Cinemark plans to add multiple IMAX screens to its U.S. and South American locations, including the increasingly popular (and still fairly rare) 70mm film format, ahead of the release of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey.”
Under a new agreement that expands partnerships with movie theater chains and technology companies, Cinemark will build three new 70mm film projection systems and four new Imax laser systems in the United States. Cinemark will also upgrade its remaining 12 Imax screens to Imax with Laser, a 4K laser projection system developed to provide the clearest images and best sound through proprietary technology.
Imax 70mm film projection, the film format preferred by filmmakers including Nolan, will be installed at Cinemark Seven Bridges in the Chicago suburb of Woodridge. Cinemark Carefree Circle in Colorado Springs. Cinemark Tinseltown in Rochester. Cinemark already has one Imax 70mm film location at Cinemark Webb Chapel in Dallas. The circuit emphasized that the three new facilities will be operational before Nolan’s The Odyssey, the first theatrical release shot entirely on Imax film, opens in theaters on July 17, 2026. This is notable since only 30 theaters worldwide are currently equipped to offer the Imax 70mm film format.
“Cinemark is highlighting the value we provide to our exhibition partners in today’s market by expanding our commitment to the best that Imax has to offer: both Imax with Laser and Imax 70mm film,” said Rich Gelfond, CEO of Imax. “We have great things ahead in 2026, highlighted by numerous releases of Filmed for Imax and Imax 70mm films. We look forward to working with Cinemark to deliver the most immersive movie experience to our customers and increase the value of our long-standing partnership.”
Imax has benefited in recent years as audiences opt for premium large formats to differentiate their outdoor movie experiences. The demand is further accelerated by directors like Nolan and Denis Villeneuve. They often rave on press tours about the power of seeing their films on the biggest, brightest screens.
Cinemark President and CEO Sean Gamble said the circuit upgrades “reflect our commitment to delivering high-quality, differentiated experiences that drive value, loyalty and frequency across all types of movies.”
“We are pleased to expand our partnership with Imax as part of our broader strategy to offer a variety of elevated cinematic experiences across our circuits,” Gamble said in a statement. “Upgrading our Imax locations to Imax with Laser and enabling additional 70mm film systems will further expand and enhance the immersive options for our guests.”
