Summary
Acclaimed horror classicThe Shiningwill soon be back on the big screen—but fans don’t have long to experience Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece in theater. The film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel of the same name was famously disliked by the popular horror author. However, audience responses toThe Shininghave been less straightforward, and opinions of the movie have shifted wildly over time.
Though itwasn’t well-received by Stephen King, critics, and audiences when it was released in 1980,The Shiningis now regarded as one of the best horror films of all time. In 1980, the now-iconic images of blood pouring from hotel elevators, or psychotic, axe-wielding Jack Nicholson, were shocking and confusing to audiences. However, over time, film lovers have uncovered endless layers of nuance and meaning that cementThe Shining’sstatus as a horror masterpiece. The story of a father driven to madness by a haunted hotel is presented in Kubrick’s film with intense slow-burn terror. Kubrick’s meticulous filmmaking style and obsessive vision makeThe Shiningone of the most enduring horror movies of all time.
When Is The Shining Coming Back To Theaters?
Anyone looking to get a jump on spooky season can catchKubrick’s horror masterpiece in theatersonSunday, September 29andWednesday, October 2. Most venues will have a matinee and an evening showing, so that’s four chances total to make plans to head to the theater. CatchingThe Shiningon the big screen is a great way to kick off a month of scary movies in October. Sure, it’s easy to rely on streaming services as your source for horror movies. After all, the couch is much more inviting than blustery fall weather. However, it’s worth taking advantage of this limited re-release ofThe Shining. There’s just something about seeing a movie in a theater thatmakes the experience more immersive. For horror movies (especiallyThe Shining),that total immersion leads to serious scares.
Which Theaters Are Showing The Shining?
ThoughThe Shiningwill be in theaters for a limited run, it won’t be getting the same wide release as newer movies. This re-release ofThe Shiningwill be screened in 163 theaters in 35 states, at a number of theater chains, including:
To be sure that your local theaterwill be screeningThe Shining, check the theater chain and showtimes.
Why Is The Shining Being Re-Released?
In recent years, there have been many older films that have made a surprise, yet brief, return to the big screen. Often, movies make their way back to theaters due to it being an anniversary of the film’s original release date. However, that’s not the case this time forThe Shining. This re-release is part of a program calledFlashback Cinema. The program shows a new movie each week, on Sunday and Wednesday, giving fans the chance to experience their favorites in the theater. Much of cinema is meant to be seen on the big screen, so Flashback Cinema events are ones that hold particular appeal for movie fanatics. Upcoming Flashback Cinema movies includeTwilight Breaking Dawn Parts 1and2,The Lost Boys, andThe Exorcist. On the website, fans can even suggest movies that they would like to see back in theaters.
Is Seeing The Shining In Theater Worth It?
So, is it actually worth it to seeThe Shiningon the big screen? The short answer—absolutely!The Shiningis intense, creepy, and terrifying, no matter how you watch it, but on a large screen in a dark theater with surround sound, the movie becomes exponentially scarier. For those just beginning to explore the horror genre,The Shiningis a must-watch, and there’s no better way to see it than up on the big screen. Even devout fans who haveseenThe Shiningcountless timeson their TVs at home will gain a new appreciation for the film by seeing it in theaters. No matter what level of horror fan, seeingThe Shiningin a theater is a unique and profound experience, and should not be missed.
WhileThe Shininghas grown in popularity since its initial lukewarm reception, in recent years, the film has gained new relevance. Stephen King published a sequel toThe Shining, calledDoctor Sleep, in 2013. The sequel was adapted to film in 2019, which introduced a new generation of fans to the Overlook Hotel. Though based on the follow-up novel, theDoctor Sleepmovie pays homagetoThe Shiningfilm adaptation, and many have praised how the movie successfully integrated elements of Kubrick’s vision. Between newer fans ofDoctor Sleepand long-time Kubrick fans, the upcoming re-release ofThe Shiningis an excellent opportunity for many viewers.
The Shining
Stanley Kubrick’s horror classic starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall tells the story of the Torrance family, who move to the isolated Overlook Hotel so that father Jack Torrance can act as its winter caretaker. Stuck at the hotel due to the winter storms, the malevolent supernatural forces inhabiting the building slowly begin to drive Jack insane, causing his wife and psychically gifted son to be caught up in a fight for their lives when Jack is pushed over the edge.
