Sponsored by MUBI 

Back in March 2020, the Music Box Theatre’s 6th 70mm Film Festival was abruptly interrupted by COVID-19. We closed our theater the Monday of the second week of the festival and somberly packed up dozens of reels of film and shipped them back to the studios with the idea that we’d pick up where we left off “when things get better.” It was a truly miserable week, not only because of the logistical hassle of canceling screenings, but also the uncertain future of the movie industry. How long would this last? Would independent movie theaters survive? Would the film labs and Kodak survive if production of new films halted? Will we ever be able to screen HELLO, DOLLY! again? Today, the answer to those questions is mostly positive, with the Music Box running more film than ever and audiences more excited about it. So two years later, we’re going to try this again!

As the centerpiece of our 7th 70mm Film Festival, we’re very proud to present two glistening new prints from Universal Studios (both made shortly before the pandemic shutdown): SPARTACUS, in a new 70mm print created from a 4K digital restoration, which has only screened once before; and AIRPORT, in a new print created directly from the original film elements. In fact, the Music Box Theatre will host the first public screening of this new print of AIRPORT, which has been unavailable in a good quality print for decades.

Also screening is a world premiere of a brand new 70mm restoration of HERE’S CHICAGO! THE CITY OF DREAMS, a travelog of Chicago from 1983. Restored by the Chicago Film Society from the only surviving 70mm print, this 13-minute film contains stunning footage of the City at its best. HERE’S CHICAGO will be paired with BRAINSTORM, also released in 1983 and directed by special effects wizard Douglas Trumbull.

Returning to the festival after a brief quarantine period is our 70mm print of 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, made specifically for the Music Box Theatre, plus 70mm heavyweights WEST SIDE STORY and LAWRENCE OF ARABIA. In addition, HELLO, DOLLY! returns for one last screening (in a particularly lovely archival print) after her 2020 screening schedule was cut short. Also on the schedule are Walter Hill’s Western GERONIMO: AN AMERICAN LEGEND, John Carpenter’s STARMAN, and Jim Henson’s THE DARK CRYSTAL, all screening in gorgeous, vintage blowup prints from the year of their original release.

Despite renewed interest in 70mm, the format still requires great care in handling and presentation. Many of the prints screened in this festival are one of a kind and cannot be replaced, and a great many films we’d like to show are simply unavailable (though that doesn’t mean we’ll stop searching!). There is only one lab left in the world that can process and print 70mm film, and the success and continuation of the format depends on the interest of the public and the talents of the filmmakers, technicians, lab workers, and projectionists who bring these films to the screen.

CLICK HERE to Purchase a Festival Pass

PRICING:

Full Festival Pass - $80 General Admission / $60 Music Box Members - Guarantees entry into all screenings at THE 70MM FILM FESTIVAL

Tickets to individual screenings - $14 General Admission / $12 Seniors and Kids 12 & Under / $11 Music Box Members

About MUBI:

MUBI is a curated streaming service presenting beautiful films from all across the world — a new one, every single day. From iconic directors, to emerging auteurs.  We're excited to partner with The Music Box Theatre to celebrate the return of movie theaters with a special program of films that highlight the cinematic experience. So whether you're revisiting an old favorite, or discovering one for the first time, we'll see you at the movies!