I hope that we’re entering a new phase of moviegoing; one where the studios begin to re-release old classics instead of simply remaking them and slapping that haphazard new “vision” up on the screen. RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK was just recently released in IMAX theaters, and now ScreenVision will be releasing John Carpenter’s seminal HALLOWEEN on the weekend of its namesake.
The only problem is: will the showings be 35mm or digital? My guess would be the latter, unfortunately, rendering the entire idea sort of crummy. Even RAIDERS, in all of its IMAX glory, was a DCP (Digital Cinema Package). To me, digital loses the texture and grain of film, rendering most of the presentations cold, dim and sort of sterile looking. Film degrades, aging like we do as a people, and there’s value to seeing that degradation up on the big screen. It reminds you of the times the movies were made in, and also reinforces how some of their great moments have transcended time itself.
Now, if you’ve never seen HALLOWEEN on the big screen: go. Fuck the “digital vs. film” argument and simply treat yourself to a viewing of one of the great films of all time. I’ve seen HALLOWEEN projected four times and Carpenter’s widescreen compositions are utterly brilliant when displayed in that format. No flat screen TV, regardless of size, can compete with that big white screen looming over you.
ScreenVision’s website has more info on where exactly you’ll be able to catch one of these screenings. Note that not all theaters have been added to the list as of yet, and that the site will keep updating through September 28. Also, check out the sweet poster for the event below:
