Friday, December 2, 2016

THE RETURN OF 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY IN 70MM!

The American Cinematheque entered into a five-year deal with Warner Bros. to have the exclusive exhibition rights to a new 70mm print of 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968). The American Cinematheque will schedule two extended runs per year, one at the Aero Theatre and one at the Egyptian Theatre. The first of these runs will take place starting December 9, 2016 at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. The Aero and Egyptian Theatres are among a very small number of theaters in the country that can run 70mm film.




The schedule for 2001: A Space Odyssey screenings in 70mm is as follows:

All shows will start at 7:30 PM.

Friday, December 9, 2016
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Friday, December 16, 2016
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Monday, December 26, 206
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
More information can be found here.

Brand New 70mm Print!
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY
1968, Warner Bros., 139 min, Dir: Stanley Kubrick
"I'm sorry, Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that," murmurs HAL 9000, the ultimate computer fatale. Master filmmaker Stanley Kubrick's mind-blowing meditation on the inherent dangers (and wonders) of technology, the limitless vistas of space and the future of the human race must be seen on the big screen to be believed.



Stanley Kubrick's 1968 futuristic tale of man versus machine, 2001: A Space Odyssey (139 min.) has been a long-time Cinematheque favorite. With its ground-breaking visual effects it demands to be seen on the big screen and has become a legendary rite of passage for film fans to see it projected at the American Cinematheque in 70mm. The Aero and Egyptian Theatres are among a small handful of cinemas in the country that are equipped to show 70mm film year-round.

"We have to show 2001 at each theater at least once a year," says Programmer Gwen Deglise. "It is one of our most requested titles. Our patrons tell us they want to see it as the director intended, in 70mm. We decided we needed a new print to satisfy the interest in this title and to insure that viewing it was a satisfying experience. This movie is truly a visual feast."

"Our audience has a keen interest in film prints," says programmer Grant Moninger. "It matters to them whether they see a film on 35mm vs 70mm or digital. If you haven't seen 2001 in 70mm you have not seen the film. We are fortunate to be able to project in 70mm, as it still reigns as the greatest projectable format. It's sharp detailed image does a great service to one of the most timeless and beautiful films ever created, making it all the more immersive and magical."



Despite the overall global movement toward digital cinema, American Cinematheque audiences cling to their allegiance to the film format and they get quite vocal about it. Some people even say that if it's not a film print, they won't come to see the film.

British futurist and science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke co-authored the story and the screenplay for 2001: A Space Odyssy with director Stanley Kubrick. It is considered one of the most influential films ever made and is included in the National Film Registry. The film won the 1969 Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, and also received nominations for Directing, Art Direction and Writing.

All seats are $15 and are available at the box office or online at Fandango.


The opening weekend, the American Cinematheque will be selling special 2001: A Space Odyssey related merchandise including film posters signed by co-stars Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood, who visited the Egyptian Theatre last month with the debut screening of the new print. T-shirts, books and other items will be sold in the lobby from 6 - 7:30 PM.


Gary Lockwood and Keir Dullea, from their visit to the Egyptian