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Spielberg Classics Jaws and E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial Set for IMAX Big Screen

On 9 September, South Africa will play host to a rerelease of two classics by master filmmaker Steven Spielberg which occupy near unparalleled real estate for movie lovers: in their hearts and fears, respectively. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (for its 40th anniversary) and Jaws (for its 47th and, I suppose, for good measure).

We’ve hardly left these films behind, essentially anybody and everybody who’s seen a handful of movies is bound to have seen both, but have you really seen either if you haven’t yet caught them on the big screen? For their local rerelease, both will be available for viewing on the biggest screens on offer: IMAX.

“Universal is honored to have been a part of so many extraordinary, unforgettable Steven Spielberg films over the past 47 years, including Jaws in 1975, E.T. in 1982 and Jurassic Park in 1993,” said Jim Orr, president of domestic theatrical distribution for Universal Pictures. “No filmmaker, it’s fair to say, has had a greater or more enduring impact on American cinema or has created more indelible cinematic memories for tens of billions of people worldwide. We couldn’t think of a more perfect way to celebrate the anniversary of E.T. and the first Universal-Spielberg summer blockbuster, Jaws, than to allow audiences to experience these films in a way they’ve never been able to before.”

“IMAX is thrilled to partner with Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment to offer audiences the opportunity to experience these two iconic films in IMAX for the very first time,” said Megan Colligan, President of IMAX Entertainment. “Steven Spielberg redefined modern cinema and ushered in a new era of bold, swing-for-the-fences filmmaking, and the IMAX Experience has expanded around the world because of the trail blazed by films like E.T. and Jaws.”

Screenings start from September 9th. Few films embody the majesty and magic of the movies as E.T. does, just as Jaws, the first true summer blockbuster, clenches down on the fearful psyche in a league of its own. This opportunity is not to be missed.