Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer continues its impressive theatrical run, and the epic biographical thriller will be getting an extension to its IMAX 70mm run. Oppenheimer has been a massive hit, already raking in $550 million at the global box office. The other half of what fans dubbed as “Barbenheimer”, is looking to continue its impressive run, asserting its dominance on IMAX.
Oppenheimer was filmed using the IMAX 15 Perf 70mm Film format which many consider as the Gold Standard of cinema. Only 30 IMAX theaters worldwide are capable of showing the film in the format. According to a report by Variety, these 30 cinemas have scored an exclusive extension for Oppenheimer.
The IMAX 70mm extension will run until the end of August at the very least. IMAX has already confirmed that the film may remain in its theaters through late summer and into the fall should the extraordinary demand continue – which it looks like it will.
However, regular IMAX theaters globally will be shifting to Gran Turismo and Blue Beetle as the films premiere this month. IMAX is contractually obligated to hold screenings for the films despite the demand for Oppenheimer. These upcoming movies will show in tandem with Oppenheimer in places with IMAX 70mm theaters.
Nolan has been a champion for the premium format saying that the IMAX 70mm is the best venue to see Oppenheimer. According to the director, the premium large format provides viewers with the best viewing experience due to the sharpness and clarity of the image.
“The sharpness and the clarity and the depth of the image is unparalleled,” Nolan said in an interview with Associated Press. “The headline, for me, is by shooting on IMAX 70mm film, you’re really letting the screen disappear. You’re getting a feeling of 3D without the glasses. You’ve got a huge screen and you’re filling the peripheral vision of the audience. You’re immersing them in the world of the film.”
Nolan has been filming with the IMAX camera since 2012’s The Dark Knight. According to the director, using the IMAX camera translates well to all formats as it records a lot of information on large-format film.
“We have to plan very carefully because by shooting an IMAX film, you capture a lot of information,” Nolan explains. “Your movie is going to translate very well to all the formats because you’re getting the ultimate amount of visual information. But there are different shapes to the screen — what we call aspect ratios. What you have to plan is how you then frame your imagery so that it can be presented in different theaters with equal success.”
Oppenheimer is the eighth biggest IMAX release in history. The movie has already earned $114.2 million on IMAX alone and it looks like the film will continue to add to that total.
