“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is ready to do the time warp again. IndieWire can announce that the beloved 1975 cult classic is getting a 4K remastering and theatrical re-release in honor of its 50th anniversary.
Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick star as a straight laced engaged couple who stumble into a castle after their car breaks down during a storm. While there, they become more than well acquainted with their host Dr. Frank-N-Furter, iconically played by Tim Curry. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” was based on the musical play by Richard O’Brien; director Jim Sharman cowrote the film version with O’Brien, while Michael White and Lou Adler produced.
The film has made history as the longest-running theatrical release of all time with midnight reenactments and sing a longs across the globe.
“When ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ was first released, no one thought it would be around very long let alone…50 years,” producer Adler said. “What began as a small, rebellious project has become a global celebration of individuality, community, and creative freedom. This anniversary is a tribute to the fans who kept it alive and kicking all these years.”
Now, fans can witness the feature in 4K Ultra HD thanks to the Walt Disney Studios Restoration team. The project took 10 months and included a digital scan and preservation process. The restoration features a newly mixed Dolby Atmos audio track, while the original mono audio has been fully restored.
“It’s a privilege to help preserve the legacy of a film that has meant so much to so many,” Kevin Schaeffer, Director of Restoration & Library Management, said. “Bringing ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ to life in 4K allows us to honor its bold, genre-defying spirit and ensure that audiences – both longtime fans and first-time viewers – can experience it as it was originally intended, with stunning picture and sound.”
Also for the 50th anniversary, actors Bostwick, Nell Campbell, and Patricia Quinn are going on a 40-city anniversary tour to promote the feature. That means bring the rice for wedding scene, water guns, lighters, toast, and Great Scott paper to show your fandom…
And “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” isn’t the only classic feature back in theaters for an anniversary: “Brokeback Mountain” and “Pride & Prejudice” are also being re-released for their 20th anniversaries.
