The history of film is full of successful genre mash-ups, with just about every possible pairing having happened to good effect at least once. Two genres that often go great together are sci-fi and horror, which makes sense when one considers that both genres often deal with things that transcend humanity’s normal perception of reality or understanding of provable science. Arguably the most revered sci-fi/horror crossover film of all-time is Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic Alien, which, of course, went on to birth quite the lucrative franchise for studio 20th Century Fox. And now the film is coming back to theaters.

A critical and commercial hit both then and now, Alien wracked up over $100 million at the box office, on a budget of only $11 million. The Alien franchise as a whole has so far earned over $1.2 billion in theaters, and that number is likely to get much bigger when director Scott’s new prequel installment Alien: Covenant comes out next month. While every sequel hasn’t measured up to the lofty standards of the original, the franchise as a whole continues to be fairly well-respected, making it a huge asset in the Fox arsenal.

That said, as famous as Alien is, 1979 was quite a long time ago. Thus, it’s very likely that many of those born within the last few decades have never gotten a chance to see Scott’s masterpiece of outer space terror in a theater. Thankfully, Fox has announced that it will soon be teaming up with Regal Cinemas to offer fans another chance to experience the original classic on the big screen, as part of a one-night special event taking place on April 26. This date is sometimes referred to as Alien Day, in reference to LV-426, the moon that Ripley and the crew of the Nostromo first encounter the Xenomorph eggs on, and also the primary setting for Aliens.

Screening only at participating Regal RPX movie theaters, the event will not only include Alien (1979), but will also treat moviegoers to exclusive footage from Alien: Covenant. Purchasers will also receive a one-of-a-kind commemorative ticket for the event. Tickets for Fox’s second annual Alien Day celebration become available tomorrow, April 18.

While not every older film necessarily screams out a need to be seen in a theatrical environment, Scott’s pulse-pounding, relentlessly claustrophobic classic is definitely one that should likely qualify for such a distinction. In space, no one can hear you scream, but in a theater, everyone can, and that’s part of the fun.

Next: Ridley Scott Wants to Make Alien Movies ‘Forever’

Source: 20th Century Fox (via ComicBook)

  • alien covenant Release Date: 2017-05-19