“The Odyssey” screenings at Regal King of Prussia impacted after 70mm IMAX projector goes down
One of just 41 theaters in the world screening Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” in the 70mm IMAX format is currently experiencing technical difficulties.
Regal King of Prussia, just outside Philadelphia, told customers Friday there were issues with its 70mm IMAX projector, and the only screenings would be in the IMAX digital format.
“We understand your frustration, and apologize for the impact on your viewing experience,” the theater shared on social media.
“IMAX technicians have been working around the clock since Thursday, and continue to work tirelessly to resolve the ongoing projection issues. We are working hard to restore normal 70mm film operations as swiftly as possible, but we do not currently have a timeline.”
The King of Prussia theater is the only one in Pennsylvania — one of just 25 in the United States — showing “The Odyssey” in the 70mm IMAX format. The next closest theaters are in New York City; Rochester, New York; and Providence, Rhode Island.
Nolan, who directed the film, told “CBS Mornings” co-host Gayle King last week the format offers a much sharper image and is more similar to the way our eyes see.
Some fans drove from as far as Virginia to see the film in King of Prussia in 70mm IMAX.
“I drove the 80 miles from Harrisburg to get to the theater,” David Dekok said.
When Kate Elfatah arrived at the theater she said it quickly spread through the lobby.
“I couldn’t believe what I was hearing,” Elfatah said. “You have a bunch of people getting out of line.”
Elfatah says customers were offered refunds and the chance to watch the movie in digital for free. She said not everyone felt that was enough.
“There were people who I met who drove from South Carolina and said they drove from 8-10 hours,” Elfatah said.
When Kate Elfatah arrived at the theater she said it quickly spread through the lobby.
Several people CBS News Philadelphia spoke with learned from our crews that the projector was broken. That lack of advance notice frustrated many.
“They could’ve sent an email to their customers. They had all our emails,” Dekok said.
“At no time did anybody from the theater come talk to anybody,” Elfatah said.
Regal says IMAX technicians have been working around the clock to repair the projector, but there’s still no timeline for when the 70mm showings will resume.
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