KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AMC Theatres (AMC), a leading theatrical exhibition and entertainment company, is proud to partner with Sony Pictures to offer guests the chance to see the new digital restoration of Martin Scorsese’s TAXI DRIVER for a limited time, ahead of its April 5th Blu-ray release, exclusively at 145 AMC theatres in 41 markets across the United States and Canada.
Together with Sony Pictures, AMC will feature an extensively restored 4K digital presentation (where available) of this classic movie that was originally released on Feb. 8, 1976. An iconic movie from the 1970s, TAXI DRIVER is a dark rumination centering on one man driven to violence by loneliness and desperation. The movie was directed by Scorsese, written by Paul Schrader and stars Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd and Albert Brooks.
Now 35 years later, AMC guests can see the movie that was nominated for four Academy Awards® in 1976 and depicts a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who works as a nighttime taxi driver in New York City.
“TAXI DRIVER is an intense and powerful American movie classic,” said Robert J. Lenihan, president of programming at AMC. “We are pleased to partner with Sony Pictures to offer guests the opportunity to view the dark world of New York City at night through the eyes of a lonely man, when this beautifully digitally restored movie hits the big screen again.”
In preparation for its 35th anniversary release, TAXI DRIVER has undergone an extensive, fully 4K digital restoration. Working from the original camera negative, the film was scanned at 4K (the equivalent resolution of the 35mm negative) with color correction and digital restoration to remove imbedded emulsion dirt and repair torn frames and scratches, which was also completed at 4K. Finishing work, including the creation of the TAXI DRIVER 4K Digital Cinema Package, which also includes a multi-channel stereo soundtrack approved by the director and created from the original stereo recordings, was completed at full-service digital intermediate facility Colorworks at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City.
“TAXI DRIVER is a classic that should be experienced again in a movie theater,” said Jim Amos, president, Sony Pictures Releasing. “This film is an important part of our studio’s rich history and it is a responsibility and privilege to restore films like these so future generations can experience Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece as it was meant to be seen.”
TAXI DRIVER grossed more than $28 million at the box office in 1976 by telling the story of Travis Bickle (De Niro) a veteran who battles insomnia by working as a taxi driver at night. Bickle, dejected about what a cesspool the city is at night, sees one bright spot in his dark world, Betsy (Shepherd) a campaign worker for a Senator aspiring to become President. Travis becomes obsessed with Betsy and obsesses to make the world a better place, particularly for Iris (Foster), a 12-year-old runaway and prostitute who he tries to rescue.
Showings will be at 8 p.m. local time on Saturday, March 19 and Tuesday, March 22. Tickets for this limited-time, special event and a list of participating markets and theatres are now available online at www.AMCTheatres.com/taxidriver or at participating theatres.
About AMC Entertainment Inc.
AMC Entertainment Inc. delivers distinctive and affordable movie-going experiences in 361 theatres with 5,203 screens across the United States and Canada. The company operates 24 of the 50 highest grossing theatres in the country, including the top three. AMC has propelled industry innovation and continues today by delivering premium sight and sound, enhanced food and beverage and diverse content. www.AMCTheatres.com.
About Sony Pictures
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 140 countries. SPE recorded total sales of $7.6 billion for fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. www.sonypictures.com.