Athena Grand hosts a remastered screening of Gone with the Wind in its original aspect ratio.
The Athena Grand, in association with Fathom Events, Turner Classic Movies and Warner Bros. Entertainment, is screening Gone With The Wind on the big screen, celebrating the movie’s 75th anniversary for a melding of generations.
“We believe that audiences of all ages will embrace the opportunity to enjoy this iconic film as it returns to its original home on the big screen,” said Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president of Fathom Events.
This special screening not only lets people see the movie, but it allows them to see the remastered edition in its original aspect ratio accompanied with an intermission.
“This special event will give film lovers a chance to re-experience or be introduced to this beloved film with friends, family and fellow classic movie enthusiasts in their community,” Maxwell said. “As a result of the remastering process, the film will not only look and sound more spectacular than ever before, but it will also be presented in its original aspect ratio on movie theater screens so audiences will not miss anything the cameras captured and can experience it as it was originally shown 75 years ago.”
This screening comes after the release of an anniversary Blu-Ray and a special edition collectors box, which includes the Blu-Ray movie along with 13 hours of bonus content, a leather journal and art book for $49.99 on wbshop.com.
The screening will take place Wednesday at 7 p.m. for $12.50, and will include an introduction from Robert Osbourne, TCM host and film historian. He will be discussing the film’s production, and its success in years to come.
“While I have not always been a big movie buff, one of my most vivid memories of a movie is when Gone With The Wind was re-released in the early ’60s,” said Rick Frame, manager of the Athena Grand. “The line for it was several blocks long and the 700-seat theater was full, (which was) very exciting for me. I didn't get it back then, but later in life it is one of my favorite movies.”
Winner of eight Oscars, the Best Picture centers on a Southern belle (Olivia De Havilland) as she struggles with the devastation of the Civil War and Reconstruction. It is considered by many to be one of the greatest movies of all time.
“I can't wait to see it on the big screen the way it’s supposed to be,” said Melissa VanCooney, a local Athens resident eager to see the classic. “For it's time, the costuming is just amazing and the actual visuals, especially of the burning of Atlanta, are fabulous on the small screen. (I) can't imagine how amazing it will be on a proper movie screen.”
If anything, the theater hopes this screening brings young people in to see this classic.
“I do hope we have some younger viewers,” Frame said. “The re-mastered version will be great. While it's a love story, it covers many topics that would be good for anyone to see.”
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