is the first feature shot entirely with IMAX film, using over 2 million feet (600 km) of film over 91 days. The format offers resolution up to 18K and a 1.43:1 aspect ratio, far sharper than digital. However, only one lab globally—Photochem in Burbank, California—can process 70mm prints.
India currently lacks commercial theatres capable of projecting native IMAX 70mm film. All 34 IMAX screens in India will show digital versions, missing the taller aspect ratio. Despite this, IMAX has expanded its Indian footprint by 60% since 2020 and plans further growth.
