Organized in conjunction with the new LACMA exhibition 3D: Double Vision (on display through March 31, 2019), LACMA and the American Cinematheque present an off-site film series, featuring both 3D horror and science-fiction of the 1980s and classic 3D films of the 1950s. Spanning two locations, the Egyptian Theatre (6712 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028) and the Aero Theatre (1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90403), this collaboration highlights classic 3D films in all their glory—from the masterful and mesmerizing, to the droll and schlocky.
Running from Thursday, August 2, through Monday, August 6, at the Egyptian Theatre (6712 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028), the first part of this series will highlight the often overlooked and under-loved 3D of the 1980s. Propelled by the invention of a single strip 3D film system (which was cheaper and less cumbersome than the synchronized dual strip system of the 1950s), 3D had a minor renaissance in the late '70s and early '80s. Relying heavily on visual gags—jump scares and emanating projectiles—3D horror and sci-fi films like Amityville 3D (1983) and Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone (1983) continue to engage audiences who appreciate their exaggerated effects and preposterous plot lines.
The Egyptian program will be presented entirely on 35mm film and will include more unexpected cult favorites like the 3D animation Starchaser: The Legend of Orin (1984), the Mad Max knock-off Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn (1983), and Jaws with dog, Rottweiler 3D (1983) (Tagline: “They were perfectly trained for one task….Manslaughter”).
In the week following, from Thursday, August 9, through Sunday, August, 12, The Aero Theatre will host screenings of classic 3D from the 1950s. Presented digitally, this program will include films from 3D’s golden age, including House of Wax (1953) and Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954), as well as two new digital restorations of Ceasefire (1953) and The Maze (1953). Finally, the Aero program will conclude with Alfred Hitchcock's iconic film Dial M For Murder (1954), which was originally shot in 3D!
The full series is compiled and programmed by the Cinematheque’s Grant Moninger, with the '80s horror titles selected in collaboration with Cinematic Void, Beyond Fest, and Friday Night Frights. Check out the full program schedule and get your tickets now!