'Donnie Darko' Returns To Theaters With 4K Restoration This Spring

In 2001, Donnie Darko blended elements of horror, science fiction, time travel, and romance in a [...]

By Patrick Cavanaugh

In 2001, Donnie Darko blended elements of horror, science fiction, time travel, and romance in a way unlike films before or since, birthing a cult following that remains just as strong today. At the time, Drew Barrymore, Noah Wyle, and Patrick Swayze were the biggest names in the cast, but now Jake Gyllenhaal, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, and Seth Rogen have all become highly-sought after stars. Following the success of last year's UK 15th anniversary screenings, the cult classic is coming to theaters in the United States to celebrate a new restoration of the film.

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Donnie Darko's unique blend of '80s nostalgia with science fiction and horror paved the way for crossover genre hits like Super 8 and Stranger Things, demonstrating the massive audience for complex stories with nonlinear narratives.

Despite not initially finding success with its theatrical run, Darko became one of the biggest hits in the newly evolving DVD crowd. The film garnered enough attention that writer/director Richard Kelly, who described his film as "The Catcher in the Rye as told by Philip K. Dick," released his own director's cut and also spawn a sequel that focused on Donnie's younger sister. The film's soundtrack was also a big success, combining post-punk sounds and '80s staples like Tears for Fears, Duran Duran, and Echo and the Bunnymen.

Arrow Films is the distributor of the 4K restoration which they screened in theaters last December to a massive audience. Selected theaters across the country will be playing both the original theatrical cut and the director's cut beginning March 31 and hitting other theaters April 7.

Check your local listings for screening time for the cult favorite!

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[H/T ComingSoon]

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