The Best ’80s Fantasy Epic Adventure Is Heading Back To Theaters
When it comes to 80s fantasy epics, it’s hard to think of too many more iconic and enduring than The NeverEnding Story. It’s also a film that’s ideal for the big-screen experience, so it’s exciting to hear that it will be returning to theaters for two nights only on July 21 and 22 this summer. The screening will also include an introduction by noted film critic Leonard Matlin.
The NeverEnding Story Is One Of The Greatest Films Of All Time
The NeverEnding Story was directed and co-written by the late Wolfgang Peterson and is based on the novel of the same name by Michael Ende.
Although it only adapts the first half of the book (making the title a little ironic), the film follows a boy named Bastian (Barret Oliver) who discovers a book about the land of Fantasia and the hero Atreyu (Noah Hathaway), who is trying to save the land from the Nothing. As Bastian continues to read the book, he finds that the land of Fantasia needs the help of a human child to survive and that the story might be more real than he realizes.
A Hit In Theaters But A Massive Success On VHS
The NeverEnding Story also stars Tami Stronach, Patricia Hayes, Sydney Bromley, Gerald McRaney, Moses Gunn, and Alan Oppenheimer. The film was the most expensive film ever made outside of the US and USSR at the time, but managed to find success at the box office with a $100 million haul. Steven Spielberg also had a hand in the film, re-editing the German version to appeal more to American audiences (what iconic 80s classic hasn’t Spielberg been involved in?).
Relive The Trauma All Over Again
Now, four decades later, The NeverEnding Story will enchant audiences in theaters once again. Fathom Events is behind the theatrical release, which will occur in theaters nationwide. You’ll need to check your local theaters to see where the film will be playing nearest you.
Of course, there’s a chance that The NeverEnding Story tickets will sell out quickly, as there will only be three total showings. The theatrical re-release is set to have an evening showing on the 21st and 22nd and a matinee showing on the 21st. Whether you’re a fan or you haven’t seen the movie before, it’s well worth checking out if you love fantasy epics.
The Theme Song Is Now Stuck In Your Head
The NeverEnding Story did end up getting two sequels, a live-action TV series, and an animated series, but none reached the legendary status of the first film. However, it did get a choice cameo in Stranger Things Season 3 when Dustin and Suzie performed the iconic theme song by Limahl. Meanwhile, the franchise does seem to be living up to its name, as there is also a reboot in the works that will be developed and produced by Michael Ende Productions and See-Saw Films.
The Remake Will Make Us Forget The Sequel Ever Happened
In fact, The NeverEnding Story reboot is set to be a series of live-action films, so it seems like there’s a lot more story on the way. Perhaps this means the second film will be a more faithful adaptation of the second half of Ende’s novel than The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter was. In the meantime, make sure to check out Fathom Events’ website if you want to grab tickets for this theatrical event.
