Film Festival Brings Sci-Fi Classics Back to the Big Screen at Phoenix Theatres Dec. 10-11

A Special Anniversary Screening of "Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Director's Edition" Leads Weekend of Films, Discussion, Including "2001: A Space Odyssey," "Blade Runner," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and More

December 05, 2022

Kentwood, Michigan – A newly restored Director's Edition of "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" will celebrate the 43rd anniversary of the sci-fi classic's release and headline a Dec. 10-11 film festival at Phoenix Theatres in Kentwood.

"2001: A Space Odyssey," "Blade Runner," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," "The Andromeda Strain" and "Silent Running" will also be shown during the Douglas Trumbull Film Forum II, which will feature discussion panels, Q&As and a pre-recorded master class with the legendary filmmaker and visual effects pioneer, Douglas Trumbull. Tickets are still available for individual films or the entire festival.

Star Trek fans will be able to experience a meticulous restoration of Robert Wise's Director's Edition of the 1979 film now with a 4K picture and theatrical Dolby ATMOS sound. Producer David C. Fein, and Visual Effects Supervisor Daren R. Dochterman utilized the latest technology to create the most immersive version ever presented, which features Trumbull's most spectacular visual effects. Those interested in delving deeper into the filmmaking process can talk directly with the filmmakers as they present the film in three acts, answering audience questions in real time between each act during the showing of the film.

Fein, Dochterman and other special guests will be on hand throughout the weekend and are available for media interviews starting on Friday. Additional panels will focus on the other films being screened, as well as the master class with Mr. Trumbull and the rare opportunity to watch his short 3-D concept film "U.F.O.T.O.G.," which utilizes his 120 frames per second MAGI photographic and projection technology. Mr. Trumbull's widow and the film's producer, Julia, will also be on hand for this special tribute.

"The 2022 Director's Edition of ‘Star Trek' is a stunning film, demonstrating to fans and filmmakers alike how modern film making tools can transform a film into a new experience," said Cory Jacobson, owner of Phoenix Theatres. "If you saw the original version in 1979, you will immediately feel the director's edition is bigger, better, and far more immersive in a theatre setting.

"I've been passionate about this film since I first saw it at my local theatre 43 years ago. My interest in the film developed into a lifelong career in movie theatres, which has led in later life to a warm friendship with Douglas Trumbull and an introduction to the other filmmakers involved. With our new state-of-the-art theatre, we can theatrically present their vision fully realized in the Midwest for the first time."

Fein worked on the restoration of "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" for 22 years, completing the film as it was intended by the late Mr. Wise. The new Director's Edition will enable movie lovers to enjoy a fully immersive theatrical Dolby ATMOS sound mix for the first time.

"For the film's 43rd Anniversary, I'm excited to see ‘Star Trek' play in a theatre as advanced as the film – and in a location in mid-America that guarantees those passionate enough to travel an epic experience they won't soon forget," Fein said. "Many people have asked when they could see the finished film back in the theatre. Thanks to Cory and his remarkable team at Phoenix Theatres, everyone will be able to see it as it was intended and join us to honor and celebrate the life and work of Doug Trumbull, Jerry Goldsmith and others – including, of course, Robert Wise."

As an added rare extra, a pre-recorded master class lecture given by Mr. Trumbull in December 2019 will play over the weekend. In his presentation, he discusses his philosophies on filmmaking, the role of visual effects, plus his unique MAGI photographic and projection technology.

Mr. Trumbull's short film "UFOTOG," which details his cutting-edge MAGI filming process, will play in an auditorium outfitted to project the film using his revolutionary 3D 120 frame-per-second, or FPS, technology and shown publicly for the first time in Dolby ATMOS.

Mr. Trumbull's proprietary filming and presentation processes create a brighter, sharper and more realistic image. Shot and projected in 2D and 3D at 120 FPS – traditional film only utilizes 24 FPS – using unique and patented frame rate technology, MAGI immerses the viewer in a way traditional photographic and projection technology cannot.

"With so much high-quality digital content available to the average movie watcher, Douglas Trumbull's MAGI process is exactly the thing modern cinema needs to reinvigorate the spirit of true movie magic," Jacobson said. "Just as Douglas was enamored with ambitious technologies like 70mm Cinerama when he was young, his vision of cinema's future is no less as grand, and MAGI is his magnum opus.

"The Douglas Trumbull Film Forum II is a unique opportunity for fans of the original 1979 version that will also introduce the film to the next generation. We hope movie fans from across the state will joins us to share in the celebration and enjoy these films on the big screen – as they were meant to be seen."

More information on the forum and tickets are available online.

Background:

Michigan-based Phoenix Theatres was founded in 2000 and has four Michigan theatres in Wayne, Monroe, Livonia and Grand Rapids. Four theatres are located out of state in Dubuque, Iowa, Pittsfield, Massachusetts and Defiance, Ohio. North Olmsted will mark the company’s 69th theatre screen and second location in Ohio.