Cinemark and IMAX have unveiled a landmark 17-theater expansion, dramatically enhancing premium viewing options across the U.S. and South America with cutting-edge IMAX with Laser technology and rare 70mm film projection, strategically preparing for Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated “The Odyssey.”
Film enthusiasts, get ready for an even more breathtaking cinematic journey! Cinemark Holdings Inc. and IMAX Corporation have announced a monumental expansion of their partnership, encompassing 17 theater locations across the United States and South America.
This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a strategic embrace of premium large format (PLF) experiences, with a keen eye on anticipated blockbusters and the artistic vision of master filmmakers like Christopher Nolan.
The deal, unveiled on October 27, 2025, solidifies Cinemark’s commitment to delivering unparalleled viewing quality, focusing on state-of-the-art IMAX with Laser systems and the increasingly rare, yet highly sought-after, IMAX 70mm film projection. This move positions Cinemark at the forefront of the industry’s response to event cinema, promising audiences an immersive escape that streaming simply cannot replicate.
The Unfolding of an Epic Partnership: 17 Theaters Transformed
The core of this expanded agreement is a significant investment in both new installations and crucial upgrades. Under the terms, Cinemark is set to drastically enhance its IMAX footprint, ensuring more moviegoers can experience films as their creators intended.
Key components of the 17-location deal include:
- Four new IMAX with Laser systems in the United States, bringing cutting-edge digital projection to more audiences.
- Active exploration for one additional IMAX with Laser location in South America, extending the premium experience globally.
- Upgrading an impressive twelve existing IMAX systems to IMAX with Laser, which will standardize Cinemark’s entire U.S. IMAX network to the most advanced laser projection technology.
- Activating three additional IMAX 70mm film projection systems, a nod to purists and filmmakers who champion the unique qualities of celluloid.
These enhancements underscore the industry-wide trend of exhibitors bolstering their PLF strategy, responding to a clear audience demand for differentiated, high-quality experiences that drive greater value perception and loyalty, as noted in a press release from IMAX and Cinemark themselves on Business Wire.
The IMAX with Laser system, immersive by design, is a groundbreaking 4K laser projection system. It features a new optical engine, custom-designed lenses, and proprietary technology that delivers crystal-clear, lifelike images. This means brighter visuals, increased resolution, deeper contrast, and the widest range of colors exclusively on IMAX screens, coupled with precision audio for an unmatched sensory experience.
The Allure of Celluloid: IMAX 70mm Film’s Resurgence
Perhaps the most exciting aspect for classic film aficionados and serious cinephiles is the activation of three new IMAX 70mm film projection systems. This format, cherished by auteur directors like Christopher Nolan, offers unparalleled resolution and a distinct visual texture. It’s a format that demands attention and commitment from both exhibitors and filmmakers.
The specific locations for these new 70mm film systems will be:
- Cinemark Seven Bridges in the Woodridge suburb of Chicago, Illinois.
- Cinemark Carefree Circle in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
- Cinemark Tinseltown in Rochester, New York.
These locations will join Cinemark Webb Chapel in Dallas, Texas, which is already celebrated as one of the country’s top-performing IMAX 70mm film venues. The rarity of these projectors cannot be overstated, with only approximately 30 theaters worldwide currently equipped to handle the IMAX 70mm film format, as highlighted by Variety.
A crucial deadline for these installations is July 17, 2026, when Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” is set to arrive in theaters. This film holds particular significance as it will be the first theatrical release shot entirely in IMAX film, making the availability of these specialized projectors essential for experiencing Nolan’s vision as he intends. Nolan has long been a vocal advocate for film projection, emphasizing the format’s depth and clarity for his epic narratives, a preference demonstrated in his previous works like “Oppenheimer,” “Dunkirk,” and “Interstellar.”
The Strategy Driving Premium Formats and Fan Loyalty
This expansive deal reflects a broader industry strategy to captivate audiences with differentiated experiences that cannot be replicated at home. Sean Gamble, Cinemark President and CEO, articulated this commitment: “Upgrading our IMAX locations to IMAX with Laser and activating additional 70mm film systems further expands and enhances the immersive options we offer our guests. These upgrades reflect our commitment to delivering high-quality, differentiated experiences that drive greater value perception, loyalty, and frequency across all types of films.”
From IMAX’s perspective, these partnerships represent a significant return on investment. Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX, noted that major exhibitors are “ramping up investment in IMAX as they upgrade their complexes,” sometimes even replacing other premium formats to capture market share. This is fueled by IMAX’s “Filmed for IMAX” program, which collaborates with Hollywood filmmakers from production to marketing, ensuring movies are optimized for and compellingly presented on IMAX screens.
It’s also important to recognize that Cinemark is not replacing its own popular proprietary PLF, Cinemark XD screens, which are known for their wall-to-wall screens, custom JBL sound, and Barco laser projection. Instead, this expansion adds to Cinemark’s robust portfolio of premium formats, demonstrating a commitment to offering a diverse range of high-quality cinematic choices. This approach differs from some other chains, like Wanda, which have opted to replace their own PLF locations with IMAX systems.
What This Means for Film Enthusiasts
For the dedicated film community, Cinemark’s latest investment in IMAX is more than just a business deal; it’s a testament to the enduring power of the theatrical experience. It signals that quality, immersion, and artistic intent are still paramount in an evolving entertainment landscape. The anticipation for films like “The Odyssey” to be seen on true IMAX 70mm film is palpable, turning moviegoing into a genuine event once again.
These upgrades promise to elevate every genre, from sweeping blockbusters to intimate dramas, by delivering them with unmatched visual and auditory fidelity. As film enthusiasts continue to seek out-of-home experiences, Cinemark and IMAX are ensuring that the local multiplex remains a sanctuary for storytelling, offering a depth of engagement that digital platforms simply cannot provide. It’s a win for filmmakers, exhibitors, and most importantly, for every single person who loves the magic of movies on the big screen.
