On Sunday evening, a string of moviegoers spilled out of the AMC Lincoln Square, the only New York City theater screening Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ in true IMAX 70mm. Several clutched tote bags and wheeled overnight suitcases—evidence of red-eye flights and Amtrak rides from as far as Toronto, Chicago, and even London. For these cinephiles, seeing Nolan’s latest epic wasn’t just a night at the movies. It was a pilgrimage.

Tickets for the limited-format showings vanished within hours when sales opened in late June, sparking a frenzy on film forums and group chats across the city. “I’ve lived in Astoria my whole life, but I never thought I’d be swapping apartments with a stranger in Boston just to see a movie,” said Lila Martinez, 29, who coordinated a house swap to catch the opening in both cities. “There’s nothing like 70mm—especially in this heat, the theater feels like a portal.”

Monday morning commuters at Columbus Circle traded stories of cross-state plans to catch the film, comparing notes on which screenings still had seats and which hotels offered late checkouts. The IMAX 70mm format, rarely used due to its technical demands and cost, has become the season’s hottest ticket—an analog counterpoint to the city’s streaming fatigue. Staff at the Lincoln Square location reported hour-long lines before the first screening each day, with some guests arriving straight from JFK.

Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ is more than a film—it’s an event. In a city that thrives on spectacle, the lure of a rare format has turned a summer release into a shared quest. “It’s not just about the movie,” said Marcus Lee, a Brooklyn Heights film student. “It’s about the whole experience—waiting in line, talking to people from all over, feeling like you’re part of something bigger.”

With the IMAX 70mm run scheduled to continue through late August, the Lincoln Square marquee promises to remain a gathering point for cinema diehards and summer tourists alike. For now, the epic journey isn’t just on the screen—it’s in the streets, subways, and airports of New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which NYC theater is showing Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ in IMAX 70mm?

AMC Lincoln Square is the only New York City theater screening ‘The Odyssey’ in IMAX 70mm.

How long will ‘The Odyssey’ be shown in IMAX 70mm at AMC Lincoln Square?

The IMAX 70mm run at AMC Lincoln Square is scheduled through late August.

How quickly did tickets for ‘The Odyssey’ in IMAX 70mm sell out?

Tickets for the IMAX 70mm showings sold out within hours when sales opened in late June.

Are people traveling from outside New York to see ‘The Odyssey’ in IMAX 70mm?

Yes, fans have traveled from cities like Toronto, Chicago, and London to attend the screenings.

Why is the IMAX 70mm format significant for ‘The Odyssey’?

The IMAX 70mm format is rarely used due to its technical demands and cost, making these screenings a unique event for moviegoers.

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