The latest set of films making their way back to the silver screen consists of none other than entries from the enduring *Halloween* franchise, an announcement that feels perfectly timed given the arrival of the autumn months and the year’s most ominous holiday season. Yet what makes this return particularly curious is that audiences are not simply being treated to John Carpenter’s legendary 1978 original film or the more modern trilogy that recently concluded, but rather to an unusual trio of installments that have been bundled together in a way that surprises even long-time followers of the series.\n\nJoining the iconic first *Halloween* are two sequels from the late 1980s: *Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers* and *Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers*. These titles, though very different in tone and reception compared to Carpenter’s groundbreaking masterpiece, will be sharing the theatrical spotlight once again. Their rerelease comes courtesy of Trancas International Films in collaboration with CineLife Entertainment, both of which have taken an active role in bringing nostalgic horror back to audiences who crave the cinematic experience of terror on a massive theater screen.\n\nWhile the official press statement accompanying this announcement includes the expected celebratory remarks from executives—praising the franchise as an ideal candidate for spooky-season programming and emphasizing the unique thrill of watching horror play out in a communal theater setting—the specific decision to group these three particular films raises some questions. Trancas has historically been involved in the franchise from nearly the very beginning, with only the second and third films produced outside of their purview, and that ongoing association may provide at least a partial explanation for this selection. Nevertheless, beyond that corporate link, the connective tissue uniting these three films is not entirely clear, lending the re-release slate a somewhat puzzling character.\n\nExamining the chronology of the films provides additional context. Both *Halloween 4* and *Halloween 5* are set roughly a decade after the terrifying night chronicled in the original 1978 classic. Each begins with the masked killer Michael Myers, portrayed in *Return* by George P. Wilbur and later in *Revenge* by Donald L. Shanks, awakening from comas and immediately resuming his remorseless pursuit of blood. These storylines focus on his attempt to slaughter his young niece, Jamie Lloyd, played by a very young Danielle Harris, whose harrowing plight gives both entries their emotional core. The two films also belong to what is frequently referred to as the ‘Thorn Trilogy’—a loosely woven story arc further fleshed out in the sixth picture, *Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers* (1995). Critically, neither sequel enjoyed widespread acclaim upon its initial release, often criticized for formulaic storytelling and uneven execution. However, over the years, *Halloween 4* in particular has undergone a degree of critical reappraisal, with fans placing it more favorably within the saga than they once did, citing its atmosphere and return to the stalking menace of Michael Myers as strengths.\n\nFor fans determined to relive—or perhaps experience for the very first time—the chilling dread of Michael Myers in theaters, this revival provides a rare opportunity. Viewers can choose between screenings of the foundational 1978 *Halloween* or its later sequels *Return* and *Revenge* in select cities across the country. The first of these films begins its theatrical run tomorrow, September 19, with screenings expected to extend through the end of October, perfectly aligning with the crescendo of Halloween festivities. Local listings will provide further detail regarding specific showtimes and venues, ensuring horror aficionados can track down the haunting presence of ‘The Shape’ in a cinema near them.\n\nFor those who remain eager to stay informed about upcoming blockbusters and cult favorites alike, outlets such as io9 continue to offer guidance on what lies ahead in the worlds of *Marvel*, *Star Wars*, *Star Trek*, and even the ever-evolving *Doctor Who* saga, spanning both film and television. Yet for the moment, as the nights grow colder and pumpkins glow in windows, the spotlight belongs to Michael Myers, who once again steps from the shadows onto the big screen.
Sourse: https://gizmodo.com/an-odd-trio-of-halloween-movies-is-returning-to-theaters-2000660874
