Cinemark is feeding the market for premium large formats by installing 4 new 70mm projection systems and 3 new IMAX screens to a handful of their existing locations. The locations receiving these upgrades are Cinemark Carefree Circle in Colorado Springs, Cinemark Tinseltown in Rochester and Cinemark Seven Bridges just outside of Chicago. Cinemark currently has one operating 70mm IMAX screen at Cinemark Webb Chapel in Dallas.
These new screens will become available sometime in 2026. It seems likely that Cinemark wants these screens to be ready ahead of the release of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, which will be releasing in 70mm IMAX. Prestige directors are experimenting the 70mm format more and more in recent years, with many labeling it as the premier way to experience their films. There are currently only 30 theaters worldwide which offer the experience of 70mm IMAX, so Cinemark could be increasing that number by 3.
When asked about the Cinemark expansion, IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond said, “Cinemark expanding its commitment to the very best of what Imax has to offer […] underscores the value we’re delivering for our exhibition partners in today’s marketplace. With a tremendous slate ahead in 2026 highlighted by a number of Filmed for Imax and Imax 70mm film releases, we look forward to working with Cinemark to deliver the most immersive cinematic experiences to its customers and growing the value of our longstanding partnership.” Additionally, Cinemark will be upgrading its other 12 IMAX screens to Laser.
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey releases in theaters on July 17, 2026. Cinemark will definitely want to finish these screens before then. The film launched sales for its earliest 70mm IMAX screenings earlier this year, which sold out almost immediately, so the demand is there to see this film in this format.
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