“Oppenheimer” Can’t Be Seen As Intended in Most of New York

The summer blockbuster from "Dark Knight" and " Interstellar" director Christopher Nolan can only be seen properly in 1 theater in the entire State of New York. Why?

Oppenheimer, The Film

The film is based on the true events that lead to the building of the first atomic bomb by Robert Oppenheimer and the Manhattan Project. Set in the early 1940s during World War II, the film is expected to show the controversy around the building and use of the first atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It is considered to be one of the biggest movie releases of the year and debuts in theaters on July 21.

The film is directed by Christopher Nolan. It stars Cillian Murphy as Dr. Oppenheimer. It also features Robert Downey, Jr., Florence Pugh, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Rami Malek, Gary Oldman, Casey Affleck, Josh Harnett, Alden Ehrenreich, and Emma Dumont.

Christopher Nolan

Nolan is well-known for pushing the boundaries of filmmaking. From his work in "Inception" to the well-regarded "Batman" films he has done, Nolan uses unique storytelling, visual effects, music, and non-traditional ways of filming to create his movies. "Oppenheimer" is no different, as he used a special version of IMAX film to create the movie. This is why people around the country, let alone in New York, will have a hard time seeing the movie as he intended.

How "Oppenheimer" Was Filmed

The movie was shot on IMAX 70-millimeter film. Nolan used this for its sharpness, clarity, and depth (WGRZ). He even goes as far as to say it's the only way to experience the film properly because it created a 3D effect without 3D Glasses. That sounds incredible, and definitely something only a movie theater can provide. However, that's why there is an issue when it comes to seeing the film as Nolan intended.

"Oppenheimer" Can't Be Seen As Intended in Most of New York

There are only 19 theaters in the entire United States that can play this type of film and give you the full experience. Only 1 is in New York,  which is the AMC Lincoln Square located in Manhattan. That means the overwhelming majority of New Yorkers will not be able to see the film as intended unless they are willing to make a road trip.

Now, does that mean you can not see the movie? Of course not. The film has been converted to standard theaters and other IMAX facilities that don't have the ability to show it in its original format. So you will obviously be able to see it. Just not as Nolan intended you to.