To understand the challenges of screening 70mm film prints at theaters today, just ask Jerry Blackburn.
As the senior manager and director of public programming at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills, a historic movie palace built in 1937, Blackburn oversees one of the few venues in Los Angeles where audiences can still experience films in 70mm.
This Labor Day Weekend, Blackburn has assembled an impressive lineup of 70mm prints for the “Star Trek” 60th Anniversary Series. The first six films from the beloved franchise will be screened throughout the weekend, complete with post-movie discussions featuring special guests. This isn’t Blackburn’s first venture into hosting a 70mm series for Trekkies in Los Angeles; he previously organized “Star Trek Saturdays” in the summer of 2010, featuring midnight screenings of the original films at the Laemmle Royal in West LA, attended by notable guests, including original cast members Walter Koenig and George Takei.
“I’ve always been a fan of 70mm; I watched some of these films in theaters when they were first released,” Blackburn shared in a phone interview. “The resolution is significantly better than 35mm, and I find the sound on the mag tracks is superior. Many people specifically want to see films in 70mm, and there are just so few prints left, with few new ones being created. The response we get when we screen these films is overwhelmingly positive.”
While installments 2 through 6 are slated for 70mm screenings, “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” will not be included. Instead, Blackburn plans to show the digitally restored “Director’s Edition” released in 2022. The original film faced challenges in transitioning to 70mm. “They never completed the first print,” Blackburn explained. “They had reels one and two ready, but after a preview, [director] Robert Wise didn’t like how it turned out, and there wasn’t enough time before the release to fix it.” Interestingly, as noted on in70mm.com, a 70mm print was eventually made and showcased at film festivals a few years later.
The archival prints for “Wrath of Khan,” “The Search for Spock,” and “The Voyage Home” were sourced straight from the Paramount vault. Blackburn had to adhere to strict guidelines to borrow these prints, which are rarely shown due to their age. “They haven’t been screened often, and I had to ensure a lineup of talent to accompany them,” he said. “There’s even an inspection fee for the archival prints, which guarantees their condition is maintained, so they’re returned in the same quality.”
Thanks to his efforts, Blackburn has secured an impressive roster of guests, including “Khan” director Nicholas Meyer, longtime producer Ralph Winter, actresses Robin Curtis and Catherine Hicks, and writer/film preservationist Michael Matessino, who oversaw the 4K restoration of the original “Trek.” A highlight is filmmaker Adam Nimoy, son of Leonard Nimoy, who will present a double feature of “Khan” and his 2016 documentary “For the Love of Spock,” honoring his iconic father. Blackburn notes that the inclusion of “Spock” was an add-on he proposed to Nimoy, who readily agreed. Nimoy will also sign copies of his recently released memoir, “The Most Human,” offering insights into his life and his complex relationship with his father.
In a recent Zoom call, Nimoy expressed his excitement about pairing his tribute to his father with what is considered his finest performance in a “Trek” film. “[‘Spock’] is really a celebration of the character and of Leonard Nimoy himself—a multi-talented individual and a true renaissance man with great drive,” he remarked. “It’s really a celebration of life.”
This weekend’s screenings are expected to attract both die-hard fans and newcomers eager to join the crew of the USS Enterprise on their adventures. However, even after years of showcasing cinematic experiences, Blackburn remains cautious about attendance in an era when many prefer the comfort of home viewing. “I hope it does well and sells out, but I can’t predict that,” he admitted.
Regardless of full houses, Blackburn looks forward to providing a memorable experience for those who attend. “I want the audience to enjoy themselves. I want to hear laughter and applause,” he said. “When we screened the 70mm print of ‘Spaceballs’ in May, the audience knew all the lines and laughed at every joke, no matter how many times they’d seen it before. They left with smiles, and that’s what matters most to me.”
For more information on the ‘Star Trek’ 60th Anniversary Series, visit the Fine Arts Theatre website.
