In an unexpected turn for cinematic exhibition, the venerable Alex Theatre in Glendale has achieved a remarkable feat, emerging as the top-performing venue nationally for Christopher Nolan's mythological epic, 'The Odyssey,' presented in glorious 70MM. This success marks a triumphant return for the historic establishment, which had not screened a new release in over three decades, underscoring the enduring power of classic theaters and the shared experience of movie-going.
Historic Alex Theatre Leads Nation in 'The Odyssey' 70MM Earnings
On August 4, 2026, Glendale, California witnessed a cinematic revival at its cherished Alex Theatre. This architectural gem, boasting a captivating blend of Classical Revival and Moderne styles, recently invested a substantial $500,000 into cutting-edge technical enhancements, including a brand-new ground-floor projection booth. These upgrades were completed just six weeks prior to the July 17 premiere of Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film, 'The Odyssey.'
Despite a 35-year absence from exhibiting first-run features, the 900-seat Alex Theatre has now shattered expectations, being declared the highest-grossing cinema in the United States for 'The Odyssey' in its immersive 70MM format. Miles Williams, the artistic director of the Alex, expressed profound gratitude in a statement, acknowledging the overwhelming audience enthusiasm and Universal Pictures' recognition of historic theaters' vital role in Hollywood's cinematic heritage.
This impressive performance comes as 'The Odyssey' itself achieved a domestic box office total of $395.5 million over the recent weekend, though it ceded the top spot to Sony's superhero blockbuster, 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day,' which currently shares IMAX screens with Nolan's epic. The Alex Theatre has been running 'The Odyssey' with three screenings daily and has decided to extend its successful engagement by at least two additional weeks.
Williams revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that the theater, whose last new film screening was 1991's 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day,' is now planning a robust schedule of eight to ten nights of film programming each month. This will complement its already busy calendar of live events, ranging from ballet to rock concerts. The venue is also set to host special engagements for other large-format releases, including Denis Villeneuve's 'Dune: Part Three' in December and Greta Gerwig's 'Narnia: The Magician's Nephew' in February 2027.
The meticulous technical overhaul was overseen by Taylor Umphenour, a sought-after Los Angeles projectionist and IMAX consultant who has previously collaborated with Nolan. Umphenour emphasized the unique appeal of venues like the Alex, stating, "What you have at a cinema like the Alex is a true understanding of the in-person experience of shared narrative. That's why people are coming — and losing their minds."
This remarkable comeback for the Alex Theatre not only signifies a resurgence of interest in premium cinematic presentations but also reaffirms the cultural importance of preserving and investing in historic movie palaces. It’s a testament to the fact that, even in an age dominated by streaming and home entertainment, there remains a powerful allure to the grandeur and collective magic of watching a film on the big screen, especially when presented with such care and fidelity.