Where to see Nolan's Odyssey in Naples and Campania: IMAX, 70mm, and traditional theaters

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is the event film of 2026. Released on July 16, it is the first feature film in history shot entirely with IMAX 70mm cameras , an analog format that delivers an estimated definition of around 18K . With Matt Damon as Ulysses, a stellar cast, and a running time of 173 minutes , choosing the right theater in Naples and Campania really makes a difference. Here are all the options available in the region, from the one that offers the most faithful experience to Nolan's vision to traditional theaters.

IMAX 70mm film: not available in Italy

Let's start with a controversial fact. The Odyssey was shot entirely in IMAX 70mm ( 1570 format ), but in Italy there are no theaters equipped to project it on film. IMAX 70mm projectors are massive machines, with reels weighing over 300 kilos, installed in only 25 theaters in the United States and 41 worldwide. In Europe, the only two equipped theaters are in London: the BFI IMAX and the Ronson Theatre at the Science Museum.

For those who remain in Campania, the film can still be seen in three alternatives: digital IMAX/Laser , traditional 70mm (film but not IMAX) and standard digital DCP.

Happy Maxicinema Afragola: the only IMAX theater in Southern Italy

The Happy Maxicinema in Afragola, inside the Le Porte di Napoli shopping center , is the only IMAX theater in Southern Italy. Here, The Odyssey is screened in digital IMAX format (IMAX with Laser) , the closest possible version to the experience conceived by Nolan among those available in Italy.

Digital IMAX offers an extremely sharp image with an aspect ratio approaching 1.43:1 , displaying significantly more of the image than a traditional theater. The giant screen and proprietary IMAX sound system convey the epic scale of Ulysses' journey with a depth that standard theaters cannot match.

Please note: Tickets for the IMAX screenings sold out within hours of going on sale. We recommend checking availability daily for new dates.

Metropolitan Cinema: A 70mm Film Experience in Naples

The Metropolitan Cinema in Naples (via Mezzocannone) is one of only five theaters in Italy to show The Odyssey on traditional 70mm film . In collaboration with the Circuito Cinema C+C , the Metropolitan is screening the film on authentic 70mm film, recreating the warmth and texture of the analog film that Nolan has always championed.

70mm is not IMAX: the film has a classic vertical orientation, not the vast 1.43:1 aspect ratio of IMAX. However, the image surface is still enormous compared to 35mm and offers a richness of detail, color depth, and grain that digital cannot replicate. Recently renovated, the Metropolitan is considered one of the finest cinematic experiences in Southern Italy.

Other theaters in Naples and its province

Most theaters in Campania show The Odyssey in DCP , the standard digital format. Among these:

UCI Cinemas Casoria (Via Santa Maria, Casoria) – Features theaters equipped with Dolby Atmos audio , offering an excellent immersive audio experience, even if the video format is standard digital.

The Space Cinema Nola (Vulcano Buono Shopping Centre, Nola) – 9-screen multiplex that shows films digitally.

Magic Vision Multiplex (Viale dei Tigli, Casalnuovo di Napoli) – Multiplex with a particularly large Magnum-Theatre room.

Cinema Modernissimo (Via Cisterna dell'Olio, Naples historic center) – Historic cinema in the center.

What's the difference between formats: a quick guide

IMAX Digital/Laser (Happy Maxicinema Afragola) – Huge screen, 1.43:1 or 1.90:1 aspect ratio , razor-sharp digital image, proprietary IMAX audio. The closest to the original format available in Campania. Displays up to 26% more image than standard digital.

70mm Film (Cinema Metropolitan) – Analog film, aspect ratio approximately 2.20:1 , estimated equivalent resolution 12-14K . Unsurpassed film detail and texture. Doesn't have the extended aspect ratio of IMAX but offers the magic of film projection.

Standard Digital DCP (all other theaters) – The default format. Good quality, 4K digital projection . It doesn't offer the aspect ratio advantages of IMAX or the texture of film, but it's still a great experience.

Why format matters for this film

Nolan has always pushed for IMAX, but with The Odyssey he went a step further: the entire film was shot with IMAX 1570 cameras, which use 70mm film that runs horizontally. The result is an image with an estimated 18K equivalent resolution , about three times higher than standard 4K digital projectors .

IMAX cameras are huge and noisy: for this film, Nolan had to use a special soundproof container (nicknamed "the box") to hide the camera and dampen the noise. Each camera required teams of at least five people to move it. In total, approximately 600 kilometers of film were shot.

As Nolan himself stated: “There is nothing quite like a film shot on film and presented on film.”

FAQ

Where to see The Odyssey in IMAX in Campania? Happy Maxicinema in Afragola, located in the Le Porte di Napoli shopping center, is the only IMAX theater in the region and in Southern Italy.

Which theater offers the best viewing experience in Naples? The Metropolitan Cinema for 70mm film, the Happy Maxicinema in Afragola for digital IMAX. They're two different experiences, but both exceptional.

How long is Nolan's Odyssey? 173 minutes , or 2 hours and 52 minutes.

Is it possible to see The Odyssey in IMAX 70mm in Italy? No, there are no theaters equipped to show IMAX 70mm film in Italy. The only European options are in London.

Are IMAX tickets still available? Very hard to come by. We recommend checking the Happy Maxicinema website daily for any new shows or cancellations.