One Battle After Another’ to Play in 35mm at New Beverly
For cinema purists, the evolving landscape of film presentation has reached a new milestone at Quentin Tarantino’s New Beverly Cinema. While Paul Thomas Anderson’s Oscar-winning epic “One Battle After Another” was released last year in a variety of high-end formats—including IMAX, 4DX, and the ultra-rare VistaVision—it remained absent from traditional 35mm celluloid. That omission is now being corrected with a new print debut at the New Beverly from June 18-20.
The screening offers a rare opportunity for audiences to compare the grain and colour profile of 35mm against the 70mm, VistaVision, and digital formats that defined the film’s initial rollout. This event represents a broader commitment to the preservation of physical film culture, as the theater continues to prioritize the communal experience of watching movies in a packed house.
A Diverse Slate of Rare Screenings
The New Beverly’s June calendar extends well beyond Anderson’s work, featuring a mix of rare, unavailable, and classic titles. The schedule includes “Creature from the Black Lagoon” and “It Came From Outer Space” presented in their native 3D, as well as a special advance 35mm screening of Michael Sarnoski’s “The Death of Robin Hood,” featuring an appearance by the director.
The programming also highlights a wide spectrum of genres, from kung-fu rarities like “Snake in the Monkey’s Shadow” and “Snake Deadly Act” to foreign masterpieces such as Truffaut’s “Wild Child” and Antonioni’s “The Passenger.” Midnight screenings will further populate the month with cult favorites, including “A Nightmare on Elm Street 4,” “Mars Attacks!,” and John Waters’ “Desperate Living.”
The Resurgence of Lawrence Kasdan
June also marks a moment for Lawrence Kasdan, whose 1985 Western “Silverado” will be featured in weekend matinees on June 27 and 28. This screening arrives alongside the Netflix release of his film “Marty, Life Is Short” and a Criterion reissue of his debut, “Body Heat.”
“Silverado” serves as a prime example of Kasdan’s ensemble-driven style, featuring Kevin Kline, Danny Glover, Kevin Costner, Scott Glenn, Rosanna Arquette, and Jeff Goldblum. The film is noted for blending the escapist adventure of his earlier screenwriting work on “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” with the more contemplative, character-focused tone of “The Big Chill” and “Grand Canyon.”
Future Implications for Film Exhibition
As cinephiles continue to seek out analog experiences, It’s likely that specialized theatres will maintain a high demand for rare prints. A possible next step for such venues could involve expanding these niche screenings to include more works currently locked away from physical media or streaming services. Analysts might expect that the success of these curated retrospectives will continue to drive interest in the historical and technical aspects of film production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is unique about the upcoming screening of “One Battle After Another”?
The screenings from June 18-20 mark the first time the film will be shown in 35mm, a format it was not available in during its initial release last year.
Are there films at the New Beverly that cannot be found elsewhere?
Yes, the theater hosts films that are unavailable on physical media or streaming platforms, such as William Beaudine’s “Blonde Ransom.”
Where can visitors view the full schedule of films?
The full June line-up can be found by visiting the New Beverly Cinema’s website.
Which classic film would you most like to see projected on 35mm film in a crowded theater?