Original ‘King Kong’ screens in NEPA movie theaters for first time in 64 years on March 15
From a press release:
Though it’s a genuine icon of American cinema and one of the most instantly recognizable creations ever put on screen, 1933’s “King Kong” has not had a nationwide theatrical re-release in 64 years. That changes on Sunday, March 15, when Fathom Events unleashes “Kong, the Eighth Wonder of the World” on more than 600 movie screens nationwide as part of the year-long TCM Big Screen Classics series.
Last given a big screen re-release in 1956 – when Dwight D. Eisenhower was president, the average movie ticket cost 59 cents, and not a single man-made item was orbiting the Earth – the original theatrical version of “King Kong” is back to dazzle the digital era with its all-analog marvels. Adding to this rare cinematic event, TCM primetime Host Ben Mankiewicz will offer all-new insight and commentary on one of the most well-known, influential, and still thrilling films of all time.
“No, it wasn’t the airplanes. It was beauty killed the beast.” When King Kong is captured and taken off his tropical island for the bright lights of Manhattan, an unexpected bond is formed between the great beast and a damsel in distress.
The dazzling adventure features groundbreaking stop-motion animation by Willis O’Brien – visual effects that remain astonishing even in spite of the computer-generated advances made since the original release of “King Kong” nearly 90 years ago. Directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, the film stars Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, Bruce Cabot, and features a lush score by legendary composer Max Steiner. Though it’s been remade twice and has inspired countless movies, TV shows, and characters, the 1933 original still holds a power that film critic Roger Ebert called “ageless and primeval.”
“King Kong” will be presented at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on March 15 in select movie theaters through Fathom Events’ Digital Broadcast Network, including Cinemark 20 (40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic), Regal Dickson City Stadium 14 & IMAX (3909 Commerce Blvd., Dickson City), and Cinemark Stroud Mall (160 Stroud Mall, Stroudsburg).
Tickets for every film in the 2020 TCM Big Screen Classics series are available now at participating theater box offices or online at fathomevents.com.
The TCM Big Screen Classics series continues to grow in popularity, launching its fourth year on Jan. 19. Last year, many events in the series experienced sold-out audiences and ranked near or at the top of box office results, showcasing the enduring appeal and popularity of gathering in a darkened movie theater to see the sights and hear the sounds of the best Hollywood has ever created. Each film is presented with pristine digital projection and movie theater-quality sound, further enhanced by fascinating pre- and post-feature insights presented by popular TCM hosts.
“2019 was a banner year for Fathom and the TCM Big Screen Classics series, with record levels of attendees and a bigger box office than ever before,” said Fathom Events Vice President of Studio Relations Tom Lucas. “That success challenged us to search out some of the greatest films ever released, including iconic titles from over six decades, featuring world-renowned filmmakers, legendary stars, Best Picture winners, and epic productions – all meant to be seen on the big screen.”
“This is a slate of films to make every movie lover genuinely excited, and our partnership with Fathom Events means we can bring these films to a bigger audience than ever. This series celebrates the magic of the movies all throughout the country, proving that there is nothing that matches the joy of seeing these films in a movie theater,” added Genevieve McGillicuddy, vice president of enterprise and strategic partnerships at TCM.
Remaining film lineup of the TCM Big Screen Classics series:
- “King Kong” (1933) – March 15
- “A League of Their Own” (1992) – April 26, April 27, and April 29
- “Airplane!” (1980) – May 17 and May 20
- “Annie” (1982) – June 14 and June 17
- “The Blues Brothers” (1980) – June 28 and July 1
- “Ghost” (1990) – July 19 and July 22
- “Babe” (1995) – Aug. 9 and Aug. 12
- “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1977) – Sept. 13, Sept. 14, and Sept. 17
- “Psycho” (1960) – Oct. 11 and Oct. 12
- “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975) – Nov. 8 and Nov. 9
- “Fiddler on the Roof” (1971) – Dec. 13 and Dec. 14
Turner Classic Movies is a two-time Peabody Award-winning network that presents great films, uncut and commercial-free, from the largest film libraries in the world, highlighting the entire spectrum of film history. TCM features the insights from primetime host Ben Mankiewicz, along with hosts Alicia Malone, Dave Karger, and Eddie Muller, plus interviews with a wide range of special guests and serves as the ultimate movie lover destination.
Currently in its 25th year as a leading authority in classic film, TCM offers critically acclaimed series like “The Essentials,” along with annual programming events like “31 Days of Oscar” in February and “Summer Under the Stars” in August. TCM also directly connects with movie fans through events such as the annual TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood and the TCM Classic Cruise, the TCM Big Screen Classics series in partnership with Fathom Events, as well as through the TCM Classic Film Tour in New York City and Los Angeles. In addition, TCM develops a wide range of books about classic film, offers classic movie merchandise online in the TCM Shop, curates quarterly wine shipments with the TCM Wine Club, and hosts a wealth of material at tcm.com and through the Watch TCM mobile app.
Fathom Events is the leading event cinema distributor with theater locations in all the top 100 DMAs (Designated Market Areas) and ranks as one of the largest overall theater content distributors. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings Inc., and Regal, a subsidiary of the Cineworld Group, Fathom Events offers a variety of unique entertainment events in movie theaters, such as live performances of the Metropolitan Opera, top Broadway stage productions, major sporting events, epic concerts, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series, inspirational events, and popular anime franchises.
Fathom Events also takes audiences behind the scenes for unique extras, including audience Q&As, backstage footage, and interviews with the cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live Digital Broadcast Network is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 1,091 locations and 1,901 screens in 184 DMAs. The company also provides corporations a compelling national footprint for hosting employee meetings, customer rewards events, and new product launches.