NOSFERATU is one of the most revered films in the history of cinema, and to celebrate its centenary, Austin’s “emperors of eclecticism,” The Invincible Czars, are bringing their updated soundtrack to the Rio Theatre for a live performance to accompany a screening of the film.

There is simply no better way to experience this icon of of the silent era than on the big screen, accompanied with a live score!

Unleashed upon the world in 1922, German filmmaker F.W. Murnau‘s NOSFERATU is most certainly the most important horror film of the silent era, and one of the first vampire movies. The fact that it exists at all is something of a miracle, as it was almost completely lost when Bram Stoker‘s widow sued the filmmakers for copyright infringement, and most of the prints of the movie were subsequently destroyed.

Since The Invincible Czars debuted their new score in 2015, fans, theaters and media have praised the soundtrack for making the near century-old movie “actually scary” for modern day audiences. In 2021, they updated the soundtrack to include drums and a little bit more of a “rock edge,” while still retaining its signature, delicate creepiness.

A lush mix of acoustic and electric instruments (including violin, glockenspiel, organ, flute, bass clarinet, voices and vocals, music box, loops, electric guitar, bass, piano and percussion) all play prominent roles in the score’s sonic landscape, ensuring a rich and dynamic experience that can only be had in a theatre.

Friday, September 16 SOLD OUT
Doors 6:45 pm | Film 7:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

This event is now SOLD OUT. Rush seating may be available for purchase at the door at showtime. Subject to availability. First come, first served!

Following the film The Invincible Czars will participate in a talkback with the audience, meet and greet, and will also be selling their amazing merch!

Kids (Under 12) $20 HERE
Seniors & Students (Must provide ID) $25 HERE
General Admission Tickets $30 HERE | $35 at the door
VIP Tickets (Reserved Seating) $35 HERE | $40 at the door

*Minors very welcome. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service. Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this event.

Nosferatu tells the story of Hutter and Ellen, a couple from the village of Wisborg.  Hutter travels to Transylvania to sell a piece of property in Wisborg to Count Orlok.  Hutter stays in Orlok’s castle only to learn that the Count is a vampire. Orlok purchases a house next to Hutter’s, locks Hutter in the castle and travels to Wisborg. On the way, he manages to possess Hutter’s employer and Ellen and strike the village with an outbreak of the plague. Hutter rushes home to stop him before it’s too late.

The Invincible Czars encourage fans and attendees to dress for the Halloween season at these shows – even when it’s not close to Halloween.

Who are The Invincible Czars?

Hailing from Austin, Texas, The Invincible Czars make cinematic, experimental “rock” for music nerds, horror fans, film lovers, followers of science fiction and fact, comics, cartoons & humor and anyone with a complicated relationship with heavy metal and classical music.

Do you like Primus, Tchaikovsky, Frank Zappa, Steve Martin, Louis Armstrong, Danny Elfman, Ween, Monty Python and Mr. Bungle? 

They do, too, and their revolving door of players keeps them sounding and looking different from project to project.

The Alamo Drafthouse called them, “one of the best silent film orchestras in the nation.”