- For the first time, audiences will be able to see these two culture-defining films bigger and better than ever before.
- E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial will be released exclusively on IMAX screens nationwide from 9 September to celebrate the film’s 40th anniversary.
Universal Pictures and
Amblin Entertainment announced that, for the first time, audiences will be able
to experience two classic, culture-defining Steven Spielberg films — E.T. The
Extra-Terrestrial and Jaws — on IMAX® screens worldwide.
Both films will be
released exclusively on IMAX screens in South Africa from 9
September to celebrate E.T.’s 40th anniversary and the 47th anniversary of Jaws.
“Universal is honored to
have been a part of so many extraordinary, unforgettable Steven Spielberg films
over the past 47 years, including Jaws in 1975, E.T. in 1982 and Jurassic
Park in 1993,” said Jim Orr, president of domestic theatrical distribution for Universal Pictures.
“No filmmaker, it’s fair to say, has had a
greater or more enduring impact on American cinema or has created more
indelible cinematic memories for tens of billions of people worldwide. We
couldn’t think of a more perfect way to celebrate the anniversary of E.T.
and the first Universal-Spielberg summer blockbuster, Jaws, than to
allow audiences to experience these films in a way they’ve never been able to
before.”
“IMAX is thrilled to partner with Universal Pictures
and Amblin Entertainment to offer audiences the opportunity to experience these
two iconic films in IMAX for the very first time,” said Megan Colligan,
President of IMAX Entertainment.
“Steven Spielberg redefined modern
cinema and ushered in a new era of bold, swing-for-the-fences filmmaking, and
the IMAX Experience has expanded around the world because of the trail blazed
by films like E.T. and Jaws.”
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, originally released in the summer of 1982, not only
soared to become the highest-grossing film of the year, capturing four Academy
Awards® and nine Oscar® nominations including Best
Picture, but it also captured the hearts of audiences around the globe. Four
decades later, it still ignites the joy, wonder, discovery, magic and
heartbreak of childhood.
Originally released on
June 20, 1975, Jaws, based on the best-selling novel by Peter Benchley,
became the first true summer blockbuster and a cultural tsunami.
It shattered
every record to become the highest-grossing film of the year, earning a
nomination for Best Picture and winning three Academy Awards®,
including one for John Williams’ iconic musical score.
Almost five decades
later, Jaws has become inexorable from global film culture, has inspired
multiple generations of filmmakers and remains one of the most thrilling,
terrifying and unforgettable films of all time.
