Multiple screenings of “The Odyssey” in IMAX 70 mm have been canceled because of a technical issue.
On Friday night, ticket holders received an email from Brenden Theatres at the Palms, which is the only local movie theater showing the blockbuster in the format in which it was shot.
The format has been hard to see since the release of Christopher Nolan’s film on July 17, with showings consistently selling out. Only 25 theaters are equipped to show IMAX 70 mm. The local theater has had the capability to screen the format, which is costly and requires special prep and equipment.
The email to ticket holders explained the screenings were canceled “due to an unexpected technical issue” with the projection system and that a replacement part was being flown in for the repair. Other guests didn’t receive an email but arrived at the theater Friday to find out the screening was canceled. Guests who showed up were given a free “anytime” ticket on top of the refunded IMAX tickets.
In an email Wednesday, Robert Lyle, the chief operating officer of Brenden Theatres, said there was a stability issue in the projector causing the film to jump. “The worry with this is that if we let the film run through while bouncing around we will irreparably damage the print, so we were forced to stop the projector,” he said.
The issue happened two days after the crew fixed an air compressor and an IMAX-specific cooling system component that failed.
Asked how many showtimes were affected, Lyle said, “too many.”
“We have been working closely with IMAX and their technical team to get this repaired, but they too have been working around the clock at sites throughout the nation dealing with similar issues,” he added.
Currently, IMAX techs from Los Angeles and Canada are working on the issue locally.
Johnny Brenden, owner of the theater, responded on social media thanking guests for their patience.
“I value my customers at Brenden Theaters and IMAX,” he wrote. “I’m working around the clock to get this fixed. Thank you kindly and I am deeply grateful for my patrons. Thank you again.”
“The Odyssey” has been presented in IMAX Digital instead, and 70 mm tickets ($50 each) are being fully refunded. As of Tuesday, the theater’s schedule shows only standard format ($12.50 for adults).
IMAX screenings had been scheduled through Sept. 16, and though future dates are not confirmed, Lyle said they will continue to show the film “as long as demand remains.”
He added that they understand the frustration ticket holders are experiencing.
“We desperately want to show this film to everyone and our staff/technical team have been working around the clock to try to accommodate all guests,” he said. “All customers whose showtimes are affected and bought via our website are being notified directly and refunded, those who bought third party are being refunded, but it takes longer to get the message to them directly but we are actively trying to let everyone know in advance.”
Contact Kristen Di Chaira at [email protected].