Michele Stueven
It’s been 50 years since Brad and Janet entered the doors to Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s evil castle in the genre-defying cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Their lives and our lives were changed forever on that cold, rainy night.
Based on the stage musical by Richard O’Brien, The Rocky Horror Picture Show shattered conventions with its bold characters like Dr. Frank-N-Furter, played by Tim Curry, and naive couple Brad (played by Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), flamboyant style, and an infectious rock ’n’ roll soundtrack. O’Brien, who also wrote the immortal music to the film, co-stars as the sadistic butler Riff Raff.
Its legendary midnight screenings – featuring shadow casts, fan costumes, and audience call-backs – redefined moviegoing and created a cultural phenomenon. Today, it’s still the longest-running theatrical release in film history, with weekly screenings still held around the world.
Let’s do the Time Warp again (Courtesy Walt Disney Studio)
Events planned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show include:
Sept. 23–Nov. 3 – The Rocky Horror Picture Show Spectacular Tour features appearances, meet and greets, and more with original cast members Barry Bostwick, Patricia Quinn, and Nell Campbell. The tour will stop in 55 cities across the U.S. and Canada. Purchase tickets here.
● Sept. 26 – A special screening of the newly restored 4K version will take place at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures’ David Geffen Theater, followed by a talent Q&A.
● Sept. 27 – The official Rocky Horror fan convention will take over the world-famous Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood with panel discussions, book signings, artist appearances, and more.
Nell Campbell as Columbia in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Courtesy Walt Disney Studio)
● Oct. – Audiences can experience the newly restored 4K version in theaters throughout October.
● Oct. 4 – Cinespia will present a special screening under the stars at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, featuring an interactive shadow cast, special guests, DJ sets, Time Warp dance party, giveaways, selfie moments, fan festivities, and a free themed photobooth.
● Oct. 7 – The new 4K Blu-ray arrives in a collectible limited-edition SteelBook®, featuring Dolby Vision® and Atmos® audio for the ultimate viewing experience. A digital version will also be available on platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.
● Oct. 10 – A 50th anniversary deluxe edition of the original movie soundtrack will be reissued on 180g red-in-gold vinyl, housed in a heavyweight gold-foil jacket with a newly designed inner sleeve featuring never-before-seen photos and production diary excerpts from producer Richard Hartley.
● Oct. 15 – The GRAMMY Museum® will host a special screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, followed by a panel discussion celebrating its iconic soundtrack featuring Fat Mike and others.
● This Fall – Commemorative Rocky Horror merchandise – featuring new designs from Funko, Loungefly, RockLove Jewelry, and others – will be released.
In the meantime and forever after, you can catch midnight screenings of the cult classic every Saturday at 11 p.m. at the Landmark Nuart Theater in West LA.
Brad and Janet (Courtesy Walt Disney Studio)