‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ Turns 50: Cult Classic Does Time Warp With Screenings, Fan Events
It’s Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s birthday.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Jim Sharman’s cult 1975 cult classic starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. To mark the milestone, a newly restored 4K version of the film will hit theaters (and Blu-ray) while a slew of fan events will roll out across the U.S. and Canada in addition to new merchandise hitting the shelves from Funko, Loungefly, RockLove Jewelry and more.
The Walt Disney Studios Restoration team shepherded the restoration over 10 months, a process that has produced a newly mixed Dolby Atmos audio track to bring depth and dimension to the film’s notable soundtrack. The original mono audio has also been fully restored.
“It’s a privilege to help preserve the legacy of a film that has meant so much to so many,” explained the Walt Disney Company’s Kevin Schaeffer, director of restoration and library management. “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.”
You Might Also Like
Directed by Sharman and based on the musical play by Richard O’Brien, who adapted his work for the screen with Sharman, The Rocky Horror Picture Show follows a newly engaged couple (Bostwick and Sarandon) as their car breaks down on a rainy night. Searching for help, they wind up seeking shelter inside a mysterious castle of Curry’s Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Meat Loaf, Richard O’Brien, Patricia Quinn, Nell Campbell, Jonathan Adams, Peter Hinwood, Charles Gray, Jeremy Newsom and Hilary Farr round out the cast.
Though the film didn’t prove to be a success from its initial release, it became a cultural phenomenon thanks in large part to midnight screenings that have endured over the decades and find fans paying homage through flamboyant costumes and sing-a-longs. It is widely known as the longest running theatrical film of all time.
“When The Rocky Horror Picture Show was first released, no one thought it would be around very long let alone 50 years,” said producer Lou Adler. “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.”
The schedule of anniversary events is below.
Sept. 23 – Nov. 3: The Rocky Horror Picture Show Spectacular Tour will feature appearances, meet-and-greets and more with cast members Barry Bostwick, Patricia Quinn and Nell Campbell. The tour will stop in 55 cities across the U.S. and Canada. Information and tickets here.
Sept. 26: Screening of newly restored 4K version at the Academy Museum’s David Geffen Theater, followed by a talent Q&A.
Sept. 27: Official Rocky Horror fan convention takes over West Hollywood’s Roxy Theatre. Event includes panel discussions, book signings, artist appearances and more.
October: Screenings of newly restored 4K version in movie theaters throughout the month. Check your local listings.
Oct. 4: Cinespia presents a screening under the stars at Hollywood Forever featuring an interactive shadow cast, special guests, DJ sets, time warp dance party, giveaways, selfie backdrops, fan festivities and a free themed photo booth.
Oct. 7: Official release of 4K Blu-ray, which arrives in a limited-edition collectible SteelBook featuring Dolby Vision and Atmos audio for an enhanced viewing experience. A digital version will also be released on platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home.
Oct. 10: A 50th anniversary deluxe edition of the original movie soundtrack will be reissued on 180g red-in-gold vinyl in a heavyweight gold-foil jacket with a newly designed inner sleeve featuring never-before-seen photos as well as production diary excerpts from producer Richard Hartley.
Oct. 15: Grammy Museum host a screening of the film followed by a panel focused on its soundtrack featuring Fat Mike and others.
