By CLTure
February 19, 2025
Prince’s 1984 rock musical drama, Purple Rain, is returning to the big screen for a one-night-only event on March 5, exclusively at AMC Theatres. To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the film has been digitally restored from an 8K scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative (OCN), featuring Dolby Vision HDR for stunning visual clarity and Dolby Atmos immersive audio, remastered from the original Dolby Stereo.
In his acting debut, Prince stars as The Kid, a young singer competing with a rival performer while struggling with a turbulent home life and a complicated romance. In addition to his starring role, Prince also composed and produced the film’s score and original songs.
The movie, directed by Albert Magnoli, became a cultural phenomenon, and its soundtrack spent 24 consecutive weeks atop the Billboard album charts. It is one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time, featuring the hits “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” and “Purple Rain.”
The Academy Award-winning film, which took home Best Original Song Score, was also honored with a Grammy Award for Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special.
In the film, The Kid struggles to balance his rising stardom, troubled home life, and romance with Apollonia, while facing off against Morris Day, who schemes to replace The Kid’s band, The Revolution, at their local club. After a devastating personal tragedy, The Kid finds inspiration in his father’s hidden compositions and delivers a breathtaking performance of “Purple Rain,” winning over the audience and redeeming himself.
Purple Rain had a profound impact on music, film, and pop culture, solidifying Prince as both a musical and cinematic icon, blending autobiographical elements with electrifying performances. Beyond its commercial success, the film helped bring national attention to Minneapolis’ vibrant music and arts scene in the ’80s, influencing countless artists across genres.
Purple Rain will screen at AMC Theatres on March 5, including AMC Concord Mills, AMC Northlake, and AMC Hickory 15. Theaters in Durham, Holly Springs, and Fayetteville will also have showings. Check out all of the screenings in your area here.
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