Check This Out: "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" Gets a Nationwide Re-Release in Honor of 40th Anniversary

Scene from Close Encounters of the Third Kind

There's no denying that Steven Spielberg pretty much owns the big screen experience. Over the course of his career, he has brought so many dazzling images that are rendered to be seen in theaters, triumphantly stimulating audiences with innovative techniques. What if I were to tell you that there is a way to see one of his biggest hits on the big screen this weekend? That's right. His first foray into alien culture with Close Encounters of the Third Kind is playing in theaters nationwide for the next week to commemorate the film's 40th anniversary. If it's been awhile or you've never seen it on the big screen, there's more than enough reason to check it out and have some fun with one of the best alien movies ever.

In a lot of ways, Close Encounters of the Third Kind is the film that defined Spielberg as a filmmaker. It was his first film after the breakout Jaws, of which made it unsafe to go in the water. However, his next film would spark an interest in supernatural beings coming to Earth with some of the most breathtaking imagery out there. It also helped that it featured his second collaboration with composer John Williams (whose Oscar-nominated score was reviewed recently here). The film was so innovative that it not only won an Oscar for Best Cinematography, but also received a special achievement award for sound effects editing. This film was largely spectacle with heart, and it showed just how big Spielberg was willing to go. It was also the first film for which he received an Oscar nomination for Best Director. 

There's plenty of reason to see it this weekend. If you have never seen a vintage Spielberg movie on the big screen, then you won't understand the majestic awe that comes with the immersion of image and sound. It stimulates in ways that would come to define the modern blockbuster. It makes plenty of sense then that Close Encounters of the Third Kind would warrant a return after 40 years. This time it will be presented in a 4K restoration style that will enhance the image and provide better clarity. Of the various versions out there, the one that will be shown in this re-release is the director's cut, which adds additional scenes as well as expands on the ending of the film. 

For those who can't get enough of Spielberg and aliens, this won't be the only chance to revisit his masterpieces on the big screen. E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial will be returning to the big screen for two days only (see info here) through Fathom Events for a special 35th anniversary celebration. Still, Close Encounters of the Third Kind is going all out with a wider and longer re-release that will hopefully make new audiences look into the sky with awe. This is a one of a kind film, and hopefully will fit into your schedule sometime in the next week. Check your local listings for further info, though it should be pretty easy to track down. Until then, keep watching the skies!