Music Box Blog

The Music Box Theatre Takes the Challenge to “Outguess Ebert”

by Dave Jennings — Monday, February 20th, 3:16pm

Last Friday the Music Box Theatre, via its social networks, threw down the gauntlet and challenged Roger Ebert, one of the greatest living film critics, to a battle of Oscar guesses. After a period of what we can only assume was deep and thoughtful consideration, Mr. Ebert publicly accepted our ‘foolish’ challenge.

Newsletter: The Film that Changed My Life with Director Steve James!

Thursday, February 16th, 4:39pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

This Sunday we’re thrilled to host Oscar-Nominated documentary filmmaker Steve James (Hoop Dreams) as he presents The Film That Changed His Life: HARLAN COUNTY U.S.A. Steve James will participate in an interview and Q&A session following the screening. Purchase tickets here!

He will also stick around to introduce his newest film THE INTERRUPTERS. Purchase your tickets here!

Speaking of Oscar Nominees – Academy-Award Nominated animator Don Hertzfeldt will be here on February 29! Click here for all the details!

See you at the movies!

Newsletter: Oscar Week! Valentine's Day! Second Saturday Silent Cinema!

Thursday, February 9th, 3:09pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

We have a huge week of events planned for you! First is our 2012 Oscar-Nominee Week, which includes screenings of some of our faves including TREE OF LIFE, BRIDESMAIDS and DRIVE. Scroll down for the full schedule as well as a chance to attend a FREE screening next Thursday!

Do you have plans for Valentine’s Day plans yet? We’ve got you covered! Come on out to the Theatre this Saturday to experience Michelle L’Amour’s ‘Big SEXY Show', or BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S on Sunday, or our interactive screening of THE PRINCESS BRIDE on Tuesday!

Last but certainly not least is our continuing series Second Saturday Silent Cinema. Next up is the 1921 Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle classic LEAP YEAR. Oh, and if the only thing you know about Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle is the name, you’d be well served to check out his Wikipedia page here. He literally invented the Hollywood scandal.

See you at the movies!

Newsletter: The Innkeepers with Director Ti West IN PERSON!

Thursday, February 2nd, 3:44pm

Happy Groundhog Day, Music Boxers!

If you haven’t done so, head over to our Facebook page and tell us what your favorite line is from Bill Murray’s 1993 Punxsutawney classic GROUNDHOG DAY.

Opening tomorrow is the new horror flick THE INNKEEPERS and director Ti West will be here to host a Q&A after the 7:20 show! He’s also introducing a special screening of his film HOUSE OF THE DEVIL immediately following The Innkeepers. You can purchase tickets to the double-feature here!

And for all you love-birds out there, tickets are on sale now for our Valentine’s Day films: THE PRINCESS BRIDE and BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S.

See you at the movies!

Newsletter: Best Foreign Film Nominee A SEPARATION Opens Tomorrow!

Thursday, January 26th, 1:26pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers,

‘“Four Stars” – Roger Ebert

“The film is a singular achievement.” – Michael Phillips

“Captures the drama and suspense of real life as urgently as any picture released this year.” – Bob Mondello

“A quiet reminder of how good it’s possible for movies to be.” – Dana Stevens

This what our favorite critics are saying about Best Foreign Language Film Nominee A SEPARATION. It’s a virtual lock for the Oscar (or is it?) and the Music Box has the exclusive engagement in Chicago! Check it out this weekend and let us know what you think!

Also, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and we’re planning lots of fun events. Check out the schedule here!

Newsletter: Sundance USA 2012 Returns to the Music Box!

Thursday, January 19th, 6:39pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

Do you have your tickets yet for Sundance USA 2012? We’re premiering Julie Delpy’s new film 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK, starring Chris Rock. This year, we’re hosting co-star and co-writer Alexia Landeau who will present the film and stick around for a post-screening Q&A! Tickets are on sale here!

Opening this week is NORWEGIAN WOOD based on the novel by Haruki Murakami and a brand new print of THE WAGES OF FEAR. Check out our friend Roger Ebert’s Great Movie review here!

Also stay tuned, because next week open Oscar-favorite A SEPARATION. Get excited.

See you at the movies!

Newsletter: Crispin Glover! Second Saturday Silent Cinema! Sundance USA 2012!

Thursday, January 12th, 4:48pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

Who’s ready for another edition of Second Saturday Silent Cinema? This Saturday, we’re bringing you King Vidor’s 1928 classic SHOW PEOPLE, starring Marion Davies! Show starts at 12:00pm, with organ accompaniment!

We’re just about 24 hours away from THE RETURN OF CRISPIN HELLION GLOVER! He’s here both Friday and Saturday night to presents his films ‘It is fine. EVERYTHING IS FINE” (Fri.) and “What is it?” (Sat.) Both performances will be followed by Q&As and book signings! Get your tickets here!

Last but not least, time is running out to get your tickets to SUNDANCE USA 2012. We’re hosting actress Julie Delpy’s new film 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK starring Chris Rock. As in past years, a special guest from the film is going to drop by to say ‘hi’ and participate in Q&A session after the film! Purchase your tickets here!

See you at the movies!

Newsletter: Wow, what a weekend! Silent Cinema, National Theatre of London, and Crispin Glover!

Thursday, January 12th, 12:35pm

Please pardon this extra email from the Music Box today, but we have such a big weekend that we wanted to spread the word to a select few of you who have come to some special screenings in the past, and offer you a discount!

We have one heck of a weekend ahead of us! We have four special screenings this weekend, plus opening of selections of the 2011 Sundance Short Films

Use the code “Camp” when purchasing tickets online in advance for either Second Saturday Silent Cinema Presents: Show People or National Theatre Live Presents: The Collaborators to receive $5 off each ticket! Please note, this coupon is not valid for at door sales or previous purchases. It is only valid for online purchases for these two events for the next 48 hours! You may learn more about these events by clicking the links below. If you are ready to buy now, you can do so by CLICKING HERE

Newsletter: Crispin Hellion Glover Returns to the Music Box!

Thursday, January 5th, 3:51pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

Just eight short days from now, Crispin Hellion Glover will be at the Music Box Theatre to present his two films “It is fine! EVERYTHING IS FINE” and “What is it?”. You know Glover from Alice in Wonderland, Hot Tub Time Machine, Charlie’s Angels and… what’s that other one? Oh, yeah – Back to the Future! Purchase your tickets to both nights – January 13 and 14 – here!

Also, opening tomorrow is THE CONQUEST, about French President Nicholas Sarkozy’s rise to power and Takeshi Kitano’s new thriller OUTRAGE.

Oh, and don’t forget — tickets to Sundance USA 2012 featuring Julie Delpy’s film 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK are on sale now. Get yours here!

See you at the Movies!

Newsletter: New Year's On The S.S. Poseidon!

Thursday, December 29th, 5:28pm

Happy New Year, Music Boxers!

We’re just two short days away from our annual New Year’s celebration NEW YEAR’S ON THE S.S. POSEIDON. We’re showing the 1970s disaster epic THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE and we’ve timed it so the wave hits exactly at Midnight! Boarding begins at 11:00pm sharp, so throw on your finest cruisewear and come on over! Tickets available here.

Also coming up is THE RETURN OF CRISPIN HELLION GLOVER! Everyone’s favorite 80s cult icon returns to the Music Box on January 13 and 14 to present his films. Both shows will be accompanied by a Q&A and book signing. Tickets available here!

Have a great holiday!

Newsletter: Miss Minoes! Hitchcock for the Holidays! New Year's on the S.S. Poseidon!

Thursday, December 22nd, 2:30pm

Happy Holidays, Music Boxers!

As Christmas approaches, we have some very special events to tell you about. From December 25 thru January 4, we bring you HITCHCOCK FOR THE HOLIDAYS – over a dozen of Alfred Hitchcock’s greatest titles, including Rear Window, Vertigo, North by Northwest and The Birds. Check out the full schedule here!

Still looking for New Year’s Eve plans? Not anymore! Board the Music Box Theatre for a special screening of THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE! We’ve timed it so the wave hits exactly at the stroke of Midnight! Purchase your tickets here!

Also opening tomorrow is Music Box Films’ very own children’s fantasy film MISS MINOES! Check out the purr-fect, meow-tastic trailer here!

See you at the movies!

Newsletter: 28th Annual Christmas Show! Alternative X-mas Double Feature! Sundance USA 2012!

Thursday, December 15th, 4:26pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

BREAKING… We just found out that our Sundance USA 2012 title is… 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK, directed by Julie Delpy and starring Chris Rock! As always, we’ll be hosting the talent on the night of the event, January 26, 2012. Tickets are already going fast, so purchase yours here!

For the three of you haven’t heard – we kick off our 28th Annual Music Box Christmas Show tomorrow! That’s seven days of IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE and WHITE CHRISTMAS!

Next Monday and Tuesday, we present our annual Alternative Christmas Double Feature with EDWARD SCISSORHANDS and the hilariously campy, classic cult film SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS. Get your tickets here!

See you at the movies!

Newsletter: Chicago Tribune Gives YOUNG GOETHE IN LOVE 3.5 Stars!

Thursday, December 8th, 3:40pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

Music Box Films is very pleased to bring you its newest film – YOUNG GOETHE IN LOVE – starring Alexander Fehling and Miriam Stein. Our friend, Roger Ebert, says YOUNG GOETHE is a film with boundless energy. Find out for yourself tomorrow!

And don’t forget, tickets to the 28th Annual Music Box Christmas Show are selling fast! We’re the only theater in town bringing you two Christmas classics: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE and WHITE CHRISTMAS

See you at the movies!

Newsletter: MBT Newsletter: The Winter Calendar Has Arrived!

Thursday, December 1st, 5:30pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

It’s one of the four happiest times of year – New Calendar Time! There are so many great films, special events and series included on the Winter Calendar, that we can’t even begin to describe them all. You just need to download your own copy here or pick one up at the Theatre.

We have two films opening this Friday: The Sundance favorite TYRANNOSAUR and the great new doc AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 2. Darryl Roberts, director of the film, will be in attendance for the 7:30 show tomorrow!

Last but not least, we’re kicking off the holiday season THIS SUNDAY with A VERY ‘CARRIE’ CHRISTMAS and actress Piper Laurie will be here for a Q&A and book signing! Buy your tickets now!

See you at the movies!

Newsletter: Here Comes the 8th Annual SING-A-LONG SOUND OF MUSIC!

Tuesday, November 22nd, 4:43pm

Happy Thanksgiving Day, Music Boxers!

If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet for the Sing-A-Long SOUND OF MUSIC, time is running out! There are just four screenings and, like last year, each of them WILL sell out. Scroll down to purchase advance tickets!

And once those leftovers are gone, don’t forget about A VERY ‘CARRIE’ CHRISTMAS with actress Piper Laurie in-person! You can purchase your tickets to that event here!

From everyone at the Music Box – Have a safe, fun and utterly delicious Turkey Day!

Newsletter: RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK Returns To The Music Box!

Thursday, November 17th, 3:07pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

Do you remember the first time you saw Indiana Jones sprint from a tumbling boulder? Leap onto a Nazi convoy? Shoot a scimitar-wielding baddie? This week, the Music Box is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK with a beautifully restored, digital print. Check out Roger Ebert’s 4 STAR review here!

We’re barely a week away from our 7th ANNUAL SING-A-LONG SOUND OF MUSIC and tickets are going fast! There are only 4 screenings, and they will sell out. Purchase your advance tickets here!

And don’t forget, actress Piper Laurie is going to be at the theater on Dec. 4 to present A VERY ‘CARRIE’ CHRISTMAS! Those tickets are available here!

See you at the movies!

Newsletter: MBT Newsletter: THE FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL Returns This Friday!

Thursday, November 10th, 2:56pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

When was the last time you saw a great silent film with live organ accompaniment? If the answer is “Never,” then you’re in luck! Our bi-monthly series Second Saturday Silent Cinema closes out the year with the 1924 classic, PETER PAN. As always, Dennis Scott will be on the organ.

Also, this Friday, the Found Footage Festival returns with FOUND VS. FOUND. Buy your tickets here.

Lastly, we have two major events on the horizon: SING-A-LONG SOUND OF MUSIC and the MUSIC BOX CHRISTMAS SHOW. Both will sell out, so get your tickets in advance!

See you at the movies!

Newsletter: MBT Newsletter: Chicago Film Festival Winner LE HAVRE Opens Tomorrow!

Thursday, November 3rd, 2:39pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

Tomorrow we bring you one of the year’s most acclaimed films: LE HAVRE. It’s a brilliant, deadpan comedy from director Aki Kaurismaki about a French shoe shiner who mobilizes his neighbors to save a young refugee. Our friend Roger Ebert gave the film 4 STARS and one giant thumbs up!

On Sunday, for one day only, the Music Box Theatre is presenting one of the coolest live shows to come out of Austin, TX ever: THE INTERGALACTIC NEMESIS. Tickets are on sale here!

Last but not least, tickets just went on sale yesterday for the 28th Annual Music Box Christmas Show and we’ve already sold over a thousand. They’re going fast, people. Very fast.

Scroll to the bottom for a full list of upcoming events!

Newsletter: MBT Newsletter: GAINSBOURG: A HEROIC LIFE Opens Tomorrow!

Thursday, October 27th, 12:42pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

We’re thrilled to bring you one of our very own films: GAINSBOURG: A HEROIC LIFE, the new biopic based on the life of French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg. GQ Magazine called the film “Impassioned, sexy and charming.” See for yourself this weekend!

There are still a few tickets left for our annual Halloween edition of THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. You can purchase your tickets here!

And don’t forget, SING-A-LONG SOUND OF MUSIC will be here before you know it. These shows will sell out, so purchase your tickets here before it’s too late!

Scroll to the bottom for a full list of upcoming events!

Newsletter: MBT Newsletter: Four Stars for THE MILL AND THE CROSS!

Thursday, October 20th, 3:23pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

This week we are bringing you 13 classic UNIVERSAL HORROR films including CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON and IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE, both in their original 3D format! Horror classics run nightly starting this Friday and running through next Thursday. Check out the full schedule below!

Also opening tomorrow is THE MILL AND THE CROSS. Our friend Roger Ebert gives the film FOUR STARS, saying “If you see no more than the opening shots, you will never forget them.”

Thanks to everyone who RSVP’d to our SECRET SCREENING this Saturday night! It’s very, VERY oversold, so make sure you get here early!

See you at the movies!

Newsletter:

Friday, October 14th, 1:07pm

We are so excited to have you at the Massacre. It should be a bloody good time, of terror, for all. We have more guests
We hate to bother you with rabid requests, but we want all of you little creepies to leave us to our coffins while the show is groaning on!

So slay attention to the words below, or pay the price for your wretched rotteness!

RULES FOR A BETTER MASSACRE
-BE CONSIDERATE TO OTHER MASSACRE GOERS.
-NO ALCOHOL IS ALLOWED IN THE THEATRE.
-NO CELL PHONES, TEXTING OR USE OF COMPUTERS DURING FILMS.
-NO FIGHTING OR THREATENING PATRONS OR EMPLOYEES.
-NO TALKING IN THEATRE DURING FILMS OR INTERVIEWS.
-PLEASE CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF & RECYCLE ITEMS – THIS WILL MAKE THE EXPERIENCE OF THE MASSACRE MORE PLEASING FOR EVERYONE.
-DO NOT TAKE OTHER PEOPLE’S SEATS IF THEY ARE NOT SITTING IN THEM.
-THE MUSIC BOX AND PEOPLE AFFILIATED WITH THE THEATRE CAN NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST, STOLEN OR DAMAGED ITEMS.
-DO NOT TAKE MULTIPLE SEATS FOR YOUR PERSONAL ITEMS.
-THE THEATRE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ASK UNRULY PATRONS TO LEAVE THE PREMISES FOR THE DURATIONOF THE SHOW (NO REFUNDS).

STAY COOL GHOULS!!!!
SINCERELY,
WHITEY
THE MUSIC BOX GHOST

Newsletter: MBT Newsletter: Director Kimberly Peirce Presents The Film That Changed Her Life THIS SUNDAY!

Thursday, October 13th, 10:44am

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

On Sunday we’re thrilled to host director Kimberly Peirce as she presents THE FILM THAT CHANGED HER LIFE: THE GODFATHER. This one-time screening of Coppola’s classic will be followed by a Q&A with Ms. Peirce hosted by author Robert K. Elder. Ms. Peirce will also stick around for a separate screening of her Academy Award-winning film BOYS DON’T CRY at 8:00pm.

This Saturday is also MUSIC BOX MASSACRE 7! It’s twenty-four straight hours of horror classics including HALLOWEEN, POLTERGIEST and FROM DUSK TIL DAWN! Advance tickets are sold out, but we’re releasing 90 more tickets day-of for walk-ups!

See you at the movies!

Newsletter: MBT Newsletter: Best-selling Author SUSAN ORLEAN Comes to the Music Box!

Thursday, October 6th, 11:21am

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

This Sunday, we’re hosting best-selling author Susan Orlean as she presents her new book, RIN TIN TIN: THE LIFE AND THE LEGEND. Ms. Orlean will read excepts from the book and then introduce a screening of Rin Tin Tin’s greatest film, CLASH OF THE WOLVES. A Q&A and book signing will follow the film. Purchase your tickets here!

Then, on Monday, we’re hosting a special screening of the new documentary URBANIZED, with director Gary Hutswit IN-PERSON! Tickets are on sale here!

Opening tomorrow is the hilarious new satire TUCKER AND DALE VERSUS EVIL. What happens when a bunch of stuck-up rich kids mistake two good-natured hillbillies for axe-wielding murderers? Total mayhem!

Scroll to the bottom for a full list of upcoming events!

Newsletter:

Monday, October 3rd, 2:49pm

You are getting this email because you have purchased a ticket to the Music Box Theatre recently. We don’t want to make a habit of this, but we do want to drop you a line to say “Thanks!.”

We want to offer you discounts to two events this weekend:

HALF OFF TICKETS use code word ‘rinty” to get $6 off your ticket to” Rin Tin Tin: The Life And Legend presented by Susan Orlean”:http://www.musicboxtheatre.com/features/rin-tin-tin-the-life-and-legend-presented-by-susan-orlean this Saturday evening!

Get a $2 discount per ticket! Use the code “thanks” to get $2 off your ticket to Camp Midnight presents Carrie this Sunday afternoon!

Below are a ton of other events that you should be excited to see.

See you soon!

Newsletter: MBT Newsletter: WEEKEND, WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER and NAT'L THEATRE LIVE!

Thursday, September 29th, 3:16pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

This Saturday, National Theatre Live presents the next offering from its 2011 season: ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS. You can check out a short clip from this hilarious satire on our website. Advanced tickets are available here!

Next Wednesday, the Music Box and the A.V. Club play host to director David Wain for one-time screening of his cult classic WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER. Wain will introduce the film and then stick around for a Q&A after the show. Tickets are on sale here!

And last but not least, WEEKEND opens at the theater tomorrow. Michael Phillips and the Chicago Tribune give the film FOUR STARS! (Do we know how to pick ‘em or what?)

See you at the movies!

Newsletter: MBT Newsletter: ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS, HERMANO, RIN TIN TIN and More!

Thursday, September 22nd, 3:03pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

Over the next four weeks, we’re bringing you wall-to-wall events. First up is a special FREE screening of Music Box Films’ upcoming release HERMANO. Click here to RSVP!

On Oct. 1 we’re bringing you the next edition of National Theatre Live: ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS. The TImes says “Slapstick, satire and gags galore!” Purchase advance tickets here!

Then, on Oct. 8 we’re hosting best-selling author Susan Orlean as she reads excerpts from her latest work RIN TIN TIN: THE LIFE AND THE LEGEND. The reading will be followed by the classic silent film CLASH OF THE WOLVES. Click here for all the details!

Opening tomorrow is the delicious French thriller LOVE CRIME, starring Kristen Scott Thomas and Ludivine Sagnier.

Newsletter: MBT Newsletter: Raul Ruiz Epic MYSTERIES OF LISBON Opens Tomorrow!

Thursday, September 15th, 4:58pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

Music Box Films is very proud to present the final film of Raul Ruiz’s prolific career: MYSTERIES OF LISBON. This piece of epic filmmaking has been hailed as a “Masterly Tale” by The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly gives it a Grade A.

Also coming up is the next installment of National Theatre Live: ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS. Buy your tickets here!

Lastly, coming up Sunday, Oct. 8, the Music Box is thrilled to host famed author Susan Orlean as she presents excerpts from her new book RIN TIN TIN: THE LIFE AND LEGEND. Book signing to follow. Buy your tickets here!

See you at the movies!

Newsletter: MBT Newsletter: Second Saturday Silent Cinema Is Back!

Thursday, September 8th, 9:47pm

Happy Friday, Music Boxers!

This week Music Box Films presents MOZART’S SISTER, a beautiful little film about Wolfgang’s sister.

Also be sure to check out Second Saturday Silent Cinema! Next up is THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI accompanied by our in-house organist, Dennis Scott! It won Best New Film Series from Chicago Magazine! Buy your tickets here!

Don’t forget to buy your tickets to WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER and the Music Box MASSACRE 7!

See you at the movies!

Newsletter: MBT Newsletter: The Fall Calendar Has Arrived!

Thursday, September 1st, 2:15pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

As summer sadly winds to a close, there is one thing we can take solace in: the brand new fall calendar, hot off the presses! It’s chock-a-block full of incredible events, special guests and of course, great films that you will only find at the Music Box. Click HERE to download your copy now.

First up on the new calendar is RAPT and LIFE, ABOVE ALL, both opening this weekend!

See you at the movies!

Newsletter: MBT Newsletter: SHOLEM ALEICHEM with Director Joseph Dorman In-Person!

Thursday, August 25th, 2:57pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

Director Joseph Dorman will be at the Music Box this weekend at selected screenings of his new documentary SHOLEM ALEICHEM: LAUGHING IN THE DARKNESS. He will be doing a Q&A following the 7:20pm screening on Friday, Aug 26th, and the 5:00pm screening on Saturday, Aug 27th. Don’t miss this special presentation!

Also, tickets are going fast for the MUSIC BOX MASSACRE 7! Remember, this is 24 straight hours of awesome horror classics like GATES OF HELL and HOUR OF THE WOLF. Purchase your tickets here!

See you at the movies!

Your chance to win tickets to CATCHING HELL this Thursday!

by Dave Jennings — Monday, August 22nd, 10:39am

Cinema/Chicago and ESPN FILMS will be hosting an exclusive screening of CATCHING HELL, directed by Oscar winning director, Alex Gibney, on Thursday August 25 at 7pm…. and we have a select number of tickets to give away FREE! Here is your chance for you and a guest to win!

Newsletter: MBT Newsletter: VIVA RIVA! Blasts Into the Music Box This Friday!

Thursday, August 18th, 1:23pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

Opening at the Theatre tomorrow is Music Box’s own VIVA RIVA!, the first feature film to come out of the Congo in decades. Our dear friend, Roger Ebert, gave the film 3 1/2 stars and had this to say about it: “A slick, exciting, well-made crime thriller, dripping with atmosphere… The movie offers the rare pleasure of a film that creates its own world, unfamiliar to us but feeling real. It’s like a shot in the arm for the action genre.”

Our ’90s Summer Blockbusters series continues this Friday Midnight with Roland Emmerich’s (2012) INDEPENDENCE DAY. Welcome to earth!

Lastly, MASSACRE fans rejoice! You can check out the line-up and buy advance tickets here!

See you at the movies!

Newsletter: Viva Riva! Opens today!

Tuesday, August 16th, 11:16am

See the first Congolese film in nearly 30 years! This crime thriller film written & directed by Djo Tunda Wa Munga and starring Patsha Bay, Manie Malone, Hoji Fortuna, Marlene Longage, Alex Herabo & Diplôme Amekindra. The film received 12 nominations and won 6 awards at the 7th African Movie Academy Awards in 2011, including the awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography & Best Production Design

See the trailer here!

Newsletter: MBT Newsletter: FILM NOIR: CHICAGO 3 Begins This Friday!

Thursday, August 11th, 1:33pm

Hey Music Boxers!

We’re just 24 short hours away from NOIR CITY: CHICAGO 3 – our third annual festival celebrating all things Film Noir. We have over 15 classic Film Noir titles presented in beautiful 35mm, many of which are unavailable on DVD. Buy your festival pass here!

Also this Friday and Saturday, our ’90s Summer Blockbusters at Midnight series continues with Michael Bay’s 1996 actioner THE ROCK. A nerdy scientist and a gruff ex-convict square off against a renegade general and a dozen VX gas-filled rockets pointed straight at San Fran. Welcome to the Rock!

See you at the movies!

Newsletter: SPEED into THE FUTURE with BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS and watch out for THE ROBBER

Thursday, August 4th, 3:10pm

Hi there Music Box Theatre Friends,

We have a quick question for you, are you a fan of the Music Box on Facebook? You can do so here: https://www.facebook.com/musicboxchicago . If you are not, well, you should be. We use Facebook and Twitter to give out dozens of tickets every month for all sorts of events— bother at the Music Box and at other theaters and cinemas. Our Facebook friends are the first to know about special events, the new calendar every 12 weeks, and all sorts of cool things.

This week we have a special Sunday screening of WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE? to raise funds for Vital Bridges and QFS, BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS, THE FUTURE, LIFE IN A DAY, NINE NATION ANIMATION, SPEED, and TRIGUN: BADLANDS RUMBL all at varying times and screenings, so visit our SHOWTIMES page to see all the good stuff going on.

And, hey, thanks for reading this! You are awesome. Word of mouth advertising is one of the only pieces of advertising we can afford, so pass this newsletter on to other friends of yours and spread the word about The Music Box Theatre—- Chicago’s year round film festival!

Oh, and speaking of festivals—— NEXT WEEK: The 3rd Annual Noir City Film Festival returns to the Music Box Theatre! Tickets are on sale, so check it out!

Newsletter: MBT Newsletter: SING-ALONG GREASE! NINE-NATION ANIMATION!

Wednesday, July 27th, 2:18pm

Happy Thursday, Music Boxers!

The 4th edition of SING-ALONG GREASE is finally upon us! Buy your advance tickets here! Oh, and poodle skirts are welcome.

Also opening this Friday is the animation spectacular NINE NATION ANIMATION. The Boston Globe calls it “Dazzling!” Check out the trailer here!

And lastly, we’re opening the fascinating new documentary LIFE IN A DAY, shot by filmmakers from all over the world in just one day.

See you at the movies!

The Music Box Theatre

Newsletter: MBT Newsletter: CHICAGO FRENCH FILM FEST and SUMMER MUSIC FILM FEST!

Thursday, July 21st, 3:31pm

Hey Music Boxers,

We have two awesome film fests coming at you this week! The first is the CHICAGO FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL 2011 featuring awesome titles like GAINSBOURG: A HEROIC LIFE and THE HEIR APPARENT. Tickets for the festival are on sale here!

The second is the Music Box Theatre’s SUMMER MUSIC FILM FESTIVAL, featuring The Swell Season, Moby, Radiohead, Dispatch, the Talking Heads and much, much more! Festival passes are on sale here!

And lastly, don’t forget to check out JURASSIC PARK this Friday and Saturday at Midnight!

See you at the movies!

Newsletter: MBT Newsletter: THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH Opens Friday!

Thursday, July 14th, 4:36pm

Good evening, Music Boxers!

Sick and tired of hearing about Harry Potter? Well we’ve got just the cure! A brand new print of Nicolas Roeg’s 1978 Sci-Fi classic THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH starring David Bowie as, you guessed it, an alien! Slant calls the film “A singular, haunting, Sci-Fi experience!”

Also opening this weekend is NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE’S THE CHERRY ORCHARD. Purchase your advance tickets here!

And, coming next week, the Music Box brings you the First Annual Chicago French Film Festival! From July 22-24, we have special screenings of some of the best upcoming films that France has to offer. Click here for the full line-up!

See you at the movies!

The Music Box Theatre

Music Box Summer Music Festival

by Dave Jennings — Thursday, July 7th, 9:04am

July 25 – 28, 2011

The only festival that will feature The Swell Season, Moby, Radiohead, Dispatch, the Talking Heads, Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Muddy Waters, and Neil Young.