Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” continues to draw audiences. Following its soaring popularity, the atomic bomb drama has extended its 70mm run in Imax theaters until the end of August. Though initially set to end on August 17, the film’s immense demand has warranted the extension.
Only a handful of theaters, 19 in the U.S. and 30 globally, are equipped to showcase films in Imax 70mm. This exclusive capability, offering unparalleled sharpness and depth of the image, makes locations like AMC Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles and the AMC Lincoln Square in New York incredibly sought after.
Imax CEO, Richard Gelfond, is firm in his belief about the superiority of the 70mm experience. “It’s not just about nostalgia. It’s a better experience,” he says. But superior quality comes at a price. Producing an Imax film print from Nolan’s original takes three days. For a three-hour movie like “Oppenheimer”, the reels extend to 11 miles and weigh a hefty 600 pounds.
Despite the significant investment in time and money, the returns justify the effort. “Oppenheimer”, starring Cillian Murphy as the lead, has grossed over $550 million globally. A noteworthy 22% of this, totaling $114.2 million, comes from Imax showings.
While “Oppenheimer” dominates the Imax screens now, Denzel Washington’s “The Equalizer 3” is set to replace it on September 1. Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune Part II”, another film shot with Imax cameras, is slated for an exclusive Imax release on November 3.
But this isn’t the end of the road for “Oppenheimer” in the 70mm format. Mark Jafar, Imax’s global head of corporate communications, highlighted the longevity of the Imax 70mm film. “Imax 70mm film lasts, on average, 10 times longer than regular 70mm or 35mm film,” he said. Given its enduring nature and the movie’s popularity, Jafar envisions theaters showcasing it for years, possibly in Nolan film retrospectives or other special screenings.
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