Some movies are simply better on the big screen, and Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi masterpiece Interstellar is definitely one of them. I still remember seeing this awe-inspiring space epic in theaters when it was first released in 2014, and it literally blew me away with its stunning cinematography and expressive sound design (not to mention the fantastic score).
Earlier this week, my social feeds were filled with outrage over a rumor that a planned re-release at Paramount was cancelled and that the studio had destroyed all original IMAX 70mm prints of the film. Fortunately, this has been proven false, as diversity has confirmed that Interstellar will return to theaters on Friday, December 6th.
This is a true holiday treat whether you’ve seen Interstellar before or not. Not only is it arguably Nolan’s best work to date (which is saying something, given his filmography), but it’s also the best science fiction film of the last 20 years, delivering blockbuster thrills and deep emotions in a sophisticated and stunning package.
If you missed the hype surrounding Interstellar in 2014, or just want to brush up on what makes this epic sci-fi film so damn special, here are all the details on this cinematic masterpiece…
What is “Interstellar” about?
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Set in a frighteningly plausible future, Interstellar takes viewers to an Earth that is rapidly becoming uninhabitable due to global crop failures. But humanity’s best and brightest minds are desperately trying to find a solution to save humanity, even if that means turning to the stars. One of the physicists looking for a solution is Professor Brand (Michael Caine), who works out of a secret NASA base.
Brand develops an ambitious plan to transport the Earth’s population to a new home via a wormhole. However, in order to test the suitability of the three planets considered potentially viable, a team of researchers led by Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) must roam the entire galaxy to find a new place where our species can settle.
The crew’s journey is fraught with danger, taking them beyond space and time. Faced with each new challenge and the possibility that their efforts will be in vain, Cooper and his companions, including Dr. Ameila Brand (Anne Hathaway), question the very purpose of the mission and their motivations.
“Interstellar” was filmed for the big screen
I’ve watched Interstellar countless times on my home media since its debut a decade ago, and while the film looks absolutely gorgeous on 4K Blu-ray, you just can’t replicate the theatrical experience one-to-one at home. That’s why I’m so excited to see Interstellar return to where it belongs this holiday season.
There are so many scenes in Interstellar that deserve to be seen on an IMAX screen, but the iconic scene on an ocean planet rocked by skyscraper-sized tidal waves tops the list. I also can’t wait to return to the frosty world where Cooper meets Mann (Matt Damon), a surviving NASA researcher, as this part of the film offers some truly incredible shots (and an epic narrative twist, too). Not to mention, The The docking sequence was literally made for a cinema audio setup.
Of course, Interstellar is about much more than striking sci-fi imagery and stunning camerawork. A decade later, the film remains popular for its very human storytelling and deeply compelling characters. I’m just as excited to relive the heartbreaking relationship between Cooper and his daughter (Jessica Chastain), and it will probably bring me to tears for the umpteenth time.
Perhaps my only disappointment with this news is that it will be several more months before Interstellar returns to theaters. (If you can’t wait that long, you can stream the film on Prime Video.) I’m ready to see this unforgettable sci-fi epic on the big screen now. But having waited nearly 10 years for its return to the big screen, I can wait a few more months.
In the meantime, there are still a few flicks left in the summer movie season, including the film I’m most looking forward to this year, Alien: Romulus, and hopefully those should keep me busy until Interstellar makes its grand return to where it truly belongs.
