A Guide to Seeing IMAX in Missouri

The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan’s newest film, has amazed audiences with its tasteful adaptation, jaw-dropping performances, and IMAX cinematography. In the last few decades, IMAX cameras have become increasingly popular with Hollywood filmmakers for their unmatched quality and capabilities. The advanced technology produces an image that is three-times clearer than its digital counterpart, and The Odyssey is the first feature film to be completely shot on IMAX.

However, there are only 25 theaters in the U.S. equipped to show The Odyssey in its “intended” format of IMAX 70mm. This is the largest and highest-resolution format possible, but it is unavailable in Missouri.

So, what’s the next best option? Here is your guide to seeing The Odyssey (or your next IMAX film) in Missouri.

Digital IMAX

Digital IMAX theaters provide an immersive experience with massive screens, custom sound systems, and specialized seating. They typically screen in an extended aspect ratio, meaning more of the picture is able to be seen than in a standard theater (but less than true IMAX 70mm).

However, this is not a one-and-done system. The Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex, for example, was built in 1993 and converted to digital projection in 2016. This upgrade came with a more reliable projector system and advanced audio setup, but they kept the theater’s original screen. Today, this makes them one of the few theaters in the country able to project digital IMAX in its full original aspect ratio.

“We have people traveling hours to get to our theater,” said Trent Holloway, Director of Theatrical Operations at Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex. “I’ve been working double shifts since this movie came out.”

Digital IMAX in Missouri:
OMNIMAX Theater at the St. Louis Science Center – St. Louis, Mo.
Ronnie’s Cinema + IMAX – St. Louis, Mo.
AMC Barrywoods 24 – Kansas City, Mo.
AMC Independence Commons 20 – Independence, Mo.
Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex – Branson, Mo.
AMC Springfield 11 – Springfield, Mo

70mm Film

70mm screenings highlight the analog features of IMAX cinematography and coloring. Though some image is lost to its cropped aspect ratio, the large-format film provides a bright, clear image with a much higher resolution than standard digital projection.

Due to Nolan’s famous support of shooting on film, many argue that 70mm is the second-best option after IMAX 70mm. Derek Dunn, General Manager of Screenland Armour in Kansas City, agrees that physical media brings a certain magic to the screen.

“Every time I start a screening of The Odyssey, it takes my breath away,” Dunn said. “The colors are so much deeper, especially black.”

The Odyssey became Screenland Armour’s biggest movie ever in just one week, as they’re one of the only Missouri theaters offering such showings. The independent cinema purchased two 70mm projectors in February 2026 and plans to continue specialty screenings.

70mm in Missouri:
Ronnie’s Cinema + IMAX – St. Louis, Mo.
Screenland Armour – Kansas City, Mo

Dolby Cinema

Dolby Cinema theaters prioritize crisp picture-quality and immersive sound. The Dolby system is an advanced digital format with deep colors and contrast, paired with spatial audio technology. Films are typically projected onto a larger screen than regular theaters, meaning audiences see less picture than IMAX 70mm, but nearly as much as standard digital IMAX.

Carly Getzlow, theater manager at AMC St. Charles 8, says people are showing out for the premium Dolby experience. Her staff even received an email about playing The Odyssey’s audio at an above-average level for greater audience immersion.

“It’s one of the loudest movies I’ve ever seen in our theater,” Getzlow said. “You can feel your insides shaking.”

Dolby Cinema in Missouri:
AMC Streets of St. Charles 8 – St. Charles, Mo.
AMC Barrywoods 24 – Kansas City, Mo

This article was written by Missouri Film Office intern, Justine Favazza.