According to Music Box Theatre Technical Director Julian Antos, 70mm films historically had “a heightened sense of being ‘a big thing.’ They were probably movies that cost a bunch of money to make, had big casts and beautiful landscapes. All these pieces were making a more special, more theatrical experience than ‘non-prestige’ films.”
The frequency of 70mm showings dissipated, and now—when even a 35mm exhibition is a novelty for cinema goers—they only happen when an influential director such as Quentin Tarantino or Christopher Nolan uses their pull to film in the 70mm gauge or have their film blown up.
“A lot of these prints are really one of a kind,” said Antos. “In many cases, we’re running the only circulating print of something. I really like thinking about where the prints have been, and what venues they’ve screened at. I’m sure that print of West Side Story has screened all around the world. I think it’s about 15 years old, and still going strong, and still kicking ass.”
3/5-3/19, various times, Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport, musicboxtheatre.com, $80 for full festival pass, $60 for full festival pass for members, $14 per screening, $12 for seniors and children 12 and under, $11 for members.
