"Odyssey" is the first film in history to be shot entirely with IMAX film cameras. As of the 24th, cumulative viewers totaled about 7.1 million, of which roughly 710,000 watched in IMAX — a 10% share. That far exceeds "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" (2.6%) and "Hope" (3.2%). Since the IMAX cinematography itself is a key attraction, this is seen as the result of demand to "watch it in IMAX if at all possible."
The problem is that premium theaters are also subject to the screen quota. Under current law, cinemas must screen Korean films for at least one-fifth of their annual screening days. As of the 21st, "Yongsan IMAX" had screened Korean films for 35 days and must fill 38 more days. Failure to meet the mandatory screening standard can result in suspension of business for up to three months or cancellation of the theater's registration.
Within the film industry, some argue that the basic intent of the screen quota should be maintained while applying more flexible standards to premium theaters. When the screen quota was introduced in 1966, there was no premium-theater market like today's IMAX, Dolby, and 4DX, but now audience demand varies greatly depending on a film's format and screening venue. A film industry official said, "We agree with the intent of the system, but there are cases where we must show Korean films even when no Korean film exists in a premium format," adding, "The system needs to be revised to reflect the characteristics of premium theaters." In fact, standard-format works such as "Nothing Serious" and "The Upstairs Neighbors" have been screened in premium theaters to meet the screen quota. However, some worry that easing premium-theater standards could reduce opportunities for Korean films in premium theaters and worsen the tilt toward foreign films.
