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FANTASTICREALM FILM SERIESFebruary 6-12, 2026 |$12 per film | $50 for a 5-Pass
WEBSITE: https://carolinatheatre.org/series/fantasticrealm-film-series/
Richard A. Colla’s BATTLESTAR GALCTICA
(PG, 1978, 125 min)
Blast off with the original crew of the Battlestar Galactica for a rare, one-of-a-kind experience! Before the iconic TV series took over in the 2000s, this 1978 theatrical version gave us the first look at the epic struggle between humanity and the Cylons, with Lorne Greene and Richard Hatch leading a ragtag crew through space and time. The groundbreaking special effects were crafted by none other than John Dykstra, the same genius behind Star Wars. With its over-the-top visuals, bold ambition, and space opera drama, this film set the stage for what would become a pop culture phenomenon. It’s your chance to see where it all began—before the reboots, the remakes, and the endless Cylons. Grab your seat; the stars are waiting!
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Jack Smight’s DAMNATION ALLEY
(PG, 1977, 91 min)
“You have seen great adventures. You are about to live one.” Damnation Alley is making an ultra-rare theatrical appearance, and this one’s for the true sci-fi connoisseurs. Starring George Peppard and Jan-Michael Vincent, the film takes you on a wild ride through a post-apocalyptic landscape, where a band of survivors battle mutated creatures and Mother Nature’s wrath in an iconic, armored transport. It’s more than just a cult classic—it’s a film that influenced the entire genre, from Mad Max to the visual language of post-apocalyptic cinema. The groundbreaking effects and daring concept make it a must-see for anyone who claims to love the genre. This rare screening is your chance to experience a key piece of sci-fi history.
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Mimi Leder’s DEEP IMPACT
(PG-13, 1998, 120 min)
A comet is barreling toward Earth, and the clock is ticking down to humanity’s end. Reporter Jenny Lerner (Tea Leoni) uncovers the truth, forcing U.S. President Beck (Morgan Freeman) to announce the plan: a team of astronauts, led by the seasoned Spurgeon "Fish" Tanner (Robert Duvall), will land on the comet and try to blow it off course. Deep Impact isn’t just a disaster flick—it’s a high-stakes ride, loaded with heart, heroism, and those late-’90s thrills. It’s one of those iconic films that defined the decade: a mix of big, emotional moments, an all-star cast, and that perfect combination of hope and dread that made '90s blockbusters unforgettable.
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Don Taylor’s THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
(PG, 1980, 103 min)
“History is about to get rewritten… and the stakes couldn’t be higher!” When the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, commanded by Captain Matthew Yelland (Kirk Douglas), mysteriously travels back in time to December 6, 1941, the modern crew faces a gut-wrenching choice: intervene and risk changing history forever—or watch disaster unfold. Fighter jets, cutting-edge technology, and real-time moral dilemmas collide in a suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat battle between past and present. Martin Sheen, Katharine Ross, and Charles Durning co-star as the witnesses caught between duty and conscience. The Final Countdown is a pulse-pounding, high-concept sci-fi thriller packed with action, intrigue, and a what-if premise that makes this long-forgotten classic feel more electrifying than ever.
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Peter Hyam’s THE RELIC
(R, 1997, 110 min)
“They did the unthinkable. They brought it back.” As a major exhibition is about to open at a Chicago museum, a series of brutal murders throws everything into chaos. Detective Vincent D'Agosta (Tom Sizemore) and evolutionary biologist Dr. Margo Green (Penelope Ann Miller) team up to uncover the truth, only to discover a creature far older and more dangerous than they could imagine. With creature effects from Stan Winston Studios (the masterminds behind Jurassic Park and Terminator 2), The Relic is a wild, offbeat ride that perfectly balances horror, fantasy, and a whole lot of fun. Its mix of creature chaos, supernatural thrills, and ’90s energy has turned it into a cult classic—one that’s as entertaining as it is eerie.
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Douglas Trumball’s SILENT RUNNING
(G, 1972, 89 min)
Bruce Dern stars as Freeman Lowell, a space-bound botanist tasked with protecting Earth's last plants in a barren future. But when orders come to destroy the precious ecosystems, Lowell rebels—setting off a visually stunning and emotionally charged journey. With unforgettable robot sidekicks Huey, Dewey, and Louie, the film blends classic sci-fi with a powerful environmental message that still hits home today. With a haunting Joan Baez soundtrack and groundbreaking visuals, Silent Running isn’t just a movie—it’s a call to protect what we have before it’s too late. A must-see for fans of deep, meaningful sci-fi.
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Wes Craven’s SWAMP THING
(PG, 1982, 91 min)
Get ready for a wild, swampy ride with Swamp Thing in this rare screening! Directed by Wes Craven, this cult classic follows scientist Alec Holland (Ray Wise), whose experiment to create a powerful bio-restorative formula goes horribly wrong. After a fiery accident, he’s transformed into the vengeful Swamp Thing, a creature caught between human and plant. Now, he must protect Alice Cable (Adrienne Barbeau), a tough government agent, from the sinister Dr. Arcane and his ruthless, mutant minions—while battling his own monstrous transformation. With its blend of horror, sci-fi, and campy action, Swamp Thing became iconic for its mix of genre elements and Craven’s signature weirdness. Plus, it helped lay the groundwork for the darker, more unconventional anti-heroes that would later take over both Marvel and DC films.
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Rachel Talalay’s TANK GIRL
(R, 1995, 104 min)
By 2033, Earth is a wasteland—its rain cycle destroyed by a comet, leaving the planet a barren desert. With water in short supply, the tyrannical Kesslee (Malcolm McDowell) runs the show as the head of the all-powerful Water & Power Corporation, controlling every drop of precious H2O. But one thing Kesslee didn’t count on? Tank Girl (Lori Petty) and her badass sidekick, Jet Girl (Naomi Watts), refusing to bow down. They team up with the mysterious rebel Rippers, a band of wild, genetically enhanced fighters, to take down the corrupt regime. Tank Girl is a high-octane, punk rock explosion of action, humor, and rebellion that made it a must-see for fans of '90s counter-culture. With its irreverent tone, unforgettable characters, and unapologetic style, it’s a film that celebrates defying authority with outrageous fun. Whether it’s Tank Girl’s attitude or the madcap adventure, Tank Girl is a gleeful reminder that sometimes the most unexpected heroes are the ones who get the job done.
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Chris Buck & Kevin Lima’s TARZAN
(G, 1999, 88 min)
In Disney’s animated classic, orphaned Tarzan (Tony Goldwyn) is raised by the gorilla Kala (Glenn Close) in the heart of the African jungle. When the adventurous Jane (Minnie Driver) arrives, Tarzan discovers his human side and falls in love. Torn between his gorilla family and the world of civilization, Tarzan must confront the ruthless Clayton (Brian Blessed) to protect what he holds dear. With stunning animation, an unforgettable Phil Collins soundtrack, and a timeless story of love and identity, this rare chance to experience Tarzan on the big screen will remind you why it’s a Disney classic.
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John Carpenter’s THEY LIVE
(R, 1987, 93 min)
A drifter (Roddy Piper) stumbles upon a pair of sunglasses that reveal a shocking truth: Earth is under the control of aliens who’ve disguised themselves as humans and are secretly manipulating the world. With the glasses, he can finally see through their disguise—catching sight of their grotesque, bug-eyed faces and the subliminal messages hidden in plain sight. This cult classic is a wild mix of mind-bending sci-fi, gritty action, and sharp humor. With its unforgettable one-liners, epic fight scenes, and a plot that hits harder today than ever, They Live is a nonstop ride that never stops delivering the thrills.
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Terry Gilliam’s TWELVE MONKEYS
(1995, R, 130 min)
“The world is dying. He holds the key to its salvation.” Time travel isn’t as simple as it seems for James Cole (Bruce Willis). Imprisoned in the bleak 2030s, he’s sent back to the '90s to track down the origins of a deadly plague that will devastate humanity. But things quickly spiral as no one believes him—except the eccentric and manic Jeffrey (Brad Pitt). Directed by Terry Gilliam, 12 Monkeys is as wild and visually striking as anything in his filmography. Known for his off-kilter worlds, quirky characters, and dark humor, Gilliam’s signature style—think Brazil meets Time Bandits—brings a surreal, dystopian edge to this mind-bending thriller. With its relentless chaos, haunting imagery, and a plot that twists at every turn, it’s a trip into a bizarre world that only Gilliam could create.
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Victor Fleming’s THE WIZARD OF OZ
(G, 1939, 102 min)
A Kansas farm girl dreams of a life beyond the gray prairie—and one whirlwind later, Dorothy (Judy Garland) finds herself in the dazzling land of Oz. Joined by a Scarecrow (Ray Bolger) without a brain, a Tin Man (Jack Haley) without a heart, and a Lion (Bert Lahr) without courage, she journeys down the Yellow Brick Road in search of the mighty Wizard (Frank Morgan), who might just have the power to send her home. But first she must face the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton), whose flying monkeys and dark magic threaten to stop her at every turn. The Wizard of Oz isn’t just a musical—it’s a timeless fantasy filled with unforgettable songs, Technicolor wonder, and characters who’ve become icons of cinema. Whether it’s your first viewing or your fiftieth, the magic of Oz still feels like stepping into a dream worth chasing.
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Rob Bowman’s THE X-FILES: FIGHT THE FUTURE
(PG-13, 1998, 120 min)
For X-Files fans, seeing this classic motion picture on the big screen is a rare treat you won’t want to miss. Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) are thrust into a high-stakes battle when they uncover a conspiracy linking a deadly alien virus to a government cover-up. As they dig deeper, they unravel a secret history of extraterrestrial life on Earth, with humanity's future hanging in the balance. Packed with action, mystery, and the unforgettable chemistry between Duchovny and Anderson, this film is a must-see for any fan of the series. Experience the X-Files magic on the big screen with fellow believers!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Carolina Theatre of Durham, 309 W Morgan St,Durham, North Carolina, United States
Tickets
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