Christopher Nolan has confirmed that his psychological thriller The Prestige will return to cinemas with a big visual upgrade. The 2006 movie, which features Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman as rival magicians, is being specially prepared for 70mm projection to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Christopher Nolan explains why The Prestige’s theatrical rerelease needs 70mm
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Nolan revealed that The Prestige will undergo a careful conversion process. The original movie was shot on 35mm film by cinematographer Wally Pfister, and Nolan recently screened a print to assess its quality.
“I’m just really excited to bring it to fresh audiences. We’re actually going to do 70 millimeter blow-ups,” Christopher Nolan said. “Wally Pfister shot it anamorphically on 35 millimeter, and he did an incredible job. I screened a 35 mil print the other day to check it, and his photography is just extraordinary.” The director also praised production designer Nathan Crowley’s work, adding that the film “is going to look absolutely beautiful blown up to 70 millimeter.” The conversion process begins in the coming weeks.
Nolan had previously confirmed January 21, 2027, as The Prestige’s rerelease date during an interview with Fred Asquith, though he did not share format details at the time. His latest comments do not specify whether screenings will include IMAX presentation, but standard 70mm projection still offers a compelling reason for audiences to experience the film in theaters.
The director also expressed enthusiasm about audiences seeing Christian Bale’s performance on the big screen again. “He’s one of the great actors of his generation, and I’ve had tremendous experiences with him,” Nolan said. “I’m thrilled that they’re going to re-release The Prestige because it’s one of his most underrated performances.”
The Prestige grossed $109 million worldwide against a $40 million reported budget and holds a 76% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes alongside a 92% audience rating. Pfister and Crowley both got Academy Award nominations for their work on the film, and Nolan’s comments suggest the 70mm upgrade aims to showcase their achievements.
