Tech Beetle briefing CA AI

Q&A: How The Odyssey's new IMAX cameras were designed right here in Canada

Essential brief

Christopher Nolan's film The Odyssey is the first movie shot entirely on IMAX 70mm film, a format known for its high resolution and large screens. IMAX theatres accounted for 20% of the film's glob

Key topics

odyssey imax cameras were designed right here imax cameras were right here canada Christopher Nolan IMAX 70mm IMAX

Key facts

The Odyssey is the first film shot entirely on IMAX 70mm film, showcasing the format's high resolution and large screens.

IMAX redesigned its 70mm film cameras, called the Keighleys, in Canada to be lighter, quieter, and more portable for the film.

Only 41 IMAX theatres worldwide currently support 70mm film projection due to the age and complexity of the equipment.

David Keighley, a Canadian IMAX executive, played a key role in IMAX post-production and had a close partnership with Christopher Nolan.

Highlights

IMAX was founded in Canada in 1967 and debuted its technology at the Montréal Expo.

IMAX theatres accounted for 20% of The Odyssey's global box office debut, IMAX's biggest opening weekend in Canada.

The new IMAX 70mm cameras for The Odyssey were redesigned in Mississauga, Canada, enabling filming in diverse locations.

The sound blimp enclosure innovation allowed for capturing intimate dialogue scenes on 70mm film for the first time.

IMAX has 41 locations worldwide capable of projecting 70mm film, up from 30 three years ago, but the projectors are aging and parts are obsolete.

Why it matters

IMAX's Canadian roots and ongoing innovation underscore the country's significant role in advancing film technology. The redesign of the 70mm cameras for The Odyssey demonstrates how legacy film formats can be revitalized for modern filmmaking, preserving high-resolution cinematic experiences. This innovation supports the continued appeal of theatrical movie-going amid a digital-dominated industry.

Christopher Nolan's latest film, The Odyssey, is notable for being the first movie shot entirely on IMAX 70mm film, a format that offers the highest resolution and largest screen experience available. This has driven strong audience demand, with IMAX theatres contributing 20 percent of the film's global box office during its opening weekend, IMAX's biggest ever in Canada. IMAX was founded in Canada in 1967 and debuted its film technology at the Montréal Expo that year. Since then, the company has evolved from educational film presentations to a global entertainment brand with nearly 1,900 locations in 91 countries.

IMAX's transition into Hollywood involved developing digital remastering technology to convert standard films into the IMAX format and partnering with exhibitors to create immersive auditoriums featuring wall-to-wall screens and advanced projection and sound systems. However, only a limited number of IMAX theatres worldwide can project 70mm film due to the complexity and age of the equipment. Currently, 41 locations support IMAX 70mm film, up from 30 three years ago, but the projectors are around 50 years old, with obsolete parts and limited technical documentation.

To support The Odyssey, IMAX redesigned its 70mm film cameras, known as the Keighleys, at its Canadian technology hub in Mississauga. These new cameras are lighter, quieter, and more portable, enabling filming in diverse locations across six countries. A key innovation was the development of a sound blimp enclosure that allows for capturing intimate dialogue scenes without the noise issues that previously limited the use of 70mm film cameras for such shots.

The Odyssey also includes a dedication to David Keighley, a Canadian IMAX executive who passed away in 2025. Keighley founded IMAX's post-production company and maintained a close working relationship with Christopher Nolan, supporting the director's use of IMAX film cameras on several major films. His contributions were instrumental in shaping IMAX's film technology and post-production processes.

IMAX continues to innovate at its Canadian headquarters, focusing on improving sound, theatre design, and camera technology. The company is exploring the possibility of developing a new generation of film projection systems to complement its existing digital and film offerings. IMAX remains a proud Canadian brand with nine 70mm film theatres across the country, from Halifax to Vancouver, maintaining its legacy in film technology and immersive cinema experiences.

Key topics in this update include odyssey, imax cameras were designed right here, and imax cameras were.