Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey Takes Over IMAX, Leaving Spider-Man: Brand New Day Without a Release
July is shaping up to be a significant month for Hollywood in India, with two eagerly awaited films set to hit cinemas. “The Odyssey” is scheduled for release on July 17, while “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” will follow on July 30. Despite still being a month away from their premieres, advance bookings for both films have already begun, signaling strong interest from Indian audiences. Tickets for “The Odyssey” became available on June 8, and fans were able to book their seats for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” starting June 17. The rapid sales of tickets for both films suggest they are poised for a robust box office performance.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s Release Format
Traditionally, Spider-Man films have enjoyed an IMAX release, but “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” will be an exception. Currently, ticket bookings are open only for premium formats such as PXL, 4DX, ScreenX, and Marco XE. A user inquired in the comments section of the film’s trailer, posted by Sony Pictures India, about the possibility of an IMAX release. Sony confirmed, “No IMAX release for Spider-Man: Brand New Day in India, but the film will be available in premium large-format (PLF) screens for an epic big-screen experience.”
This decision has somewhat dampened the excitement among fans. A source explained that the absence of an IMAX release is due to the film’s timing, as it arrives just two weeks after Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey.” The source told Bollywood Hungama, “The Odyssey is the first film to be shot entirely on IMAX’s 70mm film cameras. Hence, the film will obviously get preferential treatment in the IMAX format.” As a result, all IMAX screens worldwide, including those in India, will exclusively showcase “The Odyssey” for three weeks.
The Impact of IMAX Exclusivity
Following the initial three-week period, IMAX theatres will evaluate whether to continue showing “The Odyssey” based on audience response. The source added, “If one goes by the performance of Nolan’s last film, Oppenheimer (2023), there’s a slim chance that IMAX screens would reduce the shows of The Odyssey.” The source emphasized that watching a Nolan film in IMAX is essential, which suggests “The Odyssey” will likely remain in IMAX for an extended period. Consequently, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” will miss out on this premium format.
Despite this setback, the enthusiasm for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” remains intact. The source noted, “Fans have already started booking tickets for Spider-Man: Brand New Day in other formats like PXL, ScreenX, 4DX, Marco XE and other premium formats, which also enhance the moviegoing experience.” Fans seem to understand that Nolan’s films typically require IMAX screens for several weeks.
Interestingly, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is not the only Marvel film facing an IMAX release challenge. “Avengers: Doomsday,” set to release later in December, is also expected to skip an IMAX release in various markets due to its clash with “Dune: Part Three.” Earlier this year, Disney announced plans to introduce a new PLF certification called ‘Infinity Vision’ for screening its multi-starrer superhero films.
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