By It has become something of an annual tradition for John Carpenter’s Halloween to return to theatres during spooky season, but this year’s big-screen event is doing something a little different. Instead of bringing back Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers and Halloween 5 with the first movie, as has been the case in recent years, the original Halloween trilogy is heading back to theaters for three consecutive nights in September.
Our friends at Bloody Disgusting gave us the heads-up that Halloween (1978), Halloween II (1981), and Halloween III: Season of the Witch will be returning to AMC theatres from September 4 through September 6. The screenings are being presented in conjunction with the upcoming release of Halloween: The Game.
Here is the full schedule:
Halloween (1978) — September 4
Halloween II (1981) — September 5
Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) — September 6
The return of John Carpenter’s original Halloween to theatres around this time of year is nothing unusual. The movie has become a perennial part of the Halloween season, regularly returning to the big screen for fans who want to experience Michael Myers and Laurie Strode’s first encounter the way it was originally intended to be seen. What makes this particular event more interesting is the chance to see the first three Halloween films together, especially Halloween III: Season of the Witch.
The first film, released in 1978 and directed by John Carpenter, introduced audiences to Michael Myers, Dr. Sam Loomis, Laurie Strode, and the town of Haddonfield. After spending 15 years in Smith’s Grove Sanitarium following the murder of his sister Judith, Myers escapes on Halloween night and returns to Haddonfield. There, he begins stalking Laurie Strode and her friends while Loomis desperately tries to track him down. The film became one of the most influential horror movies ever made and launched one of cinema’s most enduring franchises.
Halloween II followed in 1981, picking up on the same night and continuing the story of Laurie and Michael. While Laurie is taken to Haddonfield Memorial Hospital following the events of the first film, Michael continues his pursuit.
The third night brings the most unusual entry in the lineup: Halloween III: Season of the Witch.
Halloween III is the rare big screen attraction
Unlike the first two movies, Halloween III: Season of the Witch has nothing to do with Michael Myers. The film was intended to help turn the Halloween franchise into an anthology series, with each new installment telling a different Halloween-themed story. Season of the Witch instead follows Dr. Daniel Challis as he investigates the Silver Shamrock company and discovers a deadly plot involving Halloween masks.
The movie was not embraced by many fans when it was first released, largely because audiences expecting another Michael Myers movie were surprised to discover that The Shape was nowhere to be found. Over the decades, however, Halloween III has developed a cult following and is now widely appreciated as the franchise’s most unique entry.
That makes this theatrical re-release especially appealing. While the original Halloween regularly returns to theatres, opportunities to see Halloween III: Season of the Witch on the big screen are less common.
A perfect way to kick off the Halloween season
The screenings also arrive just ahead of the September 8 release of Halloween: The Game, with all three theatrical presentations being tied to the upcoming game. For longtime Halloween fans, the three-night event offers the opportunity to revisit Carpenter’s classic, continue the story with Halloween II, and then experience the wonderfully strange detour that is Season of the Witch.
Will you be heading to AMC to watch Halloween, Halloween II, and Halloween III: Season of the Witch this September? Which of the three are you most excited to see on the big screen? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
The post Halloween, Halloween II, and Halloween III are returning to theatres this September appeared first on JoBlo.
