Star Trek: The Motion Picture to Return to Theaters

Mark your calendars, Trekkies. Star Trek: The Motion Picture is flying into a cinema near you! (Yep, I went with the pun, and I don’t regret it.)

Fathom Events, known for their nerd-friendly screenings of properties like Doctor Who, Sherlock, and, yes, Star Trek (they previously screened The Wrath of Khan for the film’s 35th anniversary), is partnering with Paramount Pictures to host screenings of the first ever Star Trek film in honor of its 40th anniversary. Yes, it has been 40 years since Star Trek: The Motion Picture first came out.

The big event will happen on September 15th and September 18th in cinemas across North America. Tickets will be available beginning Friday, August 2nd, and can be purchased at the Fathom Events website or at participating theater box offices.

In addition to the film itself, which frankly would be worth the price of admission (as someone who wasn’t yet born the first time Star Trek: The Motion Picture was in theaters, this is a cool opportunity), the screening will include a behind-the-scenes documentary titled The Longest Trek: Writing the Motion Picture, which will screen before the film.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture was originally released in 1979, and was the fourth highest-grossing film of that year. It earned three Oscar nominations, including Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction, and Best Music (Original Score).

Narratively, the film sees Admiral James T. Kirk returning to the U.S.S. Enterprise after the ship has undergone an 18-month refit process. He and the rest of his crew reunite to confront a mysterious, invincible cloud that approaches Earth. The film was directed by Robert Wise, and stars William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, and James Doohan.

Fathom Events Vice President of Studio Relations Tom Lucas said of the upcoming event: “Star Trek—The Motion Picture is a visual marvel and a film that even many ardent Star Trek fans have never had an opportunity to see on a big screen. Fathom Events is honored to celebrate this cinematic classic’s 40th anniversary with this special theatrical presentation.”

Kayti Burt is a staff editor covering books, TV, movies, and fan culture at Den of Geek. Read more of her work here or follow her on Twitter @kaytiburt.

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