Dawn of the Dead (45th Anniversary Screening)

Celebrate the 45th Anniversary of George A. Romero’s DAWN OF THE DEAD as it was meant to be seen – on the big screen!

Long heralded as one of the greatest, most influential horror films of all time, the classic cinematic shocker has been one of the most requested theatrical revival titles from fright fans the world over for decades.

Unlike other cinematic favorites, George A. Romero’s DAWN OF THE DEAD (1978) is still not available on any streaming platform, nor on cable, and has been out-of-print on DVD and BluRay in the U.S. for over a decade, so the hunger to watch it just keeps growing among its ravenous fans. Furthermore, the cult following for the film has grown exponentially since its release and is so large now it is estimated that the majority of  DAWN OF THE DEAD’s fans have never experienced this legendary epic in a theatre.

The film was first released in North America on April 12, 1979! Join us and celebrate the 45th Anniversary of this genuine cult classic on the Rio’s big screen.

“…a comic apocalypse that has come to maul the becalmed 70s. I think it’s going to be the biggest cult
blockbuster of all time.” (Village Voice)

“Romero is an audacious, stunningly talented filmmaker.” (Playboy Magazine)

★★★★ “…brilliantly crafted, funny, droll, and savagely merciless in its satiric view of the American
consumer society.” (Roger Ebert – Chicago Sun-Times)

“If you like horror movies this one is for you! Makes ‘The Exorcist’ look like ‘Gidget Stubs Her Toe.’”
(Joel Siegel – WABC-TV)

Sunday, April 14
Doors 7:45 pm | Movie 8:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets HERE

DAWN OF THE DEAD (George Romero, 1978 / 127 mins / 18A) As hordes of zombies swarm over the U.S., the terrified populace tries everything in their power to escape the attack of the undead, but neither cities nor the countryside prove safe. In Pennsylvania, radio-station employee Stephen and his girlfriend, Francine, escape in the station helicopter, accompanied by two renegade SWAT members, Roger and Pete. The group retreats to the haven of an enclosed shopping center to make what could be humanity’s last stand.

*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this screening.
*Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime.  Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime.
*All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance <info@riotheatre.ca> and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity – you should not have issues being admitted.)
*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale.